Reading Is Fundamental

With the help of Buddig Lunchmeats, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is giving new books to underserved kids. You can help this worthy cause just by “liking” RIF’s Facebook page. During the month of August, Buddig will make a $2.50 donation matching up to $5,000 to support RIF literacy programs.

This summer, Buddig is also sponsoring a Be A Reader Virtual Book Drive to raisefunds to purchase new books for children living in poverty. Help give them a head start by donating to the Be A Reader Virtual Book Drive. Every $10 you donate lets RIF buy 4 books! Make a donation of $5 or $10 and you’ll receive a coupon from Buddig Lunchmeats. Larger donations could earn you an insulated lunch bag or backpack. Funds raised through the Be A Reader Virtual Book Drive will be used to purchase new books for participating RIF youth.

 

Thrifty Nifty is giving away a $50 Amazon GC. ends 8/31

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty

My cat, Gigi always seems to need food. And treats. And kitty litter.

So I'll keep trying to win stuff for her.

Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife is offering a $25 Petco GC. ends 9/1

Mad About Pets will give away a $25 gift card to Petco. ends 8/30

Win $500 Spa GC from BlogHer 0831

The BlogHer Get Old Program Wave 2 Sweepstakes run from 7/30/12 through 8/31/12. Both sweepstakes are only open to individuals who, at the time of entry deadline, are legal residents of the United States and are 18 years or older. Medical professionals who are licensed (or are otherwise authorized) to prescribe medications are not eligible to enter. Click  here for official rules for Wave 2.  Entries will be pooled across participating blogs for each wave and winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Good luck!

Living Your Best Life At Any Age {Or...I'm Getting Old...Now What Do I Do?}

Well, if I’m OLD, I might as well write about it! Even if I’m not HAPPY about it. I begrudgingly went and visited GetOld.com, the website that Pfizer has launched where members of the public are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences about getting older. First impression? Cool website. Neat interface. Creative idea!  

Getting Old? Pffft, don't make me laugh...

My journey into this new-found confidence and happiness began as I approached my fiftieth birthday. I realized I was not the woman I wanted to be; I was not the woman I knew my parents and children could be proud of, and I was the only one to blame. It was then that I decided I was the one who had to take the steps that would force me in the right direction.  

Growing Old. Get There.

The way I look at growing older now? I see it as BRING IT ON, BIRTHDAYS. Because the alternative to not growing older? I’m not really into it. At all.  

Boring-Goody-Goody-Rule-Follower

But, NOW I look forward to getting older because I wonder what I can do to make a difference. To change things. To leave an impact. To me, getting older is not just about wrinkles and eye cream {although I will definitely be using the eye cream}. It’s more about the legacy that I am leaving behind.

The Alternative to Getting Old is Worse Than Getting Old

Getting old is not for the faint of heart, it's true, but it sure beats the alternative. Celebrating birthday after birthday is not a bad thing, though - with age comes wisdom and freedom and being comfortable in one's skin.  

Getting Old{er} Rocks

30 was a big birthday for me – not because it meant the end of my 20s but because 30 is the first birthday of my mom’s I remember. It was the first time I had the thought: My mom is old.  

Get Old… and Fulfill Your Dreams

But eventually that depression releases its stronghold, and I find myself planning and, most importantly, hoping for my future. I am determined to live as long a life as possible and to fulfill my remaining dreams. And my biggest dream in the second half of my life is to travel.  

My Thoughts on “Getting Old”

I want to be a healthy mom. When my own mother was diagnosed with melanoma in 2010, I vowed to be even more careful than ever about my time in the sun. I’ve seen the effects it has had on her, and I am determined to protect myself and my children from that kind of hardship.  

Getting Older – Thoughts and a Sweepstakes

My parents are a great example; they’re in their late sixties and haven’t slowed down or given up any of the things that they love. My dad teaches for the University of Phoenix and owns a clock repair business, despite being officially retired. My mom is also retired but goes to quilting every week and creates gorgeous and award-winning quilts for family and friends.  

