Never Give Up Until They Buckle Up

Parenting is not an easy gig. There are many times that as a parent, you have to make the unpopular decision. There are certain things that are just big "NOs" in our home. Riding in a car without a seat belt is one of those things.
 
Did you know that from 2011 to 2015, an estimated 343,000 children age 8-14 were injured while traveling in passenger vehicles, and an additional 1,692 children died? A full 50% of those who died were unrestrained at the time of the crash. Those are sobering statistics and as a parent of a child that fall into that age bracket, I can only imagine asking the question, “What if they had been buckled up?”

Think Spring With Planet-Friendly Clothing From prAna

It is March here in Pennsylvania. While I may be strolling the mall, looking at adorable light-weight spring fashions in pretty colors, the temperature is 28 degrees and snow and sleet are falling from the sky. But that can't stop me from thinking spring. I am dreaming of warm days, lighter clothes, and relaxing days.

There is just something about spring . . .those first blades of green grass, the crocus and daffodils and feeling the warmth from a ray of sunshine. I am over my winter wardrobe. I am ready to break out lighter fabrics, brighter colors and fun shoes. I recently partnered with prAna to bring you this fun spring look, that will take you right into the warm days of summer. prAna designs clothing that looks good, but is versatile for any lifestyle and any adventure. These pieces work great together, but are also wardrobe basics that you can pair with almost anything else in your closet!

What's a B-Corp and Why Does it Matter?

Back in my days of corporate accounting, I recall learning accounting rules for S-Corps and C-Corps . . .but B-Corps? That's a new one on me. B Corps are a new type of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

That sounds like a perfect partnership, doesn't it? So what exactly IS a B Corp? B Corps are for-profit companies, certified by the nonprofit B Lab, to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Why do they matter? Because currently, there are more than 1,600 B Corps, from 42 countries and over 1200 industries, working together towards redefining success in business. How cool is that?

One of the latest companies to join this B-Corp movement, is Stonyfield. If you've been around the blog, then you know I have been fortunate enough to be a Stonyfield Ambassador in their Yogetter, Stonyfield Blogger program. It has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to try and share new products, as well a chance to see how the company really works.

Some of the things that have always drawn me to Stonyfield as a brand, are their corporate policies, mission and commitment to providing quality, organic products. They care about the farmers and where the ingredients they use to produce their products come from, and as a consumer, that matters to me. They believe it's important to take care of the world around them, to make food that I can feel good about feeding to my family.

As part of their celebration, Stonyfield sent me a package containing products from several of their B Corp partners. Collectively, these companies are leading a global movement of people using business as a means to do good.

My package included delicious Stonyfield Grass Fed Yogurt, King Arthur Flour, a coupon for Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs, Pukka Tea, Method Hand Soap, a Preserve Toothbrush and some Purely Elizabeth Granola. Thanks Stonyfield - I can't wait to try all these delicious things from some pretty super companies!

What do you think of this B Corp revolution? A new way of doing business could be good for all of us, couldn't it?

You can find out more by visiting Stonyfield's website or by following them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

catch you soon -

Spreading Kindness This Holiday Season With Stonyfield

I have always emphasized kindness to my children. I tell them often, that we may not be the smartest, richest or best looking person in the room, but there is no reason that we can't be the kindest.  Unlike wealth, good looks or intelligence, kindness is a choice.

When I told them that we had the opportunity to be kind and spread some holiday cheer with someone who needs it this holiday season, they didn't hesitate to get on board. I explained that because of the generosity of Stonyfield and my relationship with them this year, we had received a gift card to be used to pay it forward this holiday season. We brainstormed on how and who we could help, finally deciding to select two stars from the Wall of Kindness at Owen's elementary school.

Where Will You Give? #GivingTuesday

Today is #GivingTuesday.

What is Giving Tuesday you ask? It's a global day dedicated to giving back. A simple concept to make the world we live in just a little bit better, particularly during this season of giving.

