tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72278055151471730432024-03-05T00:04:54.196-08:00Gis4girl Blogs!Blog for Gis4Girl.com ~ your online source for uniquely cool tees for girls and teens!Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-20704134342267566882010-11-24T09:30:00.000-08:002010-11-24T09:37:03.031-08:00#Bellaboo Twitter Party with Monique Coleman 11/28 at 8pm ET!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNvKI5tOyNJTsgLsUXZBbia9MfJW-KCpTqvO-y-eoGebzXEEzn8ydsB1fyWGOY7hd-rE_OAe80QVPt1gtZPScSbrgULC_kBCUmOI1JBRc4T8h1MKAh5qY-7LZ46k0AGzLYrN8aWW2/s1600/300x250-bellaboo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNvKI5tOyNJTsgLsUXZBbia9MfJW-KCpTqvO-y-eoGebzXEEzn8ydsB1fyWGOY7hd-rE_OAe80QVPt1gtZPScSbrgULC_kBCUmOI1JBRc4T8h1MKAh5qY-7LZ46k0AGzLYrN8aWW2/s320/300x250-bellaboo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543170442483603490" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">CALLING ALL MOMS & DAUGHTERS!</span><br /><br />Please join us for a very special Twitter event:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bellaboo Skin Care’s ‘Let’s Make the Change on Real Beauty and Self-Esteem’ Twitter Party Sunday, November 28th at 8pm ET<br /></span><br />We will be discussing important issues regarding self -esteem with two very special guests: <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bellaboo creator and founder Snezna Kerekovic (@BellabooBabe) and actress and talk show host Monique Coleman (@GimmeMoTalk)!</span><br /><br />Australian-based Bellaboo is a totally natural skin care system for young skin. It is better for your skin and the earth because they’ve left out harsh chemicals and instead based our skin care system on 99.5% natural ingredients! While proper skin care can help with improving how girls see themselves from the outside, Bellaboo believes often we need to work on the inside stuff as well, and Bellaboo strives to help girls do just that! Also, Bellaboo products are now available in select U.S. stores and on Drugstore.com!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIwey_O6LSxZcrd8MCWPEdZ5J2xgPwwvmSIYPZYhyphenhyphen-UjkrMJnJybtJtwZ4g0a9wENXw06of3wApw66f2Kaks34mWYsSQWI8GjSpCoyrpsso_8DTsQbHCto6zNVCrFHMlHsUCIAHyF/s1600/girlonthego.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIwey_O6LSxZcrd8MCWPEdZ5J2xgPwwvmSIYPZYhyphenhyphen-UjkrMJnJybtJtwZ4g0a9wENXw06of3wApw66f2Kaks34mWYsSQWI8GjSpCoyrpsso_8DTsQbHCto6zNVCrFHMlHsUCIAHyF/s200/girlonthego.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543171315812339522" /></a>In addition to a special offer to be announced during the party, Bellaboo will be giving away ‘Girl on the Go’ kits to five (5) winners selected from those who both register (see form below) and attend the party! We will also be giving away five (5) more ‘Girl on the Go’ kits (pictured here) to winners randomly selected from those who both register and tweet the following at least once anytime between now and the start of the party:<br /><br />Join me for #Bellaboo Skin Care’s Self-Esteem Twitter Party 11/28 at 8pm ET! Special guest: actress Monique Coleman! <a href="http://bit.ly/bellaboo">http://bit.ly/bellaboo</a><br /><br />The winners for all prizes will be selected randomly from those who enter and qualify. <br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/bellaboo">PLEASE VISIT OUR PARTY PAGE TO LEARN MORE AND TO REGISTER!</a>Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-43147571087142681412010-08-19T19:35:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:43:22.287-07:00TweeParties Launch Twitter Party 8/25 10pm ET!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIO-sojwlZM_OuJbKKLaqHYLBORAivR2mWbD5zRZLq9NNKFG-2QP6kLwO7ju6mNygLE5ODy2HhdW3UvBsXgYi9rusyH5eCUIrvfpDmz_CyEDwYXfpXwO_A-JFrkOZSk68J6lVCJm0C/s1600/TweePartiesLaunchPartyGraphic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIO-sojwlZM_OuJbKKLaqHYLBORAivR2mWbD5zRZLq9NNKFG-2QP6kLwO7ju6mNygLE5ODy2HhdW3UvBsXgYi9rusyH5eCUIrvfpDmz_CyEDwYXfpXwO_A-JFrkOZSk68J6lVCJm0C/s400/TweePartiesLaunchPartyGraphic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507315454008210962" /></a><br /><strong>Calling All Twitter Party Fans!</strong> Join me Wednesday, August 25th from 10:00 – 11:00 pm ET as we celebrate the official launch of <a href="http://www.tweeparties.com">TweeParties, Inc.!</a><br /><br />TweeParties, Inc. is a new social media marketing company dedicated to hosting online, live events such as Twitter parties. TweeParties also strives to be a source of information for those attending the parties (<a href="http://www.tweeparties.com/twitter_parties.html">check out our Twitter-wide Party Calendar!) </a>as well as a resource for companies wanting to promote their brand in a fun, interactive environment. For more information, visit the <a href="http://www.tweeparties.com">TweeParties web site</a>.<br /><br />During this party, we will chat about all things social media—why you use Twitter, how it benefits you, and what impact it has made on your life! TweeParties will also be giving away two $25 Target gift cards and TweeParties prize packs valued at $20 each! To register, please follow @TweeParties and fill out the registration form found at the <a href="http://www.tweeparties.com/parties">TweeParties Launch Party page</a>!<br /><br />For an added bonus, register and tweet about this party beforehand and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Target Gift Card! Here’s how:<br /><br />1). Fill out registration form at the <a href="http://www.tweeparties.com/parties">TweeParties Launch Party Registration Page</a><br />2). Tweet the following tweet at least once between now and 9:59 p.m. ET 8/25/10:<br /><br />Join me for TweeParties Official Launch Twitter Party 8/25 10pm ET! To register: http://bit.ly/bfY98P #tweeparties<br /><br />3). Tweet as often as you like. Each tweet counts as one entry. Leave a comment on the <a href="http://www.tweeparties.com/parties">TweeParties registration page </a>each time you tweet the link. <strong>YOU ONLY NEED TO REGISTER ONCE </strong>(not each time you tweet). The winner will be selected at random and announced at our party!<br /><br /><strong>Event Details<br />Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2010<br />Time: 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET<br />Host: @TweeParties<br />Hashtag: #tweeparties<br />Custom TweetGrid Link: http://is.gd/ekppf</strong>Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-47703736695174748172010-07-01T13:44:00.000-07:002010-07-01T13:48:31.056-07:00Fun Twitter Party July 16th! Family Movie Night!Join TwitterMoms as we tune-in to watch <strong>The Jensen Project </strong>on <strong>July 16 at 8/7c!</strong> <br /><br />Hashtag: #jensenproject<br /><br />About the Film (See clip below!)<br />The world is hanging by a string. Can this family pull it together?<br /><br />After a 16-year absence, Claire and Matt Thompson are reintroduced to The Jensen Project — a secret community of geniuses conducting advanced underground research to solve the world’s most difficult problems. The former scientists, accompanied by their tech-minded teenage son Brody, are thrust into a frantic pursuit to keep a potentially dangerous technology from falling into the wrong hands. As the family races against the clock to stop the group's rogue faction, they discover an important truth. In this high-pressure, high-tech world, sometimes the smartest thing we can do is lean on each other.<br /><br />Two things you MUST do to make the event work for everyone:<br /><br />1. To view discussions and comments you must go here – this is where the event is taking place: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23jensenproject<br /><br />2. To make comments and/or replies you must include #jensenproject somewhere in your tweet on Twitter. This is the only way your comment can be seen by the group.<br /><br />Please RSVP at <a href="http://www.twittermoms.com/events/the-jensen-project-family">Twittermoms</a>!<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('bf238afb-7f23-4a96-b66f-856405693007');</script><noscript>Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/jensen-project-video-widget">Jensen Project Video Widget</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>! Not seeing a widget? (<a href="http://docs.widgetbox.com/using-widgets/installing-widgets/why-cant-i-see-my-widget/">More info</a>)</noscript>Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-88209456737173970242010-06-29T08:20:00.001-07:002010-06-29T08:28:56.724-07:00Bellaboo Skin Care: All-Natural Products for Teens, All-Natural Approach to Self-Esteem<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsWp_3_PC4dGEQX3XFoYomyT1UWo8OS282-Lw1dm9YJmvLjco31GFVOBK1bfkO6OkOMMZSV5tZNEhUCVYpd4fdsx_e5dxsHZ5vVhnFjD-GZmzIxpsAFo88VvhDti26W7oovDgamGg/s1600/Mask.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsWp_3_PC4dGEQX3XFoYomyT1UWo8OS282-Lw1dm9YJmvLjco31GFVOBK1bfkO6OkOMMZSV5tZNEhUCVYpd4fdsx_e5dxsHZ5vVhnFjD-GZmzIxpsAFo88VvhDti26W7oovDgamGg/s200/Mask.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488217953825099602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiE9GN-P9MA832USqH7R2JaDlL6IOvfVH3IYtCgGnITSJhHoNW8xfr_hZqbGeg6ytL2R3ooN_JnHllkU81zNxArwca4wKGVrRAFomiLIhCqjj_pWC7G71oG2SxL_6YhPV5YTwj_rD/s1600/GirlOnTheGoKit.