Getting Older

Where had the time gone? There are small bags under my eyes, wrinkles where I furrow my brows and pigment splotching on my forehead. I wished for a moment I could go back to my teens and just battle the occasional breakouts; but the truth is, I would never choose to go back.

How Do You Feel About Getting Old?

I want to become more active physically, travel throughout the wonderful National Parks in the West, learn more about photography, challenge myself to ride a horse, hike and ski, do more creative activities, and most of all enjoy my grandchildren!  

Get Old? Why Not?

My twenties were fun, but my thirties are better. Quite frankly, that makes me super optimistic about my forties, too! I don’t lie about my age– never have and never intend to. I think that getting older is a blessing and an opportunity and I want to both celebrate it and be prepared for it.

Get Old. Get Awesome. Or Something.

I kind of want to punch puppies when I find a new gray hair, and I most definitely dropped a few not-nice words the first time I noticed a couple of the lines on my face that are more than shadows.  

In Which We Put On Our Big Girl Pants

Although getting old scares me sometimes, not getting old scares me more. I would hate to have my life cut short because of something I could have prevented. I have so much left I want to do with my life, and so much I want to do, share, and experience with the kids. And I’ll be darned if I’m going let a five minute exam stand in the way of getting old.  

On growing old{er}

When I think about getting older, I think about Doug's grandparents. To sit with them and listen to stories from their combined 180 years on this Earth is an amazing testament to a life well-lived.

Getting Older At My Own Pace

I think about aging a lot when I run. Starting a running routine was one of the first decisions I made for myself as an autonomous adult, and I imagine it was one of the best decisions I could have made to keep myself younger longer.  

Not Forever 29

I just celebrated my twenty-ninth birthday. I don't intend to celebrate it again, adding air quotes around the number as I repeat it each calendar year. No, I will not be forever twenty-nine no matter how hard the glossy covers try to convince me aging is unnatural and youth is the pathway to happiness.

Goals for Aging

With thirty being an age quickly approaching, I think about my past ten years and how I've aged. I don't really feel older. I do feel more tired, yes. I've grown as a person, of course, but to me, I think aging is what you make of it.  

Growing Old With Beauty and Grace

So what inspires me to want to grow old well? It’s my love of life. I enjoy every minute of every day and I want to continue to do so. Not only do I want to have a lot of years left, but I want to have a lot of good years left! 

I Like Old.

Getting old is a joyful, frustrating, tiring, exhilarating, painful, precious process. And I wouldn't trade it for any proffered Fountain of Youth because I wouldn't be who I am right now if I was suddenly young again. And I pretty much like who I am right now, wrinkles and wobbles and all.

Thought on Birthdays

Why can’t they CELEBRATE their birthdays? I’ll admit, I haven’t been one to throw big parties for myself or make a big to-do about my birthdays, but I smile and add a number onto my age and enjoy every one of the next 365 days (you know, unless I’ve had food poisoning) until the next number gets added on.  

I'm Excited About Getting Older

I'm pretty sure I'm going to love being 43, too. My kids will be 15 and 12. Life steeped in adolescent girls may not be peaceful and serene, but it will be exciting and full. My girls will be more independent and require less hands-on maintenance. They'll be sophisticated and knowledgeable.

My Thoughts on Getting Older...

I think as a child and teenager I thought "getting old" would be terrible because it seems, to a child, that older people never have any fun. That is funny when I think about it now. "Old" people have ALL the fun. 

Older, Wiser, Better!

My opinion seems to really count at this point in life. As you age, people respect you more for your gained knowledge. There is something very fulfilling about being heard by others AND knowing they trust you because of your wisdom!  

The Beauty of Getting Old

Life goes so dang fast. When the gray hairs start sprouting, skin starts drooping, you notice you're older than all the girls on The Bachelor, and you can reflect on life before the internet, it's a major wake-up call.