My husband and I try to instill a spirit of giving in our children. It's important to us that they think about the world beyond their own home, and consider that not every person is as fortunate as they are. That's tough for kids, since part of childhood is believing in a perfect world. But their hearts are already so big, that they are often more than willing to donate old toys and books or part of their allowance, to someone that needs it more.

Creating Change, One Voice at a Time: A Conversation With Malala

I have always believed that somewhere in each and every one of us, is the power to change the world. I'm not sure why I have always believed this, I grew up in a typical middle-class American home. While my parents were loving, supportive and encouraging, we weren't that family that have the fire to change the status-quo. My parents never discouraged me from speaking my mind or standing up for what I believed in, but we weren't marching in any parades or attending any rallies either.

As I've gotten older, with children of my own, I see just how powerful our beliefs can be. How we truly can change the world, one person, one voice, at a time. I had the incredible honor of participating in a conference call with Malala Yousafzai. As far as blogging opportunities go, this one was pretty mind-blowing for me.

Teaching Your Kids How To Give to Others

Today is #GivingTuesday. What does that mean? #GivingTuesday is an initiative to start the giving season. Everyone can get involved and support their favorite cause.

We participate regularly in local donation programs. We collect our outgrown clothes and toys, as well as household items a few times a year and have them collected for donation. I try to make this a family affair, involving the kids in decisions and collections. In addition, our school district collects non-perishable foods for our local food bank, so we add items to our weekly grocery shopping to donate.

But last night, while watching the 2014 Nickelodeon HALO Awards, I was struck by the the kids that were nominated. Their belief in making the world a better place for everyone was truly inspiring. It got me thinking about how you "inspire" your kids to want to make the world a better place - not just do kind things because that's what they've taught. Is that level of inspiration possible or does it come form somewhere within?

To celebrate #GivingTuesday and keep the spirit alive and growing within our own families, I wanted to share this article written by Jennifer Jacobson and Gretchen Barry. Through it, maybe we can all find a way to encourage and inspire our own kids to give a little of themselves to others during the holidays, and throughout the year and years to come, to make the world a better place for all of us.

Teaching Your Kids To Give

Establishing the mentality of life-long giving

By Jennifer L. Jacobson and Gretchen Barry

While raising kids has never been easy, it can be one of the most rewarding things that some people do–especially when children grow up to be productive, contributing members to society, and that includes knowing how to give back and enrich the communities in which they live.

When should children start participating in the giving process? As early as possible. Even if they’re still toddlers; observing charitable acts that happen regularly and eventually understanding them, will leave a big impression. Learning how to give and developing that skillset is a lifelong journey.

Giving is more than a task; it’s a mindset. A way of life, a way of looking at the world and asking, how can I help? How can I make connections between needs and time and resources? How can I bring awareness to specific needs and evoke action?

1. Ask Your Kids How They Would Like to Help.
If giving to a cause is new to your household, involve your kids as early as possible; tell them that your family has the chance to give back. Then, engage them in a conversation about the types of causes they may feel strongly about and ways they think they can help.

This could involve helping families, working to save open spaces, caring for nature or a community garden, helping to save an endangered species, or helping those in need.

Once you’ve identified key topics that your family is interested in, (make a list, as this helps visualize everything), start researching specific local organizations (add them to the list).

Food kitchens
Pet shelters and animal rescues
Nature conservation efforts
Fundraising for various activities for low-income kids, like camp
Zoos, museums, and aquariums
Schools and local libraries (these days, even they need as much help as they can get)
Visitation of patients in hospitals
Visitation of the elderly in nursing homes

2. Make a Game Plan.
Get creative about how your family can help the organization(s) you choose. Bake sales are traditional, but there are other ways to help. Talk it through with your family, map it out, and post the results somewhere in the home that is highly visible.

Gamify it to some degree with tasks that turn into goals that turn into accomplishment, that result in stickers.

3. Quick Tasks and Ideas That Can Make a Big Difference

• Clear the clutter. Every 6 to 12 months, have a household closet cleaning day (that includes the toy chest, and maybe even the garage). Get everyone in the family to help.

• Make a donate box. Put it out where your kids can add to it. Donate often, even if it’s small.