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiE9GN-P9MA832USqH7R2JaDlL6IOvfVH3IYtCgGnITSJhHoNW8xfr_hZqbGeg6ytL2R3ooN_JnHllkU81zNxArwca4wKGVrRAFomiLIhCqjj_pWC7G71oG2SxL_6YhPV5YTwj_rD/s200/GirlOnTheGoKit.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488217787830737106" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJFNEIhc0iRxP_6vPoPnVuS0yEcACxLL4AbDmtGeJn0TMgnrp9FFtlVvKSn7Uednxf5PWDySTym8Yu9kjcxAW77-pPnVfffT55CG-ioZGhwFtLHjT85ePJVhyphenhyphenFlzD5foLGCMoAtYL/s1600/pic.php.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJFNEIhc0iRxP_6vPoPnVuS0yEcACxLL4AbDmtGeJn0TMgnrp9FFtlVvKSn7Uednxf5PWDySTym8Yu9kjcxAW77-pPnVfffT55CG-ioZGhwFtLHjT85ePJVhyphenhyphenFlzD5foLGCMoAtYL/s320/pic.php.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488217702563775090" /></a><br />I love learning about companies that aren't simply committed to creating great products, but are also committed to having a positive influence on the lives of those who use them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bellaboobabe.com/">Bellaboo Skin Care</a> is one such company. Ever heard of them? If not, soon you will. Bellaboo hails from Australia and they're just starting to make an impact on the lives of girls here in the U.S. Their goal is not only to provide girls with all-natural skin care products---chemical-free face washes, moisturizers, masks, exfoliators, blemish serums---but also to help counter the media's unrealistic definition of beauty and to promote higher self-esteem in girls.<br /><br />Bellaboo was founded by Snezna Kerekovic, an ex-beauty editor and mom who had a hard time finding skin care products for her daughter that did not contain a cocktail of chemicals. Snezna set out to change all that, and in doing so created Bellaboo Skin Care---a line of products made from natural, nurturing botanicals that are more beneficial for young skin than our common chemical-laden ones.<br /><br />Rather than trying to guess at what girls wanted in skin care, Snezna formed the "Bellaboo Crew"---a group of girls aged 13-20 who weighed in on what teen girls really wanted: products that are unique, natural, effective and socially conscious.<br /><br />The result? I decided to see for myself. I tried the cleanser, exfoliator, mask and moisturizer. I figured I had samples that would last me a week or two, then I'd be back to my regular routine. I'm no teen, but after having the Bellaboo experience, I'm kissing my shelf of Neutrogena cleansers and moisturizers goodbye! Each item smelled amazing and felt even better on my skin. I really think my skin looks better for it. And I'm not the only one---my hubby agrees! All Bellaboo products range in price from $9.99 to $14.99 and are now available at <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/search/search_results.asp?N=0&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntk=All&srchtree=1&Ntt=bellaboo">Drugstore.com </a>and Rite Aid. None are tested on animals and all come in recycled packaging.<br /><br />Bellaboo is also committed to improving girls' self-esteem. In an age where super-skinny, airbrushed supermodels grace nearly every magazine cover, it is now more important than ever that girls realize how unnatural those images really are. To learn about Bellaboo's take on the issue and read their action plan, check out an article recently posted on their site, <a href="http://www.bellaboobabe.com/story/5653/teen-life-ban-the-beauty-brain-wash">"Ban the Beauty Brain Wash."</a> My favorite point encourages girls to create a 'Circle of Confidence' by directly trying to boost the confidence of their friends and other females around them. Now that's the true definition of what the teen girls on my block might call 'wicked!'<br /><br />Or grab your daughter and watch this moving short documentary created by Bellaboo, where real girls talk about their feelings about body image and self-esteem:<br /><br /><object codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="580" height="360"><param name="_cx" value="15345"><param name="_cy" value="9525"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a7K52hOTOFM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"><param name="Src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a7K52hOTOFM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"><param name="WMode" value="Window"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value=""><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value=""><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="580" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a7K52hOTOFM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><br />To learn more about Bellaboo, visit their website at <a href="http://www.bellaboobabe.com/">BellabooBabe.com</a>.Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-72398706297473043502010-05-27T07:45:00.001-07:002010-05-27T07:54:37.960-07:00Calling All Parents! Twitter Party!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8rZgE4e_f4FmA1UPbAsBBSLwZ6i8dWH9CafM7VI2tJwwSbiIM6p15sZ7UBvtBo5T1F2jyu6gZoWAgaDSbIhR9xbGkyheqCrumTlZ9KTnSxdZ_cBdqF6W_OqY2Sw27SprQBVdXGi7/s1600/ParentsNiteInTwubsBanner.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8rZgE4e_f4FmA1UPbAsBBSLwZ6i8dWH9CafM7VI2tJwwSbiIM6p15sZ7UBvtBo5T1F2jyu6gZoWAgaDSbIhR9xbGkyheqCrumTlZ9KTnSxdZ_cBdqF6W_OqY2Sw27SprQBVdXGi7/s400/ParentsNiteInTwubsBanner.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475962061217401874" /></a><br />Join us for an evening of fun, giveaways, and tips on how to raise kids with higher self-esteem!<br /><br />At our <strong>Parents Nite In(spired) Twitter Party, June 9, 2010 from 9-11 PM EST on Twitter!</strong> All you need is a Twitter ID (sign up for free at <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a>). Then follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/gis4girl">@Gis4Girl </a>and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/dringrid">@DrIngrid </a>and our hashtag, #parentsnitein.<br /><br />Our special guest host, NYC psychologist and relationship coach Dr. Ingrid Schweiger (<a href="http://www.dringrid.com">DrIngrid.com</a>), author of Self-Esteem for a Lifetime: Raising a Successful Child from the Inside Out, will be on hand to answer any questions you have and offer parenting tips based on her experiences, both professional and personal.<br /><br />We'll also be giving away dozens of prizes and mentioning special offers during the party from the following mom-founded businesses: The Boys Store, Chit Chat Beauty, Fashion Playtes, Ficklets, G is 4 Girl, iTwixie, Pigtail Pals, Raecole's "The Goddess Box," Sweet Pea Kidz Too, and copies of Dr. Ingrid's book!<br /><br />To register or for more information, visit our <a href="http://www.gis4girl.com/parentsnitein.html">Parents Nite In(spired) Twitter Party Page </a>or email me at erin@gis4girl.com.Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-74986748697960220602010-04-12T07:14:00.000-07:002010-04-12T11:08:26.301-07:0010 Tips for Managing and Organizing Your Family<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxJBzllqkLAdXxVYBLG01pNMHAlL8d8FIozYoEuKf7h-qFrUoDvcD_DmRLSSc6J8On5HPrGiGR0Vi4UO4x0mOHfJPHN_n-dGKne5DBMzL9zkMfsu7hYZLfH0KtHTOOMAE65dmBGD0/s1600/famcooks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxJBzllqkLAdXxVYBLG01pNMHAlL8d8FIozYoEuKf7h-qFrUoDvcD_DmRLSSc6J8On5HPrGiGR0Vi4UO4x0mOHfJPHN_n-dGKne5DBMzL9zkMfsu7hYZLfH0KtHTOOMAE65dmBGD0/s400/famcooks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459314323846554450" /></a><br />We moms are essentially the CEOs of our families. We run the house and plan daily itineraries for everyone in it, including ourselves. And like any CEO, we're constantly on the lookout for ways to manage more efficiently. Today I want to share with you 10 tips that I've found extremely helpful for better managing and organizing my family. Feel free to leave comments if you have any tips to share that have worked well for you!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10 Tips for Managing and Organizing Your Family:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1). Get a Planner. </span>All CEOs have them. Moms need them even more! Whether its a digital planner (via computer or phone) or an old-fashioned one like I have (made of paper), I've found my planner to be essential to my sanity! From doctors visits to family parties to little reminders I write for myself in the margins, if I didn't have a planner, I wouldn't be half as organized as I am.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2). Plan Your Menus.</span> When I don't plan meals, everyone in my family loses. By planning a menu for every day of the week, and making a shopping list for it, I am better organized, my family eats healthier and we save more money. If you continuously 'wing it' and don't plan meals, you'll ending up spending more by eating some meals out and the hurried meals might not be as nutritous. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3). Cook for Leftovers.