Enjoy Your Hairy Legs

It's that whole sapling allegory, you know? The one who is subjected to the storms learns to bend, change, and become stronger. I might be a bit softer in parts of my body, and I'm working on that, but my mind is stronger, my passion is brighter, and my love and ability to love is larger.  

Old. (Deep Breath) Is Okay.

Because, really, age doesn’t mean much. It doesn’t define who I am or how I feel about myself, and it doesn’t define what I can do or where I can go with my life. There are so many things I have now that I didn’t have in my early 20s…

InstantBucks

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InstantBucks - Get Rewarded for all the things that you do online.  via @theinstantbucks

Win $100 Visa from BlogHer and Boudreaux 8/31

Fifteen bloggers discovered the secret of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, which provides baby with comfort and mom with peace of mind. Click on the posts below to read more, share your own diaper rash story for the chance to win a $100 gift card!
Visit Boudreaux’s Butt Paste on Facebook to learn more about the ultimate “secret weapon” when it comes to preventing and treating diaper rash.
The Diaper Rash Sweepstakes run from 7/12/12 through 8/31/12 and is only open to individuals who, at the time of entry deadline, are legal residents of the United States and are 18 years or older. Click here to read the official rules. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Good luck!

Say it out loud: Butt Paste

I can tell you is that Ada's rear has been in rare form -- quite literally rare, that is. We slapped on a bit of this butt cream, and within the next day, she's happy and healthy again. It sounds too good to be true, but it does work fast.  

Our Go-To Product

Those first few weeks and months diaper rash can be horrible. We decided  we would be proactive about the problem and combat the diaper rash before it even started. We would use Boudreaux's Butt-Paste after each diaper change as a preventative measure. But it doesn't stop when your child outgrows infancy.

Lets Kick Some Rash!

I don't know why both of my girls have struggled with diaper rash so much, but I made it my mommy mission to keep their cute little cheeks happy and healthy. I wasn't going to rest until I found the ultimate diaper rash remedy. So here you go, a little mommy wisdom from me to you...

Happy the Rest of the Night!

Just the other day, I noticed some irritation while changing Lydia’s diaper so I quickly grabbed my bottle of Butt Paste and rubbed some of this lovely ointment on the red areas! So far, it really does seem to have cleared up the irritation, and I feel like it will serve as a great protectant against diaper rash! 

A Product That Actually Works Well

I think moms are always looking for a product that actually works well, and one that definitely does is Boudreaux’s Butt Paste.  I know, I know, butt paste sounds funny, and that’s actually what made me notice it in the first place (never underestimate the power of clever naming!), but what made me keep using it is the fact that it WORKS!

Boudreaux's Butt Paste Reviews & Sweepstakes!

The first day I used it William had pretty mild diaper rash, but he did not want me to touch it so I knew it was sensitive and uncomfortable. I had to hold him down to put it on, but as soon as I rubbed it in he started giggling. Maybe it tickled, but the next day I noticed that the rash was gone so I'm going to bet that he giggled because it gave him some relief.  

Butt Paste Not Only Treats, It Also Protects

Original Boudreaux's Butt Paste not only treats, it also protects him from diaper rashes. It goes on really nicely and cleans off easily too. This diaper rash ointment also has a light, pleasant scent so Sadler and I both love it!

Win $250 Visa from Poise and BlogHer 8/24

Most women remember having a 1st talk when their changing bodies were approaching puberty. However, as women approach menopause, there is no talk that prepares them.

Twenty bloggers were invited to talk about peri-menopause/menopause and encourage women to approach this life stage with confidence by being the first to start The 2nd Talk.  Bloggers also previewed Poise's new, first-of-its-kind line of over-the-counter menopause products designed to work naturally with her body and provide comfort from symptoms. Click on the links below to read the posts and enter for a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card!