• Make Detours to Giving. When shopping, make a trip down the canned foods isle. Ask your kids to pick a can of food to put in your donate box at home.

• Find ways to raise money for donations. Hold a yard sale and give all or a portion of it to a selected charity. Do the same with a bake sale, an art sale, etc. Involve our kids at all stages.

• Associate getting with giving. For birthdays and holidays, aside from their other gifts, give your kids a hand-written gift “certificate of giving” with a specified amount of money that they can gift to their favorite charity. Take your child to the charity to donate that money in person if you can. For non-local organizations, write a check, and have your child include a letter.

• Volunteer time in your local community. From public gardens that need weeding, to historic buildings that need painting, or food banks that need help, find something age-appropriate that can engage your family.

4. Growing the Mindset

• Tell stories. There are lots of real-life stories about kids or groups of kids who have found creative ways to give back. Encourage empathy. Share appropriate stories of struggle. Ask kids; what would you do in this situation? How would you want people to help you?

• Walk them through the cycle. If your kids are very young, say, "We're going to give this can of food/winter coat/gift to ______. (Then explain the results.) “It will give them something to eat/keep them warm this winter/help them __________."

• Explain why you are doing it and what you’re looking for. “We don't need to store all this stuff, when someone else could really use it.” Or, “I bet there is a kid out there who would really enjoy playing with that toy. I know you used to love it but how about if you pass it along to someone else, so they can enjoy it as much as you have?” Keep the focus on the people in need and your child’s ability to share an experience through an item. Establishing an impermanent relationship to “things” can help kids better understand the important of relationships over acquiring goods.

• Develop a language of giving in your household. Find creative opportunities to incorporate it into regular conversation. Nothing is permanent. We are stewards of the planet, and the things we think we own. Everything is in change, and it is our duty to help those in need when we have abundance. If ever there is a time when we are without, we hope that others will think of us and help us.

Teaching children about the struggles of others not only develops a lifelong giving mindset, it also helps children understand how their words and actions impact those around them–a lesson that bears repeating.

I love the suggestions for starting the conversation with your kids. It can be difficult to know where to start sometimes, but keeping communication open, and sharing your own heart with our kids can be so very beneficial.

So how can you help?

catch you soon -
Disclosure - For #GivingTuesday I was not compensated for my participation as a Social Media Ambassador - I simply agreed to use my voice and influence to help spread the word.

Article shared with permission.

About the Authors:
Jennifer L. Jacobson is the founder of Jacobson Communication and an advocate for organizations looking to make a positive difference in the world. She currently serves on the board of several influential nonprofits and organizations focused on conservation, education, and community. For more, visit www.jacobsoncommunication.com

Gretchen Barry is the Director of marketing and Communications for NonProfitEasy; the all-in-one data management software, created by nonprofits for nonprofits. From CRM and database management, to events, donor engagement, fundraising, and more, NonProfitEasy offers a one-stop, affordable, integrated software solution that is changing the status quo for the greater good. For more, visit www.nonprofiteasy.com

Is Your Child In The Right Seat?

Where and how do your kids ride in the car? Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children age 1 to 13 in the US? The fatality rate could be reduced by about half, if the correct child safety seat were always used.

This week, September 14 - 20, 2014 is  Child Passenger Safety Week. With the help of the Ad Council and Element Associates, I'm bringing you some important information to help you keep your kids safe when they ride in the car.

One of the goals of Child Passenger Safety Week is to encourage parents and caregivers (like you and me) to visit http://www.safercar.gov/TheRightSeat to determine if your child is in the right seat for his or her age and size.  

We are definitely "no tolerance" when it comes to car seats and seat belts. My kids ALWAYS ride in a car seat (if required) and wear seat belts, or we don't go. They are not allowed to unbuckle if the car is on - ever. We do not roam around the car in "carline" for school or camp. Car seat safety is not an option for us.

Safety seats, if used correctly, dramatically reduce the risk of fatality or injury to children. When I was a child, I remember sitting on the arm rest in the front seat of my grandparents' Lincoln Continental. Can you imagine letting your child do that these days?