</span> When you make a meal, make extra portions to save for quick meals later in the week. Or make extra and freeze them for future leftover nights. This will save you time and help you resist the temptation to head for take out when you need a quick dinner.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4). Delegate.</span> CEOs run companies; they don't perform every job in the company. Neither should you. Enlist your troops and delegate chores, meal-making or other tasks. Even my almost 3-year-old daughter can fold some laundry and put some (unbreakable) plates and cups away. A family needs to work as a team. Let your teammates pitch in and help! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5). Don't Clean...</span><span style="font-style:italic;">Everything!</span>It's important to have a healthy home, but with a family, keeping a house tidy all the time is next to impossible. Next time you're about to clean something, ask yourself if it's really necessary. If it is, great--scrub away! But if it can wait until you have more time or are going to tackle cleaning on a larger scale (or with the kids' help), save it. You might get a look of disapproval from your mother, but you're in charge here!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6). Learn to Say 'No!" </span>Don't overextend yourself. You can't do everything all the time. It's okay to turn down requests for help from family or volunteering at your child's school. Don't feel guilty about turning down an invite if it's going to bog down your schedule or wear you out. Often I feel compelled to help everyone all the time and ignore my own needs. But saying no now and then is a powerful antidote to the need to overachieve.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7). Set an Alarm.</span> Sometimes, when I'm surfing the internet, I completely lose track of time. Often, I'm snapped back to reality by a waking toddler or phone call. But if it's late and the rest of the family's asleep, I spend too much time on something insignificant when I should be doing something else...like sleeping! If you only intend to spend a few minutes on something, it helps to set a timer to set limits and not spend too much time doing something you don't really need to do.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8). Do What You Can Ahead of Time. </span>I make lunches for the entire family the night before when I have more time. That way, mornings aren't as rushed and hectic. I also make meals in advance, so on days that I work, I'm not rushing home from work and faced with hungry, crabby people. If you plan ahead and do what you can in advance, it makes for more relaxed schedules and happier people all around.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9). Leave on Time.</span> Whether you're leaving for work, school or a family outing, nothing creates more stress than being late for an event. Stop whatever it is you think you need to be doing and make a habit of leaving the house on time. You'll be putting much less stress on your family and yourself in the long run.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10). Make Time for Yourself. </span>Carve out some free time just for you every day. Even if its just a few minutes to yourself to enjoy a cup of coffee or talk to a friend. If you have some time to relax and take care of yourself, you'll be in a better frame of mind to take care of--and manage--others. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Disclosure</span><br />This post is part of a <a href="http://www.twittermoms.com">blogging contest from the TwitterMoms community</a>. There is a chance this post could be randomly selected to win a $50 Target GiftCard, so wish me luck! For more details, you can view the contest page here (<a href="http://icomp.ly/IconApps">http://icomp.ly/IconApps</a>).<br /><br />To learn more about Icon Apps, a creator of cool iPhone applications that help people manage and simplify their lives, <a href="http://www.iconapps.com">click here</a>!Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-30007308381360073212010-04-07T09:35:00.000-07:002010-04-07T09:59:35.007-07:00My Pal Writes for Army Wives -- It Premieres this Sunday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy95Tj3WIGNFzB2O8_keLLbiPWB5YBf6o6UsIZ5M7w5tU2369Z3fEhyoUkYQrfiMk-o5bkU-nuAjC3_npF9wqyhfvV60s6E-SEv_ebczL5jjhEzqRWyxNHAiMdMl_qkqzV-unbwQ4a/s1600/Army_Wives.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy95Tj3WIGNFzB2O8_keLLbiPWB5YBf6o6UsIZ5M7w5tU2369Z3fEhyoUkYQrfiMk-o5bkU-nuAjC3_npF9wqyhfvV60s6E-SEv_ebczL5jjhEzqRWyxNHAiMdMl_qkqzV-unbwQ4a/s320/Army_Wives.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457436297912506818"></a><br />My old college chum Becky is a writer for the show "Army Wives." So when I was contacted by a PR company to mention it, I couldn't say no. <br /><br />I don't usually write about t.v. shows, but this one I must!<br /><br />Army Wives follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women – and one man – living with their spouses and families on an active army post. The series films in Charleston, South Carolina and stars Kim Delaney.<br /><br />In researching scripts, my writing pro pal has visited Army bases and spoken with wives of military men. So while the story lines may be fictional, the heart and soul of the show may be based on real emotions.<br /><br />If you haven't already checked it out, please do! You'll be hooked!<br /><br />The show premieres on Lifetime this Sunday, April 11th, 10 pm ET/PT!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwi5gqX_eTA4tGVfQi_ICUENggU6ffMDAtAfKrWrb-Jqfc-hd_tZnMxBLLll5HxcWkCeE5DsG5ytiozaBTn8Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-75028308795428259212010-03-28T00:47:00.000-07:002010-03-28T00:55:51.242-07:00Meet CasaBlast -- It's Free and Helps a Good Cause!How often can you get something for free and help a good cause at the same time? Now you can, with CasaBlast.<br /><br />CasaBlast is a new service to keep your family organized and connected. It's free to sign up and give them a try. If CasaBlast gets 10,000 people to sign up by the end of the month, the company will donate $10,000 in aid to Haiti -- that's nearly an entire cargo container of much-needed food and supplies. <br /><br />So what exactly is CasaBlast? CasaBlast provides you with the ability to message everyone in your family at any time, from any PC or mobile phone. It automatically sends out reminders of upcoming events to everyone who needs to know, and it even allows you to create and share lists of chores your kids need to complete when they get home from school. Everyone in the family shares a calendar and communicates as a group from any PC or mobile phone. You can learn more by visiting this <a href="http://www.casablast.com/index_tm.html">TwitterMoms/CasaBlast signup page</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.casablast.com/index_tm.html">Join CasaBlast Now - Free!</a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js"></script><script>if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('c722aff4-eaad-4923-98d9-9bd92334ff35');</script><center><a href="http://www.casablast.com/index_tm.html">Free Online Family Calendar</a></center><noscript>Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/family-organizer">CasaBlast - Haiti Relief</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>! Not seeing a widget? (<a href="http://docs.widgetbox.com/using-widgets/installing-widgets/why-cant-i-see-my-widget/">More info</a>)</noscript>Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-1773429290472382812010-03-26T08:58:00.000-07:002010-03-26T09:10:44.415-07:00The Results are In! The "Overs" Have It!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IPtHRVlIlLp2UPGSGHjSWZy3YCVqwCjtTZEgdqysb8tP0IDNXxGhMI1l0dy_lJUwcQwTfur4E-3XpKaOgrolDD1VNvewFImjZf_lih3wDr9Tek62YZaqS-i6jLqV924GP6KR-Jb8/s1600/cbadge.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IPtHRVlIlLp2UPGSGHjSWZy3YCVqwCjtTZEgdqysb8tP0IDNXxGhMI1l0dy_lJUwcQwTfur4E-3XpKaOgrolDD1VNvewFImjZf_lih3wDr9Tek62YZaqS-i6jLqV924GP6KR-Jb8/s320/cbadge.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452975686816888882" /></a><br />I know you've all been holding your breath on this one, so I thought I'd share the long-awaited results on the great toilet paper debate: <br /><br />Several weeks ago, we sponsored a toilet paper giveaway with <a href="http://www.CottonelleRollPoll.com">Cottonelle</a>. The big question was: do you set the roll "over" or "under"? I told my story about my shock of finding that my very own mother seemed ambivalent about the over/under issue and rolled however she darn well pleased on whatever day the roll in her house needed changing. To her, over/under didn't matter. I was shocked that I actually could be related to someone who didn't see the difference between over/under! But now I have the results to back me up.<br /><br />It looks like I am in the majority. According to the poll, 72% of Americans roll over while only 28% roll under. Even Tori Spelling and her husband debated the issue and weighed in: Tori being a sensible "roll over" girl, while her husband, a misguided "under." <br /><br />OVERall, was kind of a fun way to get the word out about the soft goodness that is Cottonelle. Now there will be no more debate on how "America Rolls"--except for maybe in your own home! For more information and some interactive fun, visit <a href="http://www.cottonellerollpoll.com">Cottonelle Roll Poll .com</a>!Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-91295998696139946312010-02-23T07:09:00.000-08:002010-02-23T09:35:23.658-08:00Canned Foods: Easy Ways to Make Great, Healthy Foods!Canned foods have had a bad rap. But did you know that canned foods are actually very nutritious? Add that to the fact that they're low-cost and easy to use in recipes, which makes it a great addition to any cost-concious family's pantry.<br /><br />I just watched a video by the Canned Food Alliance (you can watch it below), which debunks some myths about canned foods. Did you know that experts follow your canned foods from the farmers' fields to the grocery store shelves, making certain quality control measures are in place and that everything is being done to ensure the quality of the food every step of the way? <br /><br />I love canned beans. Here's a fun canned bean fact that I learned from the video: all canned beans are fat free! They're very nutritious and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Here's one of my favorites! It's an easy, quick, complete meal in one dish!<br /><br />Mama's Tex-Mex Casserole:<br /><br />2 tbs. vegetable oil<br />1 6 oz. can of diced green chilies<br />1 lb. of ground turkey<br />1 can of diced tomatoes with chilies<br />2 tbs. of chili powder<br />1 tsp. of cumin<br />1 tsp. of salt<br />1 can of corn drained<br />1 can of vegetarian refried beans<br />8 oz. of montery jack cheese<br />1 cup of crushed tortilla chips<br />3 green onions, chopped<br />sour cream<br /><br />Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Add oil to a nonstick skillet. Brown ground turkey until no longer pink. Add canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin and salt. Simmer until liquid evaporates. Mix in half the cheeze to turkey/tomato mix. Add chilies to bottom of 2 quart casserole dish. Add turkey/tomatoes/cheese combination over chilies. Layer canned corn on top of turkey/tomatoes. Spread refried beans over corn layer. Top with the rest of the cheese and the crushed tortilla chips. Bake for 25 minutes at 350. Serve with the onions and sour cream.<br /><br />There are so many recipes out there that you can make with canned foods. I learned about the canned food alliance from Twitter Moms. Learn more by visit the <a href="http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-your-favorite-recipes">Twitter Moms page here</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mealtime.org/content.aspx?id=3220">Watch the Field to Table Video</a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js"></script><script>if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('987952f0-6376-4d82-b7fa-7eb859dc26c6');</script><center><a href="http://www.mealtime.org/content.aspx?id=3220">Canned Food Alliance</a></center><noscript>Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/youtube-cannedfoodalliances-channel">YouTube - CannedFoodAlliance's Channel</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>! Not seeing a widget? (<a href="http://docs.widgetbox.com/using-widgets/installing-widgets/why-cant-i-see-my-widget/">More info</a>)</noscript>">Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-5440517819014862592010-01-14T17:18:00.000-08:002010-01-14T17:27:08.575-08:00Yes, I am an "over" girl -- and you're not?!?Last week I went to my mother's house and was shocked when I entered the bathroom. No, she hadn't painted it shrimp bisque pink. No, the dog wasn't drinking the toilet water. It was the roll. Yes, <em>that</em> roll. It was, well, attached so that the paper came out from under the roll. I was appauled! This was my mother we're talking about! I thought she knew better!<br /><br />The truth is, she probably couldn't care less when it comes to TP roll. In fact, I've seen it go both ways at her house. But not me. I am definitely an "over" girl and feel passionately that that is the correct way to hang it. <br /><br />Which comes to the big question of the day: How do you hang your toilet paper? How does your husband? Are you in agreement or is this one of those sensitive issues? Leave a comment on whether over or under is the way you hang it, and you'll be entered to win 1 of 10 Cottonelle gift baskets randomly chosen on January 29, 2010! As part of the Mom's Blogger's Club, I am writing this post to enter a contest for a month's worth of Cottonelle toilet paper for all mom bloggers.<br /><br />Good luck and happy hanging (over, of course --- right?!?)<br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/4IvJvD" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.themomsalon.com/cbadge.png" border="0" width="125" height="125"></a>Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-86962648809573780762009-10-23T13:19:00.000-07:002009-10-23T13:51:38.370-07:00G is 4 Girl Spotlight: Reel Grrls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfSbgzDW7p68U09NRH-ujgrlpp_YCUVq3pLDRJB2yB0s9V10N1brCyWRO89jbcueZ8ZVTuDUxkOIYWQpBKz4UyG1p1Xcl1MCOMhyphenhyphenkiF_z8H4OyO_xXCGvPVVlan_ojjx8JYAcQEC5/s1600-h/random.php.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfSbgzDW7p68U09NRH-ujgrlpp_YCUVq3pLDRJB2yB0s9V10N1brCyWRO89jbcueZ8ZVTuDUxkOIYWQpBKz4UyG1p1Xcl1MCOMhyphenhyphenkiF_z8H4OyO_xXCGvPVVlan_ojjx8JYAcQEC5/s320/random.php.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395893012275838402" /></a> There's a cool organization based in Seattle that tries to empower girls through the use of a camera. They're called <a href="http://www.reelgrrls.org">Reel Grrls</a> and the effects of what they're doing appears to have 'reel' staying power.<br /><br />According to their site, by the time a girl is 16, she'll have spent more time watching t.v. than going to school. Part of what a girl sees each year are thousands of commercials that don't portray women in a very realistic, or even healthy, way. This bombardment of images of perfect, runway model-like women has been proven to have an impact on girls' self-esteem and body image. What Reel Grrls is trying to do is open a discussion with girls about how what they see on t.v. effects them, while giving them the tools they need to create their own media. As they put it, Reel Grrls "if women and girls are to achieve equality and advancement in today's world they must be taught to be media literate." Right on!<br /><br />Since 2001, they've been helping girls learn how to produce their own videos in after school programs taught by female media professionals. Their DVDs, <a href="http://www.reelgrrls.org/store.html">which are available on their site for purchase</a>, cover a wide-range of topics affecting their young, female filmmakers. Subjects such as body image, violence against women, race, parents with addictions and many more bring to light the opinions and experiences of the filmmakers in an engaging way. The organization has received much praise for their work and the girls' films have been shown at film festivals around the world, including the Sundance Film Festival-Gen-Y studio.<br /><br />Just today, my hometown paper the Chicago Tribune ran a story about three refugee teens from Africa who made a video about the violence and alienation they've been facing in their adopted home, Chicago. In some cases, it's a kind of violence they never witnessed nor feared in their home countries. <a href="http://shar.es/1QkDY">You can read about it here</a>. Sponsored by software maker <a href="http://www.adobe.com">Adobe</a>, they made a documentary that helped to empower them in situations where they felt there was very little they could do. Visual media can be powerful; it's great that there are organizations willing to give youth a chance to make their opinions and voices heard. By doing so, they will make a difference! <br /><br />If it's true what they say: a picture tells a thousand words, imagine what a film can do. So good work Reel Grrls! You go grrls!<br /><br />To learn more about Reel Grrls, visit their site at <a href="http://www.reelgrrls.org">www.reelgrrls.org</a>.<br /><br />'Til next time,<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-44555413250894996882009-10-19T10:05:00.000-07:002009-10-19T11:09:40.130-07:00The Commercialization of the Pink Ribbon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOde1pgHlQLOTKx84jg2ZeRBq2EM5dA_8j7wStzFmY1V5DzOLiEjxwc3Nq01L3zeHOibslvDmaC-7A4JAdHzo9c4q3P7nFkzQK0KtCN9olG95TqVBpRXxKq5nwdhBBl3IPE8Mj929c/s1600-h/download_nbcam_pink_ribbon.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOde1pgHlQLOTKx84jg2ZeRBq2EM5dA_8j7wStzFmY1V5DzOLiEjxwc3Nq01L3zeHOibslvDmaC-7A4JAdHzo9c4q3P7nFkzQK0KtCN9olG95TqVBpRXxKq5nwdhBBl3IPE8Mj929c/s320/download_nbcam_pink_ribbon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394373575225238306" /></a><br />Everyone's seeing pink these days: pink soup cans, pink yogurt containers, even NFL players donning pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The cause of finding a cure and promoting breast cancer prevention is a worthy one, since so many lives have been and are affected by the disease.