Poise wants to rally 1 million women to pledge to have The 2nd Talk by World Menopause Day on October 18. By joining the conversation, women will gain more menopause knowledge, support and solutions. Join the conversation at The2ndTalk.com.
The BlogHer Have the 2nd Talk with Poise Sweepstakes run from 7/26/2012 through 8/24/2012 and are only open to individuals who, at the time of entry deadline, are legal residents of the United States and are 18 years or older. Click here to read the official rules.  Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Good luck!

Girl Talk

I am pretty sure the only man who ever reads my blog is my Dad, (Well, my Rock n' Roll Buddy pops over now and then too, but I think he just checks out the photos and surmises what the post must surely be about and moves on...) so the rest of you can ignore this first paragraph...Dad, feel free to skip reading this post. It doesn't have any home projects or thrilling escapades, nor does it have any Great-Grand-baby photos. It's about menopause.  There.  So let's have a little girl-to-girl talk, shall we?  

The Vultures and the Wasps

I've reached that stage of life when I really wish I had my mother to explain the Birds and the Bees to me. Only in my advanced age, it would be The Vultures and the Wasps. I have a vague recollection of my mother stumbling through menopause. But it was at the same time I was traversing the joys of teenage angst while teetering on platform shoes and at the same time wearing pants with an 18" circumference around the hem. Good times.  

Get Poised for Perimenopause

This post is for the ladies. Gentlemen, please form a single file line and walk to the gym for a rousing presentation by the Phys. Ed. teachers on how to care for your prostate. ::Glances from side to side.::  Are they gone? Oh good! Let's talk shop, ladies. And by "shop" of course I mean vaginas. I was thirteen years old when I got my first period. The thing I remember most about it was that my mom and her best friend Monica poured Champagne for the three of us (just a sip for me) and then toasted me on becoming a woman. 

Practical Relief for the Heat of Midlife

Finally: products offering practical relief for the “heat” of midlife. A note to men: If you want to retain your fantasy picture of women, read no farther, as it may bring up visuals you'd just as soon not have. We were sitting over Greek salads, we three women of a certain age and wondering why our mothers never had "the talk" with us. Oh, not the talk about puberty. We got that one, both in school and at home. The "Second Talk".  The one about menopause.

Let’s Talk Menopause

Recently Bitty and I met a woman in her 60s who said she was one of merely a few thousand who never had menopausal symptoms. Never a single hot flash. Nada. Zero. Zilch. We hated her. Bitty is in menopause, and I am peri-menopausal. We are two women living together and hot flashing with a fever meant for Beelzebub himself. In other words, we are in Hell. But aside from that rare braggart disclosing her lack of hot flashes, forgetfulness, and weight gain, how do women have this later in life “birds and bees” discussion? 

When You're Over 45...

It's June 27th, 1975.  My 10th birthday.  Will I get a fast growing hair Barbie?  I rip through the Snoopy wrapping paper to discover ... Sweet Suzie's Starter Menstruation Kit.  WTH? "Go ahead, honey, open it," says my mom, face shining beatifically as if I were the first female astronaut.  (Perhaps foreshadowing Lisa Nowak wearing her premeditated murder diaper circa 2007). Then mom and I proceed to have the "First Talk" about when Flo comes to town.

Finally Help For Menopausal Women

Every woman has experienced “the talk.” My mother wasn’t one for auditory teaching techniques so I read a lot of books. At about age 11 I received the book “White Gloves and Party Manners” which was supposed to teach me how to be a lady and practice proper etiquette. I loved that book; it made me feel so grown up! Then the next year I received a box in the mail (addressed to ME no less) that contained a kit called “My First Period.” I believe it had a book or at least a pamphlet and a belt, pads, etc.  

Getting Older and Getting BETTER

We’ve talked about many things over the years, my friends and I. We worked in the same elementary school, had children that were close in age and had that unique ability to make each other laugh until we cried.  That’s hard to find. We’ve talked of fumbling tooth fairies, soccer and hockey teams, summer sports camps, strange childhood illnesses, prosthetic limbs, under-age drinking violations, birth control, college applications and what to do with a somewhat empty house. 