We are so much smarter and there are more laws to protect our safety these days, however research shows that three out of every four seats are not used correctly. This means the child is not in the correct car seat for their age, height and weight OR the car seat is not installed correctly.  If a car seat isn't installed properly, your child's safety could be in danger. Every car seat has different installation instructions. You can find resources and tips to help you get the right fit on your car seats online. I found out that the back of our son's booster seat needed to be raised up! You can also locate a seat check event in your area.

Even as smart as we are, in 2012, over one-third (37%) of children killed in car crashes were not is car seat or wearing seat belts. That is 37% too many! While you're online, be sure to register your child's car seat with the manufacturer, so that you can be informed of any recalls.

I hope you found this information useful - let's all be safe out there!

catch you soon -
This post was created in cooperation with the Ad Council, The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Element Associates to help raise awareness of a serious issue. I was not compensated for my time, and all statistics were provided to me.  All opinions are as always, my own.

Help Light The Night For Kids with Cancer

{I am a compensated ambassador for the Light the Night campaign.  All opinions expressed here are my own.}

This fall, you can walk to end cancer by joining the Lukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Light the Night Walk fundraising campaign. This campaign brings together families and communities alike to honor blood cancer survivors, as well as those lost to the diseases. By spreading the word about the campaign, and participating, we can help to shine a light on finding cures and providing access to treatments for blood cancer patients.

Did you know that Lukemia is the most common cancer in children and adolescents less than 20 years old? I had a friend in high school affected by the disease. At the time,  I didn't really know much about it, and it was very scary. I am happy to report he's a survivor. My oldest son currently has a friend from school that is battling this disease (along with his family) as I type. I read regular reports of what they are going through, and I admire their bravery so much. 

While extraordinary progress has been made in treatments for blood cancer, the journey back to a healthy life can be a long one! As if just fighting Lukemia isn't enough, these kids may have additional challenges to deal with, like returning to school, maintaining friendships and keeping up with their homework.

This year, Sylvan Learning is partnering with LLS through the Light the Night with a commitment to raise $250,000 and to donate more than 12,000 hours of free tutoring service in communities nationwide to help young blood cancer patients and their families transition back to school.

This is where we can help!

• You (and your family) can join a walk in your neighborhood! There are more than 200 across the country. It's easy to walk by registering and joining a team. In Philadelphia, the walk is on November 9 at the Philadelphia Art Museum.

• Learn more about how LLS and Sylvan are helping young cancer patients and their families manage.

• Find a walk in your area, and join a Sylvan Learning walk team in supporting this great cause.

Do you know a family batting blood cancer?

catch you soon -

Help Make Kids' Summer Full (#HungerFreeSummer)

Around here, summer is in full swing. My kids are off to camp each day with a lunch packed with love. They get to swim, participate in sports and activities and make new friends. It fills my heart to see them laughing, happy and full. But I know that many kids, even kids that live in my neighborhood, may not have those luxuries this summer.

If you read my previous post, then you know I've teamed up with The Motherhood to help spread the word about child hunger this summer and learn how you and I can help in the fight to end childhood hunger. When kids are out of school for the summer, nearly 90 percent have limited or no access to the free or reduced priced meals they receive at school during the school year. This means that children may be at even greater risk for hunger during the summer months.

ConAgra Foods' Hunger-Free Summer initiative with Feeding America has a goal of reaching at least 25 percent more children in need during the summer than before, over the course of five years. The good news, is that they are on-track to exceed that goal. In the four years of Hunger Free Summer, they have increased the number of children reached through the program by 166 percent, and helped expand the number of Feeding America food banks opening summer feeding programs. The bad news, there are still kids that need our help.

I hope that you can join me and my family, along with other bloggers working with The Motherhood,  in the fight to end child hunger and help make kids' summers full.  You can visit our group Pinterest Board to see how we are planning a childlike summer.

What can you do to help?

• Consider adding a few extras to your shopping cart (know those buy 1 get one free coupons?) and donating them to your local food bank. Or volunteer to help out.  Visit www.feedingamerica.org to find a nearby food bank in need of volunteers. My kids and I are planning a shopping trip next week, to fill up a bag of groceries to drop off off at our neighborhood food bank.