<br /><br />However, the motives of companies promoting the pink ribbon have come into question: sure, a portion of a pink product's profits might be donated to organizations fighting breast cancer, but why do companies "go pink?" Is it purely for charitable reasons? Or does the company have profits in mind as well?<br /><br />Before I started reading articles such as this eye-opening one from Newsweek called <a href="http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2009/10/13/seeing-red-in-pink-products-one-woman-s-fight-against-breast-cancer-consumerism.aspx">"Seeing Red in Pink Products," by Joan Raymond</a>, I didn't think much about the commercialization of breast cancer awareness. I didn't even explore my own motives in trying to promote prevention awareness.<br /><br />You see, as part of this blog, I posted an entry on Oct. 1st, about Breast Cancer Awareness month and what women can do to prevent the disease. I also stuck a pink ribbon on the G is 4 Girl Twitter avatar. This blog and our Twitter account are both tied-in to my company, <a href="http://www.gis4girl.com">G is 4 Girl</a>. So why am I doing this? Why is G is 4 Girl mentioning Breast Cancer Awareness? I thought it was just something nice to do. I have an aunt who died from the disease two years ago. I'd like to see all cancers eradicated. But by associating G is 4 Girl with a pink ribbon, was I trying to elevate the status of our company by promoting this cause?<br /><br />I'm not sure. Maybe subliminally, I was. Then again, we are a small biz run out of my house, not Yoplait or Ford. I just wrote a blog about breast cancer prevention because I really do care about my readers and wanted to give them some tips on prevention.<br /><br />But what about the big corporations? If a portion of the proceeds go to a charitable organization, exactly how much and what about the rest? Has breast cancer awareness become a really great marketing tool? Are we consumers being guilted into buying something that comes in a pink box over a non-pink box? Are companies using the pink ribbons purely to raise their public profiles and the philanthropic aspects are simply an added bonus? Then again, is any harm being done? If a few cents per purchase goes to a charity, it's still two cents that might not have gone to the charity if there hadn't been a promotion.<br /><br />There's a non-profit organization, <a href="http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/">Think Before You Pink</a>, that takes the pink-promoting companies to task. If they find a product that's promoting cancer awareness while also being a product that contains carcinogens (such as alcoholic beverages), then they go after them. It's an interesting site to explore and will raise your awareness about those companies who say their trying to raise your awareness about a cause. They also have a great page on <a href="http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/?page_id=26">the history of the pink ribbon</a>, started by one woman as a grassroots campaign to raise prevention awareness.<br /><br />'Til next time,<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-88348587761585973232009-10-14T10:03:00.000-07:002009-10-14T10:46:31.646-07:00To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate? That's this season's question!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNx-7UfwDKC0VAjKVhdMkl7KLdcGuFmgJC6wGgW3PuSiIFWOAHP4NU8__EAf3S7MMC6-aXDRxihmOyDP_1QqzY61XudN_p5vnu7q5iuCaQmVvLDkSH9raUcZSJzNSB3fiHmshmQqv/s1600-h/vaccine.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNx-7UfwDKC0VAjKVhdMkl7KLdcGuFmgJC6wGgW3PuSiIFWOAHP4NU8__EAf3S7MMC6-aXDRxihmOyDP_1QqzY61XudN_p5vnu7q5iuCaQmVvLDkSH9raUcZSJzNSB3fiHmshmQqv/s320/vaccine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392512246399186386" /></a><br />As if we parents don't have enough to stress about...<br /><br />The buzz these days is all about the Swine Flu: in the media, on blogs and Twitter, in phone calls and emails to and from friends and family. Will you vaccinate your child or not? What's everyone doing? What's your pediatrician recommending?<br /><br />The answer is complicated and at times, a mixed bag. The government recommends shots for kids aged 6 months to 24 years old, for pregnant women and adults under age 64 with chronic illnesses. I have a friend who is a healthcare worker for whom the H1N1 vaccination is mandatory. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vaccinating too, for both H1N1 and the "regular" flu. (<a href="http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/swineflu.htm">Click here to view their very helpful info page on the subject</a>). But I know a number of parents who are unsure of the Swine Flu vaccine, since the vaccine being offered is new to the market.<br /><br />For parents these days, it seems we have a lot to stress about. The modern world presents us with a myriad of problems to fuss over and freak out about, the Swine flu being just one of them.<br /><br />I was voicing this complaint to my mother recently who agreed that there is a lot more information to process these days than when she was mothering a school-aged kid. The internet and t.v. provides so much news on various topics relating to kids that sometimes it's difficult to sort through the noise and find a voice to trust. However, she reminded me that the past wasn't without worry. <br /><br />When she was a child, Polio was the great fear. She remembered that during one summer, all public swimming pools in Chicago were closed for fear of spreading the disease. Fortunately, a vaccine changed all that, but not until far too many children were affected by it. An older client of mine has difficultly walking as a result of his bout with the disease as a child. The visible scars and memories remain.<br /><br />So where does that leave us today? It's up to each of us parents to make our own informed decisions about vaccinations and in some cases, to follow our instincts. For me and my husband: we're still trying to decide about the H1N1 vaccine for our child, though we're leaning toward it. We're currently trying hard to get her a regular flu vaccine, but have been told there's a shortage in our area for kids under age three, due to a manufacturer problem.<br /><br />For a quick guide for parents, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/2009-10/pdf/pan_flu.pdf">check out this PDF from the Centers for Disease Control</a>. For a very comprehensive guide to the flu, take a look at the Centers for Disease Control web site, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov">CDC.gov</a>.<br /><br />Good luck!<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-71085970214634207212009-10-12T07:32:00.001-07:002009-10-12T07:48:48.810-07:00G is 4 Girl Giveaway! Positive-ly Cool School Pak!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfmwut837XjWgRHIB94nks6tSVIFxGMWrZVXatPFeHySKHfdEX4t98xxn72Z201r4fnWvFPPfIK-3ek2RhzEne9RQGzoGXI_t7oUGSVvhmC1FwprX7lYttXm658cOa5o2oK5qLKHN/s1600-h/GiveawaySchoolPak.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfmwut837XjWgRHIB94nks6tSVIFxGMWrZVXatPFeHySKHfdEX4t98xxn72Z201r4fnWvFPPfIK-3ek2RhzEne9RQGzoGXI_t7oUGSVvhmC1FwprX7lYttXm658cOa5o2oK5qLKHN/s400/GiveawaySchoolPak.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391721573840295506" /></a><br /><br />In a partnership with the blog Lipstick to Crayons, we're having a fabulous giveaway!!! <br /><br />It's a trio of items that comprise our "Positive-ly Cool School Pak:" a Sm;)e tee, our "Girls are A-Mazing" bag and a "G is 4..." blank lined journal! Great gifts to help motivate any school-aged girl to do her best and feel good about herself!<br /><br />At G is 4 Girl, our goal is to create products for girls that are both fun to wear & use and that are empowering! We have almost 30 different designs and a wide-range of products from tees and hoodies to SIGG water bottles and bears! You can check out our full line at our site, <a href="http://www.gis4girl.com">Gis4Girl.com</a>.<br /><br />You can enter our giveaway <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/gis4girllc">HERE at the Lipstick to Crayons blog</a>. Last chance to enter is October 19th. Good Luck!<br /><br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-60075056065510231412009-09-30T14:03:00.001-07:002009-10-01T07:30:27.132-07:00October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVikDYOO0kPQVGUp9x3OOco1ArnVKM8cjYMnh4koxx7Z2-keMyApMDBDfMrRng-pufqpVMMjGFfseL1jIB1MBlBMO-bSm2JjCJTCftYNelgAXJSuy8Ds92Gh9PdOEol6-kRxuAAaBB/s1600-h/download_nbcam_pink_ribbon.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVikDYOO0kPQVGUp9x3OOco1ArnVKM8cjYMnh4koxx7Z2-keMyApMDBDfMrRng-pufqpVMMjGFfseL1jIB1MBlBMO-bSm2JjCJTCftYNelgAXJSuy8Ds92Gh9PdOEol6-kRxuAAaBB/s400/download_nbcam_pink_ribbon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387369247616823986" /></a><br /><br />Today kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You'll be seeing lots of pink in the next few weeks: on t-shirts, on food products, even on the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/yack9yb">hands and heads of NFL players</a>.