Pledge to Have the Second Talk with Poise

Hi Friends... we are at that age; it's time to have "The 2nd Talk." Let's take a little step back in time... Do you remember being abound 11 or 12... dancing around your bedroom to Michael Jackson's Billie Jean"... watching "Grease 2" in the movie theater and reading Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. You start hearing whispers from friends about some major changes that are happening with their bodies. It sounds both terrifying and exciting. Then your Mom sits you down and gives you the "Talk".

The Second Talk with Poise

Growing up, my parents talked very little to me about maturing.  I learned most of what I knew from a few steamy romances I snuck in, the classic book by Judy Blume, "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." and some book my mom gave me that talked about menstruation.  As far as "giving me the talk", I never really got one of those either.  Mom just handed me a book and told me to read it, and if I had questions she'd answer them.  Well...I wasn't about to ask a question so I went through my teen years a little naive.

"Can We Talk"...About Menopause?

Not the usual topic over here at Debbiedoo's! I DO realize this is a Home and Garden blog, with a splash of fun and family at times.  However, because I am your friend, I thought it was time we had the"2nd Talk"!  We are the first generation to have the "Second Talk" about the next stage in our lives.  Back when we were young girls most of us had "the 1st Talk" with our Mothers.  I recall, not necessarily "the talk", but the book by Judy Bloom...."Are you there God? It's me Margaret."  

Let's Have That 2nd Talk, Okay?

As a woman over 50 experiencing menopause, I wish there had been someone around to talk to me in preparation for the changes that would be occurring to my body. To explain the symptoms I might experience. The emotions that would turn out to be all over the place.  Now there are some new products to help us with the symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause. They are made by Poise.  

Let's Talk

I clearly remember when I was around ten years old having that all-important first talk with my mom about the changes that would be taking place in my body called puberty. Funny how I can remember that like it was yesterday, but I can hardly remember much from yesterday or even this morning. She handed me a little, pale blue, paperback book the pediatrician had given her that explained puberty and how my body was going to go through all these changes.  

The Birds and The Bees: Part Deux

As a pre-teen and young teen, I wasn't one of those girls whose mom had 'The Talk.' You know what I mean - the birds and the bees, how our body changes, growing breasts and getting our period. Most of the business end of that stuff was done through school. The junior high girls were separated from the boys and we each were given a lecture. The girls were also given a sampler of pads, tampons and little booklets published by sanitary product companies explaining what would happen, how it happens and how to use their products.

We Need to Talk

We need to talk. My mother and I have very different memories about the ‘talk’ I allegedly received about those bodily changes that happen in adolescence.  She claims we had this talk shortly before I left for a summer Bible camp in the mountains, because she had read that a sharp change in altitude could sort of bump along the process if it was already in motion. I don’t know if that is true or not, but I do know that if my experience was all I had to go by, there was plenty of evidence to support the theory.  

It's Time for The 2nd Talk

Rather than having one big "TALK" with my mom about how babies were made and how boys and girls were different and so on, I learned those things gradually over the years. My mom answered questions as I asked them, and I knew everything I need to know. But one day in elementary school, I came home telling my mom that some boys on the school bus had a condom and teased me that I probably didn't know what it was. I assured them I did know but refused to tell them. 

Full Disclosure

We all remember getting "The Talk." The birds and the bees. Becoming...a woman. My Mama ate this stuff up - loved being my "girlfriend". I remember her getting all misty-eyed about how her little girl was growing up. She bought me an assortment of feminine hygiene products, which she insisted on showing me how to use. My BFF Kaysie's mom had just filled a grocery sack with a variety of Kotex and left them outside her bedroom door in the middle of the night. But Mama actually wanted to HELP ME insert my first tampon! I kid you not.  