• ConAgra Foods has partnered with Kid President to help spread the message. Simply view, like or share this video to help raise awareness for child hunger this summer.

• Learn more about the issue of child hunger and how you can help, visit www.childhungerendshere.com and click on the "tacking action" tab.

I'd love to hear your ideas, or things that are happening in your communities and neighborhoods to help end child hunger.

catch you soon - 
This is a sponsored post with The Motherhood on behalf of ConAgra Foods and Feeding America, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

No School Can Mean No Lunch

This is a sponsored post with The Motherhood on behalf of ConAgra Foods and Feeding America, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.


Many of us, myself included, are looking forward to the summer break from school. What you may not realize, and I hadn't really considered before, is that nearly 90% of school children have limited or no access to the free or reduced price meals they receive at school during the school year. Wow - right?

We may not think it's happening in our neighborhoods and school districts, but studies have shown that it is, and children may be at even greater risk for hunger during the summer months. Kids can't be kids when they're hungry. We had a conversation about his over dinner the other night. It was a classic case of the kids not wanting to eat, and me being reminded of when I was a kid and told, "if you're not going to eat it, we'll send it kids that will." While I know that's not a great way to encourage your own kids to eat healthy, there's merit to thinking about our own habits and how we can help kids have more.

The issue of hungry children came to light for me while I was watching an episode of Chopped. It was a competition among Cafeteria Cooks and one woman said if she won, she was going to use her winnings to support her efforts to feed kids during the weekends and summer breaks from school. How awesome is that? She had put together a whole backpack program to send food home with kids over the weekends. So when The Motherhood asked me to be a part of spreading the word about ConAgra Food's Hunger Free Summer Initiative, I said, "count me in!"

ConAgra Foods' Humger Free Summer initiative is in it's fifth year (FIVE years - who knew??!!) and has supported the delivery of 3.8 million meals to children struggling with hunger over the summer. How can we make a difference in our communities and in countless communities across the United States? This summer, 26 food banks in 18 states will use Hunger-Free Summer grants, funded by the ConAgra Food Foundation - ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 - to expand their summer feeding program, bringing more healthy meals to more children during the summer.

View, like or share Kid President’s new video to raise awareness for kids who are at risk of hunger this summer and help make kids’ summers “awesome!” Every time you take one of these actions, the ConAgra Foods Foundation will donate the monetary equivalent of one meal to the nation’s leading hunger-relief organization, Feeding America, up to two million meals.¹ 

A pretty easy way to help - right?




What else can you do to help? Here are some suggestions to get you started, but talk to your own kids around the dinner table and come back and share their ideas. If we all work together, we can make a difference.

Volunteer - While providing meals is a top priority, fun activities are also im portant in attracting children to feeding sites, During the summer, volunteers can help transport food, help an existing feeding site with lunch prep and clean-up or do activities with the kids. Visit www.feedingamerica.org to find a food bank near you in need of volunteers.

Advocate - To find meal sites in your area, call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)

Learn - To learn more about the issue of child hunger, visit www.childhungerendshere.com and click on the "taking action" tab.

Hopefully together, we can help ensure less and less kids feel hungry during summer break! Here's to a great summer for every kid!

catch you soon -
  ¹For every view, like or share of this Kid President video recorded on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Google+ from May 22, 2014 through July 31, 2014, the ConAgra Foods Foundation will donate 11.1¢, the cost for Feeding America to provide one meal through its network of local food banks. Minimum donation of 10,000 meals ($11,111). Maximum donation of two million meals ($222,000). Valid in U.S. only.
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Get F.A.S.T. for American Stroke Month

Did you know that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading preventable cause of disability in the US? I didn't know until it happened to our family. Each year, about 795,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke - that's about one stroke every 40 seconds. Ours happened on a seemingly "normal" day in August of 2011.