<br /><br />Most of us know someone who has battled breast cancer. Unfortunately, many of us know those who have lost. But more and more people are winning, which should give all of us hope that not as many of our children or grandchildren will have to face this disease or other forms of cancer.<br /><br />But while we can't control some risk factors for the disease (such as our genes), according to leading medical information providers such as the <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer-prevention/WO00091">Mayo Clinic</a>, there are things we can control that might help reduce our risk and help us to improve our overall health. Get your kids started young on maintaining a healthier lifestyle by adhering to the following tips:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Exercise</span> - That's right! Good for the body, mind and spirit. Even a 30-minute walk a day can provide significant benefits.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Maintain a Healthy Weight</span> - Studies have shown a link between obesity and breast cancer. Find the right weight for your height and try to get closer to it. Check out this free <a href="http://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/weight/">height/weight calculator</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Limit Alcohol</span> - Of course, kids never should drink. But to reduce your cancer risk, adults should limit consumption to no more than one drink a day or avoid drinking altogether<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Don't Smoke</span> - Good advice for everyone and for reasons in addition to preventing cancer. If you need help quitting, check out the resources available at <a href="http://www.smokefree.gov">Smokefree.gov</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Reduce Fat in Your Diet</span> - Some studies suggest there may be a link between breast cancer and diets that are higher in fat. However, diets low in fat do help reduce the risk of other problems such as diabetes and heart disease.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Self-Screening</span> - Get in the habit of doing a self breast exam once a month. Inform your daughters of the benefits of early detection to get them in the habit doing self-exams.<br /><br />For more info on breast cancer, check out the following links: <a href="http://nbcam.org">National Breast Cancer Awareness Month</a>, <a href="http://www.komen.org">Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation</a>, <a href="http://www.the3day.org">Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk</a>.Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-91206269223091717722009-09-30T10:46:00.000-07:002009-09-30T11:09:24.347-07:00Check it out: The Women's Museum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gXVRi4mhctpJrZi8Y1LR3k_dRTK9VqJDFBEgFqzL0gGUcrAxwGHKkanal8131X05iXtc2fAVBr3H0-J_ZBJJ7sagq2hWUY78coiNEDYY-QQhFpFSAhfWQCpHRhkYMQeqpILS1_3H/s1600-h/WomensMuseumFront.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gXVRi4mhctpJrZi8Y1LR3k_dRTK9VqJDFBEgFqzL0gGUcrAxwGHKkanal8131X05iXtc2fAVBr3H0-J_ZBJJ7sagq2hWUY78coiNEDYY-QQhFpFSAhfWQCpHRhkYMQeqpILS1_3H/s400/WomensMuseumFront.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387318622098599426" /></a><br /><br />Here's a cool place I just learned about and added to my must-visit-someday list: <a href="http://www.thewomensmuseum.org">The Women's Museum</a>, located in Dallas, TX, the nation's only comprehensive women's history museum dedicated to exploring the contributions women have made throughout American history. Their mission is to "bring to life the voices, talents, achievements, aspirations and stories of the past, present and future." They've been open for nearly 10 years. What a great place to take your daughter, granddaughter, goddaughter or niece! If only Dallas were closer to my hometown Chicago!<br /><br />The museum features both special exhibits, traveling exhibits and permanent exhibits with titles such as "Breaking Boundaries," an exhibit that "honors the women who would stop at nothing to accomplish their goals, and whose valiant efforts made possible the vast choices we now enjoy." Hurray for that! To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.thewomensmuseum.org">their site</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/thewomensmuseum">follow them on Twitter</a>!<br /><br />In learning about the museum in Dallas, I also learned that there's a movement to secure a permanent space in our nation's capital for another women's history museum. <a href="http://www.nwhm.org/">The National Women's History Museum</a> is urging people to contact their representatives to encourage them to pass the National Women's History Museum Act, to give it a home next to the National Mall. They particularly need help from constituents living in California and Alaska. You can learn more about this <a href="http://www.nwhm.org/rightnow/righthererightnow.html">here</a>. Hopefully, someday there will be yet another place to take our daughters!<br /><br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-27475213816695928652009-09-24T05:19:00.000-07:002009-09-28T15:25:53.155-07:00Will We Ever Get There?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VUfRd5gkscR0L9o0LStE27xYrcj6mV2Oa4DQC6M7BXtIxttpBuzve-AkOYW7DuvEd4kUyicpLng4fb6kyDab-DIjlor5_Es8u222PLxprL4su3Vdes8i5pebPp-qxUvJ4aS5ldfR/s1600-h/hesaidwhat.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VUfRd5gkscR0L9o0LStE27xYrcj6mV2Oa4DQC6M7BXtIxttpBuzve-AkOYW7DuvEd4kUyicpLng4fb6kyDab-DIjlor5_Es8u222PLxprL4su3Vdes8i5pebPp-qxUvJ4aS5ldfR/s320/hesaidwhat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385525871089628834" /></a><br />I'm a part-time stay-at-home mom, part-time working mom. In addition to working on starting <a href="http://www.gis4girl.com">G is 4 Girl</a>, I have a day job (one that pays the bills) at my family's business, a printing company.<br /><br />I've been there for over 10 years and now know the business inside and out. While there are more and more female printing business owners and leaders in our industry, I think it's fair to say it's still male-dominated. Some of the men I encounter in day-to-day operations still harbor some odd ideas of how to treat and respond to women in the workplace.<br /><br />Example: while acting as the head of our company, I encountered a vendor who came through our front door and well, I guess took a liking to me, in a sense. He proceeded to make comments to me that he never would make to a male. He started off with the whole "hey, sweetie," attitude, which is one thing, but the next incident was entirely another: He was there to pick up one of our machines to return it to our leasing facility. When I said he might have trouble getting through a narrow corridor, he mentioned he's never had a problem with narrow spaces because he's well-endowed (he used more colorful language than that, but I'll spare you the details). <br /><br />He said this as he was exiting our facility, and I was so shocked, I just stood there wondering what on earth had just happened. <br /><br />Most males I encounter in business are not like this. Most treat women as equals and with respect. Though incidents like these still do happen. And inequalities still exist. Most of the people placing orders with us are executive assistants and 95% of them are women. Most of the business cards we print with titles such as "CEO," "President," or "Vice-Anything," have male names above them.<br /><br />Yes, we have come a long way. I thank my mother, her generation, and the generations of women who came before us for paving the way and expanding our rights to be equal to that of men. But we still have a ways to go. I hope that in 20 years when my daughter enters the workforce, tales such as these will be nothing more than outdated memories of the way things used to be.<br /><br />That's one reason I started <a href="http://www.gis4girl.com">G is 4 Girl</a>. Girls may encounter situations that make them feel inferior. We need to instill in them a belief and confidence to know that derogatory statements made to them are garbage. That they really can do amazing things and that their achievements can equal those of any male. I believe it. Hopefully all girls believe it too. And maybe, someday, no one else on this planet will take further convincing.<br /><br />For more ways to inspire girls, check out this awesome organization started to help inspire girls to be strong, <a href="http://www.girlsinc.org/index.html">Girls Inc.</a>Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-67901540060648452792009-09-18T12:51:00.000-07:002009-09-18T13:11:03.084-07:00Even the little things to help the earth count -- we hope!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEinHnc6eVFLR20-7TYv3oMO11xoQodMWipj4KiikzYtetiF6RmOoPUhWDMVZ_IvCpjQO3PyULKtsv3JyuNal57N6WWmyzpGOzUmes1WQdk_mXSEGEoqRF3zg1aF_M-20mJtx8bA9m/s1600-h/pacific-garbage-patch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEinHnc6eVFLR20-7TYv3oMO11xoQodMWipj4KiikzYtetiF6RmOoPUhWDMVZ_IvCpjQO3PyULKtsv3JyuNal57N6WWmyzpGOzUmes1WQdk_mXSEGEoqRF3zg1aF_M-20mJtx8bA9m/s320/pacific-garbage-patch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382899018089568930" /></a><br />I just recently can say that I've "Gone Green." And I'm 35 years old.