Poised for Confidence

I consider it my job to be a fun squasher. I like to have conversations with my kid that preempt jokes, demystify life's oddities, and suck all the joy out of slang terminology. It started early with our first talk about where babies come from and will continue on and on. She knows the proper words for most everything; she understands the basic mechanics, and as time goes on, I'll fill her in on the details. It's all so that when puberty slaps her across the face, she'll be prepared.  

Menopause: Pledge To Have The Second Talk With Poise

Did my title grab your attention? I hope it did, and that you will stay with me to read what I have to say, and agree to "Pledge to Have The Second Talk with Poise," and also to have a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card!Menopause is an important topic for all women, especially those over the age of forty. I think all women remember their "first talk" with a trusted adult about the changes they could expect in their bodies at puberty.

Menopause: The Second Talk

In another life, on another blog, I was fondly known as “The Hot Flash Queen,” and it wasn’t because I looked good. It was because I am in menopause -- something no one likes to talk about, much less go through. So, when BlogHer presented an opportunity to talk about a new, first-of-its-kind line of products from the Poise brand that can be bought over the counter to help with the effects of menopause, I was all over the challenge of having the Second Talk.I’m not shy about being “void” in the female baby-making region.

Win $100 Cooking.com GC from BlogHer 8/23

We asked ten bloggers how they Keep It Simply Smart in the kitchen and they each shared their top ten tips. Check out their lists below and share your best tips with them. You could win a $100 Cooking.com gift card!
Like the PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART® Facebook page where you'll find product info, recipes, and other tips from bloggers.
The BlogHer Perdue ® K.I.S.S.® Sweepstakes run from 7/23/12 through 8/23/12 and is only open to individuals who, at the time of entry deadline, are legal residents of the United States and are 18 years or older. Click here to read the official rules. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Good luck!
I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for blogging about this Promotion.

10 Tips for Making the Most of Your Time in the Kitchen

I like to be prepared every week for what I'm going to make for supper during the week. I like to have all of my groceries on hand and I don't want to make any last minute trips to the grocery store--especially with two small children. I want to enjoy my time in the kitchen! So I came up with a little list of 10 tips to make the most of your time in the kitchen. Some of these are time-saving tips and some are sanity-saving tips.

ten tips for keeping it simply smart at dinner time

In our {kind of crazy} life, dinner time seems to be one of those crux times of the day; more often than not, when dinner goes well, the evening follows suit. However, it also seems like managing dinner time, and keeping a good system in place, can be quite the battle. With that in mind, and partially as a charge to myself as I try a new family schedule this month, Jordan and I compiled our best tips for keeping it simply smart at dinner time. 

Dinner Made Easy {and a giveaway}

The good news is that with a few pantry staples on hand, you can usually pull something together pretty easily. You would think that because I am a food blogger and talk about food all day, that dinner is always perfectly planned at my house and on the table at 5:30 on the dot. But in reality, it's so much different than that. Especially when I have a lot of assignments due and I've been in the kitchen cooking all day long. More often than not, I'm that girl who finds herself in front of the fridge, wondering what to make.  

10 Tips for Healthy Eating & an Organized Kitchen

I am really excited about this post because I get to talk about two things I'm really passionate about: organization and eating healthy. From talking to friends I've learned that these two subjects can be intimidating to people. Today I want to show you how I organize my kitchen and meals to create a healthy lifestyle and eating habits for my family.  

Quick and Easy Tips to Getting an Organized Kitchen

Hi friends! Today I'm sharing a few quick and easy tips to getting an organized kitchen.... because let's face it; kitchens can get kind of crazy in a fraction of a second! (Or is it just mine??) I know it is always a daily struggle to keep my kitchen clean, organized, and functional, all at the same time. So I put together a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve a more organized kitchen.  

Open and Organized :: Keep It Simply Smart :: Giveaway

As much as I love the idea of open shelving in the kitchen, they can get very busy, unorganized, and even messy very quickly. I thought it would be the perfect time to dig through my open shelving and kitchen inspiration photos to see how other folks keep their open shelving simple, clean, and organized. Here are ten tips to keep your open shelving looking fabulous.  