We are so lucky that when John suffered his stroke, he was at a Doctor's appointment. The Doctor recognized the signs and called 9-1-1. Imagine my surprise when I answered a call on my cell phone from my husband's number, and it was a Doctor - telling me he had sent John to the ER with symptoms of a stroke. In my opinion, that doctor saved my husband's life and I am forever grateful.

When you recognize a stroke and immediately call 9-1-1, the person has a greater chance of getting to an appropriate hospital quickly and being assessed for treatment options. Many people don't know the warning signs of a stroke - I was one of those people. In fact, in hindsight, we believe that John suffered a series of small TIAs prior to the one that brought him to the emergency room with a dissected carotid artery.

May is American Stroke Month so I'm working with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and the Ad Council to raise awareness about F.A.S.T. to recognize a stroke and know what do to in an emergency.

You can also download the F.A.S.T. app for your smartphone. Don't be caught unaware - it can mean the difference between life and death.



catch you soon -

Disclosure - I was not compensated in any way for this post. It's something I believe strongly in and if sharing our story can help someone, that's what my voice is for. All opinions are as always, my very own. 

Want to Improve Your Recycling Game in Time for Earth Day? {sponsored}

We hear a lot about "reduce, reuse and recycle" these days. With Earth Day coming up on April 22, it's a great time to take a look around your house and remember that recycling isn't just for your kitchen.

I don't know about you, but our bathroom trash can gets full of small paper cups, empty mouthwash and shampoo bottles and spent toilet paper rolls pretty quickly. We started taking a harder looks at this packaging, and setting aside many empty containers for the recycling. The smallest room in your house, can actually have a big impact on the planet. A lot of that bathroom "trash" is actually recyclable material.

How do you keep up on the recycling in your home? For additional tips and facts on what and where to recycle, check out http://caretorecycle.com/

Guess what? HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® is offering my wonderful readers amazing printable coupons, tips and tools and so much more for all the products you and your family love. You can save over $55 by visiting http://www.HealthyEssentials.com in April and signing up for HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® program coupons and offers.

One more thing - do you like to take photos? If so, for every photo shared through Donate A Photo, Johnson&Johnson will donate one dollar to one of its non-profit partners, (you can choose from a rotating list). The free Donate A Photo (DAP) app allows you to make a difference by raising money and awareness for causes that you care about through one simple act - taking a photo . . .and who doesn't like to do that?

catch you soon -

Disclosure - This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

Spring Cleaning with Goodwill {sponsored}

Around here, I've been doing a bit of spring cleaning. For me, that means clearing out all our closets (including the dreaded coat closet) and drawers for clothes that no longer fit. With two growing boys, ill-fitting clothes happen often around here.

As I clear things out, I put them in a "holding area" which is a nice way of saying a spot in my basement. I do this, "just in case" we still want something. After an undisclosed amount of time, it's then much easier to part with things - especially toys and games - because they are out of sight.

Typically, I call a local service that will come and pick up my donated clothing and household goods, but I recently learned that making a donation of my used clothing or household goods to Goodwill helps create jobs directly in my community. That's a total win-win!

If you want to see what impact your donation can have, simply check out the Goodwill Donation Impact Calculator at http://www.goodwill.org (YES - it's THAT easy).

This past weekend, we had a great bout of summer weather and I took advantage of it to clean out the garage. I am pretty sure that my 7 year old no longer needs his tricycle. I pulled out so many things that are still in great shape (some of them are unused) that someone else can use. Not sure to where to start in your own home? Check out this handy guide:

Check out How to Clean Your Home AND Create Jobs by Goodwill Industries International on Snapguide.

Do you spring clean the clutter form your home? What are some of your best motivators and tips?

catch you soon -

This post was made possible through the support of Goodwill. All opinions are my own.

Getting a Grip on Tech {Review}

I don't know about your family, but it seems to me, that we are always on the move these days. At some point during the day, I am running around the house saying "get your coat, grab a hat, take any gadgets you want in the car." This is particularly relevant to my youngest, who spends a lot of time with me in the car carting his older brother around to various events.

I let him keep amused with bringing an iTouch or a DS . . .but I always cringe when he wants to bring the iPad . . .they are slippery little things. So I was delighted when a bright red Gripcase landed on my front step for review.