<br /><br />Kind of embarrassing, I know. But before I moved to a recycling-friendly community, I didn't really consider doing it. It seemed to difficult, and I didn't have the time. Always an excuse. <br /><br />Now I recycle as much as I can. Even drive to a facility to drop off my plastic bags that our curbside recycler doesn't take. We no longer buy plastic bottles, but use reusable ones from the Gis4Girl store (<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/gis4girl?s=gis4girl&type=280">find cool SIGG ones here</a>). We use reusable grocery bags. We bought a more fuel-efficient vehicle. <br /><br />Hopefully my carbon footprint is smaller now. I'd like to think it makes a difference, even a microscopic one. <br /><br />Environmentalists such as <a href="http://www.fabiencousteau.org">Fabien Cousteau</a>, son of famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, say it will help. And he says we should be worried. <br /><br />The garbage we create can eventually come back to haunt us. Take for example the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (<a href="http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090422-tows-ocean-pollution">you can read more about it here, as featured on Oprah this past Earth Day</a>). It's basically a floating garbage dump in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that covers an area twice the size of Texas. It contains over 100,000,000 tons of debris, most of it plastic. Only 20% of it seems to be dumped from ships; the rest comes from land, including the U.S. The problem is it's killing millions of animals, which in itself is a tragedy. Where it will hit home, is when the loss of these animals directly effects the world's food supply.<br /><br />So do what you can for your future and your kids future. And get your kids involved and educated about their part in helping the environment by checking out the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/kids/">EPA's kids site</a> and an organization called <a href="http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org">Kids for Saving Earth</a>.<br /><br />For a laugh, <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/video_player?p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_id=videoPlayer_WAR_sesameportlets4369&p_p_uid=d040fef0-81e0-4104-b5ee-6f11cc3a9b58&t=1253248561501&">see how Paul Rudd and his furry friends help the earth stay clean</a>!<br /><br />'Til next time,<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-33236631084287014862009-09-14T08:57:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:40:14.662-07:00Breastfeeding at the Zoo: Lions & Tigers & Boobs = Oh My?!?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-wthnSdqZgZCQFyVgJCFeKkOymV_TIftQbzrxKz6m_MypOmXpDc0cTNvhNuc6lXLXNKKI0IjqBzJRHNO2rFsG5gyrjtu9ppc9qxZfy-QtLjFhDPW03v3EBUoK323aE4v6GWyiYyo/s1600-h/Nursing.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-wthnSdqZgZCQFyVgJCFeKkOymV_TIftQbzrxKz6m_MypOmXpDc0cTNvhNuc6lXLXNKKI0IjqBzJRHNO2rFsG5gyrjtu9ppc9qxZfy-QtLjFhDPW03v3EBUoK323aE4v6GWyiYyo/s320/Nursing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381361071254605746" /></a><br />My family and I went to the <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org">Brookfield Zoo</a> yesterday along with hundreds of other families who had the same idea to hang with the animals on a beautiful Chicagoland day. Our time there was wonderful, despite my getting riled up at a woman who apparently feels public breastfeeding is disgusting.<br /><br />You see, on our walk around the park, we noticed a woman off to the side, sitting on a bench, nursing her baby. She was covered in a breastfeeding "cape," the same kind I used when I nursed my daughter in public. Zero skin was exposed. You couldn't even see the baby, except for his tiny feet dangling from beneath the fabric. As we walked past the mother, a woman in a group next to us declared, "That is disgusting! With all of these people around, look at her breastfeeding in public! Doesn't she know there's a place for her to go and do that in private!"<br /><br />Well!<br /><br />I'm kind of a shy person generally, until my buttons are pushed, and this time, consider them pushed to the point of no return.<br /><br />I stayed relatively calm and said, "Breastfeeding is <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> disgusting! She has a right to sit there and do that just as anyone else does."<br /><br />The woman didn't respond, but just walked away. I am assuming she also bypassed the gorilla house too, since -- heaven forbid -- she see an ape nursing her young, like we did on a prior zoo visit.<br /><br />Any child passing by the nursing mother would have no clue that a baby was being breastfed beneath, unless perhaps his or her own mother used a similar cape with a younger sibling. Let's just say the mother was being extremely discreet. No boobage was being exposed. Nary a nipple was being revealed to passersby. What this disapproving woman disliked was <span style="font-style:italic;">THE IDEA</span> that a boob lay beneath the garment doing its God-given job. (BTW, her husband who accompanied her didn't seem to have an opinion on the subject; in fact, no one in her group seconded her declaration). <br /><br />And this "place" she referred to for nursing a child in private? A "nursing station" located in the women's bathroom. Let me first say that I commend the Brookfield Zoo for conceiving such a place at all. That's the first time I have ever seen a place specifically made for mothers to go nurse their babies other than a nursing station at a hospital where I once visited someone with my infant daughter in tow.<br /><br />However, the nursing station at the zoo was a doorless nook located at the back of the very stuffy, hot, and rather smelly women's bathroom. It included a bench and a sink, but not much fresh air, and honestly -- I myself wouldn't want to eat a meal in there. In fact, when I finished my business, I escaped ASAP. The doors were propped open to alleviate some of the stuffiness on an 80-degree day, so others at the zoo must have agreed that the place was hot and stinky.<br /><br />In addition, when I nursed my daughter, I spent so much time indoors nursing her, that when we went on a picnic, to a festival or the zoo, I was so thrilled to be outdoors, I didn't want to go inside and find a "nursing station!" My daughter at times nursed for up to an hour. There's no way I would or should spend a beautiful day cooped up in a john for an hour to feed my child. No one should have to. And thank heavens that--at least in Illinois--legally, no one has to.<br /><br />For more information on Breastfeeding Rights and laws in your area, check out <a href="http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Health--Fitness/Know-Your-Breastfeeding-Rights-21354880">this article on Parenting.com</a>.<br /><br />'Til next time,<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-14247560582002973702009-09-10T07:50:00.000-07:002009-09-10T07:57:11.873-07:00Boogie Wipes Rule!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Uu5jAzCfWqCuhwDTZWfw8x2UiHLVNSHwuparbHAcEd_BDnSLiDLspLG8QWBB062yuwtSVRhAbundaQdPgiWk9-RKPPrHmFGZlBgRCjk5kYAsuiNeazMM6Sy45VTlEbniMHKX5kow/s1600-h/boogiewipes.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Uu5jAzCfWqCuhwDTZWfw8x2UiHLVNSHwuparbHAcEd_BDnSLiDLspLG8QWBB062yuwtSVRhAbundaQdPgiWk9-RKPPrHmFGZlBgRCjk5kYAsuiNeazMM6Sy45VTlEbniMHKX5kow/s320/boogiewipes.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379852556186053138" /></a><br />If you could look up the definition of "runny nose" in the dictionary, you'd probably find a picture of every child on the planet. You'd also probably find some cranky ones, irratable with sore, red noses irritated from too much tissue use. <br /><br />That's why I'd like to recommend Boogie Wipes! First let me state that I have no association with the company that makes Boogie Wipes, nor have I ever received free samples of their products to review. Their product literally hit me in the face at the grocery store at the same time my daughter was experiencing a bad cold. She refused tissues, even the aloe-filled ones, because they began to hurt when used.<br /><br />Boogie Wipes contain saline and are made specifically for tender little noses. When we used them, my daughter said, "My nose doesn't hurt anymore!"<br /><br />Even better, the company was founded by two "Mompreneurs" who saw a need for a product such as this.<br /><br />Go to the <a href="http://www.boogiewipes.com">Boogie Wipes website </a>to learn more and get a $1 Off Coupon!Gis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-32885096173681751642009-08-21T12:14:00.000-07:002009-08-21T13:05:44.725-07:00Back-to-School Lunch Tips & Tricks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFywjOWk4voxsJ_6G_iWzlXkdCmv1AbD21cei_syV_Z5EwoarduSUCF9w2ZOlBOOmkjk1RVKQvKF1HINgIG3sftd42VaKmX3CXbGM-EhR5sNMfO6kyMLxKT0g0YHB9e9VW6JCskp2/s1600-h/girllunches.