It was super easy to slip the iPad 2 into the flexible case. . .although I admit, the first time I put it in backwards, but quickly realized my mistake when the buttons didn't match up with the spaces. If you exercise more patience than I did and look at it first, you won't have any problems - it's really easy.

I love the way it looks - the bright red color makes it easy to spot, and those handles all around are fantastic for carrying it and keeping a good grip on it. My teenager thought it looked a little "dorky", but had to admit it was easy to hold onto, carry and hand back and forth with his brother.

You can see more about the sizes and colors that the Gripcase comes in on their website. You can also read about their wonderful BOGO program. With this program, when you buy a Gripcase, they will donate one to a school of your choice. Gripcase is also pretty active on social media, if you're looking for a fun brand to interact with. You can find them on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

We we are giving the Gripcase two thumbs up (six, if you count all three of us).

catch you soon -

Disclosure - Gripcase.com provided a case to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions expressed are my own and those of my family.

Helping Philadelphia Area Children in Need With Shire's Big Give and Cradles to Crayons

Can you imagine your child missing school because they didn't have something they needed, like a calculator?  Or shoes that fit?  Or a warm coat?

No, as I sit here among our things feeling very blessed, I can't imagine it either.

But it's happening. It's happening all over our country, and it is happening right here in the Philadelphia-area. But we can help.

That's right you, me and all our neighbors and friends can help.

How?

By participating in Shire's Big Give (now in it's sixth year). What's Shire's Big Give you ask? It's a massive collection drive that benefits Cradles to Crayons, a local non-profit organization that connects communities that have with communities that need. Residents in the Philadelphia area can drop off new or gently-used clothing, toys, school supplies and other essentials at one of five regional Giving Stations on Saturday, October 5,  from 9a to 1p:

• Doylestown Bookstores, 16 South Main Street, Doylestown, PA
• Fort Washington Fire Company No 1 at 801 Loch Alsh Ave, Fort Washington, PA
• Government Services Center at 601 Westtown Rd., Westtown, PA
• Springfield Mall at 1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA
• Wilson Farm Park in the Chesterbrook Corporate Center, Wayne, PA

The needs in the suburbs is growing, and Michael Smith, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons says that "poverty among children is the highest it's been in 50 years."

Please take a minute to help. Help Shire's Big Give reach their goal to help 5,000 children in our very own neighborhoods, thrive in school, at home and with their friends.

Much needed items include new socks and underwear, gently-used pants for boys of all sizes, sneakers and baby items including strollers, diaper bags and car seats less than five years old. Winter boots, notebooks, backpacks and folders are also in high demand.
 
I'm off to clean up the boys' rooms, and gather some things together to donate. I hope you'll join me.

catch you soon -

Broken Buildings. . .But Not Broken Dreams - The Jersey Shore Rebuilds #JerseyLove

Hurricane Sandy was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season, as well as the second-costliest hurricane in United States history.

Some called it the Storm of the Century. . .a Super Storm. Overall, 285 people died, 100 of them in the United States. In nine days, the storm affected Eastern Canada, Greater Antillies, The Eastern United States, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

The famous and beloved Jersey Shore took a beating. . .but while she may have been broken, she is far from beaten.

 

A few weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity to travel with 39 other women, active in Social Media, as part of the very first Social Media for Social Good Retreat. Many of them I knew online. . .but had never met them "IRL" (in real life). They traveled to my home state of New Jersey from California, Nevada, North Carolina, Arkansas, and other states around our country for one purpose. . .to support the rebuilding of the Jersey Shore through our #JerseyLove initiative.

With incredible help from The Caesar's Entertainment Group, D6SurfSkimmer, and other sponsors and supporters. . .the dream of Kadi Prescott and Elizabeth Norton became a reality.

Much of our #JerseyLove weekend may have looked like a press junket, but make no mistake. . .these women were there to do good, and they were serious about it. According to a document released by the NJ Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission, the economic impact of the Travel and Tourism industry in NJ contributes $20 billion in economic activity each year and generates 426,000 jobs. In 2003, more than 65 million people visited New Jersey. With reports of areas still damaged by the storms, we were there to spread the word that the "Jersey Shore Was Open For Business".

We traveled via carpools to Belmar, NJ, home to a member of Social Media Moms. We were there to present a check to Mayor Matt Doherty for $5000, raised in part by a generous donation from D6Sports.

The folks from D6Sports where on-hand, along with people from Eastern Lines Surf Shop in Belmar, to demonstrate what surf skimming and surfing looks like on the jersey shore. They encouraged us to share that with our followers and readers. . .to show them all the Jersey Shore has to offer as a family beach destination.

It was very fitting that the day we did this, Tropical Storm Andrea touched New Jersey. It was foggy, rainy and chilly. But that didn't stop us from trooping onto the beach, visiting the surf shop, and enjoying the amazing hospitality of D'Jais on the Belmar Boardwalk.

When you ask 40 women that spend much of their lives sharing on social media, to spread the word that the Jersey Shore is open, we take you seriously. Estimates are that our #JerseyLove efforts have reached 5 million people. I hope we touched 5 million hearts.

The #JerseyLove effort isn't over yet. . .the success of this summer season remains to be seen. But I can tell you this. . .there are places to stay, and food to eat, and beautiful beaches to play on. Shops are open, chef's are making incredible meals and DJs are spinning the latest tunes.

So pack up your family and make a plan to head down the shore this summer.

catch you soon - 

Disclosure - D6 Sports and Caesar's Entertainment, along with many other sponsors made this trip possible. Please note that although we had sponsors for the trip, we also paid to attend and received no monetary compensation for our time.

Wordless Wednesday - #JerseyLove Style

Disclosure: Caesars Entertainment is a generous sponsor of the #JerseyLove Social Media For Social Good Trip.

What happens when a group of social-savvy, social-good loving women head to the Jersey shore.

catch you soon -

#vlogmom | Paying it Forward

This week's #vlogmom prompt comes from Rajean over at Because I said So. Rajean asked us:

What is the last thing you did to Pay if Forward?"

We try to do our share around here to Pay if Forward on a regular basis. It's important to me that the kids learn that we should do our part to make the world just a little bit better.



How about you? When was the last time you took time to Pay if Forward?

catch you soon - about an hour ago

Magic at the Jersey Shore

Disclosure: Caesars Entertainment is a generous sponsor of the #JerseyLove Social Media For Social Good Trip.

If you ask me, I have always been a beach person. . .however, my mom will tell you that when I was little, she had to bring a giant sheet and a whisk brush to keep the sand off me.

I can recall trips with my grandparents to the boardwalk to ride the rides when I was little, family outings to the beach and a family vacation to Fortesque so my dad could fish and my brother and I could play on the beach.

The beach has always been a part of my life - Senior Skip day in high school and countless weekends in Ocean City and Sea Isle when I was a young adult. And several years ago, I shared that love with my kids. We went down for the day in mid-September (my favorite time to go) and spent the morning on the beach then the late afternoon and evening on the boardwalk. They were hooked.

There is some magic to the Jersey Shore - the boardwalks, ice cream, salt water taffy, the Ferris Wheel, sea gulls, horseshoe crabs, sandcastles and seashells.

The following year, I gave Ryan a choice for his birthday - a party or long weekend at the beach. He chose the beach. We found a great beachfront hotel and made it an overnight. The next year and ever since, we head down on a Friday morning, and stay two nights. My parents come down and stay as well. It's a great time full of fun and family memories.

This weekend I am heading to the Jersey Shore with a different group and for a different purpose.
I am incredibly proud and honored to be a part of the first Social Media for Social Good Retreat, a group of 40 women from across the country traveling to New Jersey to raise awareness for and promote the re-opening of the Jersey Shore for the 2013 season. The four-day #JerseyLove Retreat is hosted by Ceasar's Entertainment and D6 Sports, and is designed to encourage consumers to visit the Jersey Shore post Superstorm Sandy.

In case you haven't heard - the shore is back, open and ready for summer!

catch you soon -