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFywjOWk4voxsJ_6G_iWzlXkdCmv1AbD21cei_syV_Z5EwoarduSUCF9w2ZOlBOOmkjk1RVKQvKF1HINgIG3sftd42VaKmX3CXbGM-EhR5sNMfO6kyMLxKT0g0YHB9e9VW6JCskp2/s320/girllunches.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372498002677540018" /></a><br /><br />Its Back to School time already! To help you get back into the lunch packing routine, G is 4 Girl came up with some back-to-school lunching ideas to make kids more eager to eat the healthy stuff and moms lives easier:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Get Dippin'</span> - No, not in the pool. That's summer stuff! Kids like dipping things--and not just chicken nuggets. Fruits and veggies go down easier with something to plunk them in: peanut butter, Cool Whip, ranch dressing, hummus. Discover how some carrot sticks and a little Tupperware cup of your dip of choice can go a long way!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let the Kids Help</span> - Let them pick out a cool lunch box or insulated bag to store their meal in and pack lunches together the night before. Letting your kids help and help choose what they'll be eating might make them more interested in taking a bite in the lunchroom.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buy a Thermos</span> - In the "old" days (or our generation) thermoses came with the lunch boxes. Not anymore. So invest in one. On a cold day, nothing gives a kid a sense of home more than a hot cup of homemade soup!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buy Tupperware</span> - According to HGTV.com, prepared lunches (think Lunchables) are high in calories and low in nutrients. In addition, they cost about $16 per pound! Get small, fun containers to put healthy foods in that they can stack and match without spending a fortune on something prepared for you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mom Meet Freezer</span> - Make up a bunch of peanut butter or turkey sandwiches and freeze them for use later in the week. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Spice up Sandwiches</span> - Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into fun shapes. Or ditch the usual Wonder Bread and try pitas or whole grain tortillas for rollup sandwiches. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bye Bye Brown Bananas</span> - School lunchroom ladies everywhere say one item that often ends up in the trash is bruised fruit (beat up bananas, squished peaches, etc.). Get your kids their daily servings of fruit by slicing up fruit and mixing it in a cup of lowfat vanilla yogurt. Buy a large container of yogurt and you'll save money over the individual, pre-made cups. They're healthier too!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Personalize It</span> - One of my best memories of school lunches was getting a daily note written on a napkin by my mom. She worked full-time and early, and often we didn't see each other in the morning before school. It was nice to open up my lunch box and find a special message from her inside. It helped me get through what sometimes seemed like long days away from home! Thanks Mom!<br /><br />For lunch box recipes, check out <a href="http://southernfood.about.com/cs/lunchboxideas/a/school_lunch.htm">About.com's school lunch page</a>.<br /><br />'Til next time,<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-81732310920284172612009-08-10T13:18:00.000-07:002009-08-10T13:58:49.952-07:00Girls for a Change: Helping Girls Change their Worlds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimHlDwCRmCHjZv02S4IGh_WphR5UJQ-tXoCOtgTRxWii-HyIJ_nUUY_e-LbwZuR0-F0wSj9nM6H_zmtQVHxjds7UVUK1CkDNidC1Mh2_2KDfdoARArr5AYHIRn29mvR8eRQV1WgV1/s1600-h/girls-inaction.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimHlDwCRmCHjZv02S4IGh_WphR5UJQ-tXoCOtgTRxWii-HyIJ_nUUY_e-LbwZuR0-F0wSj9nM6H_zmtQVHxjds7UVUK1CkDNidC1Mh2_2KDfdoARArr5AYHIRn29mvR8eRQV1WgV1/s320/girls-inaction.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368440176009838066" /></a><br />On G is 4 Girl Blogs! we like to feature organizations aimed at helping girls achieve great things. Last week, I came across a cool one that does just that: <a href="http://www.girlsforachange.org">Girls for a Change</a>.<br /><br />As stated on their site, "<a href="http://www.girlsforachange.org">Girls for a Change</a> is a national organization that empowers girls to create social change." Since 2002, they have inspired girls to conquer problems and help people in their own neighborhoods by providing them with the tools and resources they need to make a difference. While Girls for a Change aims to help girls everywhere, they are especially committed to helping girls in low-income areas. They began in the Silicon Valley and branched out to the Phoenix area in 2005, followed by a Girls Summit National Tour in 2008, where they taught more than 2,500 girls about social change and how to implement it in their own communities. <br /><br />What is a very cool part of this program, is that the girls frequently meet with and learn from their "coaches" -- professional women volunteers who guide them toward achieving their goals. With their guidance, not only do girls do something helpful in their communities, they learn that they have the power and strength to make those changes happen. Girl power in action!<br /><br />Maybe someday soon there will be a <a href="http://www.girlsforachange.org">Girls for a Change</a> group near you!<br /><br />'Til next time,<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-21056853360882053402009-08-03T09:12:00.000-07:002009-08-03T09:20:29.739-07:00Girl World Daily: Online Mag for Preteens & Teens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iO8tiq0WF3ZHi-uT0lj_TM6M0qWMve6wfv5-q6GikPC_WfiAzEgJ-I7piyNUl8wTlhlHs7pc4GrnIHsNT8NEXSu83V8MbO_ClwuCDNtAWLesLV8HzmtD9iQ_ZsWB6Tj0w4DfnT6a/s1600-h/large.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iO8tiq0WF3ZHi-uT0lj_TM6M0qWMve6wfv5-q6GikPC_WfiAzEgJ-I7piyNUl8wTlhlHs7pc4GrnIHsNT8NEXSu83V8MbO_ClwuCDNtAWLesLV8HzmtD9iQ_ZsWB6Tj0w4DfnT6a/s320/large.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365771353232658114" /></a><br /><br />We at G is 4 Girl are proud and super-excited to announce our partnership with Girl World Daily, an online magazine for tweens and teen girls that can be found on our <a href="http://www.girlworlddaily.com/gis4girl">G is 4 Girl website</a>!<br /><br />This is a really cool -- and free! -- online magazine filled with articles, interviews, and quizzes tailor-made for girls. It covers topics such as health, entertainment, relationships and more in a fun and engaging way. Better yet -- <a href="http://www.girlworlddaily.com/gis4girl">Girl World Daily</a> shares our mission of empowering girls and making them feel good about themselves as they navigate the turbulent tween years. I wish I had something like this when I was a tween!<br /><br />The magazine is created and edited by Studio One Networks, a New York-based media firm specializing in award-winning multimedia content.<br /><br />'Til next time,<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227805515147173043.post-20839087033303117622009-07-29T14:49:00.001-07:002009-07-30T14:28:57.169-07:00Check This Out: Girl Mogul Magazine!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsdc4IqkHqhel5lG_jMiX8D3cHaFmDYIrquVEXLV5q1ls9tOQ9SIePlw9cqrAxQFRKurVpGpFWNwww81wGh3WiPC07znPI4HksFKA47c7gB_5N1DKB0HE8KrNosum4fH7ye2i_fjr/s1600-h/Girl+Mogul+Cover.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsdc4IqkHqhel5lG_jMiX8D3cHaFmDYIrquVEXLV5q1ls9tOQ9SIePlw9cqrAxQFRKurVpGpFWNwww81wGh3WiPC07znPI4HksFKA47c7gB_5N1DKB0HE8KrNosum4fH7ye2i_fjr/s320/Girl+Mogul+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364002733060305074" /></a><br /><br />If there's a girl in your life who's between the ages of 7 and 13, then you should know about the upcoming publication, <em><a href="http://girlmogulmagazine.com">Girl Mogul Magazine</a></em>. Their motto says it all: "Encouraging Successful Girls." <br /><br />Scheduled for launch in September 2009, <em>Girl Mogul Magazine</em> will be subscription-based and initially will reach over 125,000 girls. The magzine plans to hit newsstands in 2010.<br /><br />But if you can't wait for the first issue, not to worry: girls can read Girl Mogul Online at <a href="http://www.girlmogulmagazine.com">www.girlmogulmagazine.com</a> -- a great blog for girls featuring positive articles, news and advice for girls on the move. To quote from their web site, Girl Mogul is "for girls who are making a difference in their community, who are leaders, entrepreneurs and world changers. Girl Mogul Magazine is about who you are, what you stand for and what you can do with your life. It isn’t about what you wear or what you look like, what’s inside that makes you shine.”<br /><br />I can't wait until my daughter knows how to read! <br /><br />They've even developed a site for parents, <a href="http://www.girlmogulmom.com">GirlMogulMom.com</a>, offering advice and tips for moms <em>and dads</em>. Pretty cool! Check them out!<br /><br />'Til next time,<br />ErinGis4Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06978991704070900284noreply@blogger.com3