5-Ingredient Meals + $100 Cooking.com Gift Card Giveaway

A bunch of bloggers are going to be making their own lists about simplicity and time-saving inspiration in the kitchen. I don't know about you, but this series is totally up my alley. Simplicity and time-saving ideas? Check and check. So I'm super excited that my topic to share is...5-Ingredient Meals!

Ten Tips for Easy Organization

I, at times, get discouraged that most summer days are just as busy as every other day of the year. Anyone else? Well good. Because I have found a new motivation to be positive and have rounded up ten ideas to help us stay organized and keep everyone happy at the same time. Let's consider it a...new summer resolution, of sorts, and start fresh by Keeping It Simply Smart!  

Top Ten Favorite Repurposed Kitchen Containers

I am one of those people who has a really hard time throwing away used containers! I'm not a candidate for the show "Hoarders"...yet. :-) But I just hate the idea of throwing away perfectly good, perfectly reusable things. Especially when they can be so helpful around the house in other ways.

Amazing Amazon

You can get almost anything there. So I keep wanting to win Amazon GCs.

Amazon $25 gift code from Frugal Follies. ends 8/30

Bizmommy is giving away a $25 Amazon GC. ends 8/26 

ice fairys treasure chest $25 Amazon GC. ends 8/25

$75 Amazon.com Giveaway from A Young Investor. ends 8/21

Win $50 Visa from Venus and BlogHer 0823

BlogHer invited a group of bloggers and their daughters to chat about their summer beauty secrets. These posts are so great -- the kids got to turn the tables and interview their moms!  Check out the posts as moms share beauty tips and tricks with their young daughters, along with some safety advice on minimizing nicks and cuts while shaving.
Click on the links below to read their posts. Each blogger is also giving away a $50 Visa gift card so be sure to read them all for your chances to win!

This BlogHer sweepstakes runs from July 26, 2012 to August 23, 2012 and is only open to individuals who, at the time of entry deadline, are legal residents of the United States and are 18 years or older. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. To read the Official Rules, click here. Good luck!

In which my daughter interviews me about beauty and beauty mishaps with a $50 Visa giftcard giveaway

Mouse: "Mom, at camp they talked about true beauty. They said we should want people to like us for who we are and not for what we look like and that beauty isn't about make-up. They even covered up all the mirrors for a day to show how many times we looked in a mirror to see our appearance. Why don't you wear make-up?"Me: "Well, that's a sort of difficult question. Part of it is what you're talking about. I don't believe we need to hide that we're aging.  

Summer Beauty: A Mother-Daughter Interview

Venus asked a few bloggers to do a follow-up to last month's review/giveaway posts -- but this time the daughters get to interview their moms about summer beauty do's and don'ts. I wrangled Kathryn into helping me with this since she was the main focus of my review/giveaway post. She's the questioner and I'm the answerer.Q: What's the most important beauty tip you'd give me for summertime?A: I'll quote your great-granmama on this one. People often complimented her beautiful skin, even when she was getting older.

Beauty and Tweens

Beauty and tweens.  These two words seem to go together.  I’m not sure exactly when it started, but start it did.  The moment I noticed my daughter was shaving her legs.  Without telling me, that is.  “But Mom, there was so much hair on them!

My baby girl is growing up so quickly!

My baby girl is growing up so quickly!  I thought we'd try something a little different and fun, so I decided to do a vlog with Kamryn.  We discuss our summer beauty do's and don'ts!  Enjoy the video!!

Chatting Sun and Shaving with My Own Tween Queen

Who doesn’t remember their first beach crush? Or their first serious sunburn? Sometimes talking to a tween daughter makes a mother wonder how she is going to keep up – but the folks at Gillette have designed the Venus Embrace, with five blades and a soft grip handle for maximum but gentle control. It makes getting the conversation started with your tween about shaving as smooth as summertime legs.  

Venus Makes You Feel Like Goodess

So, my daughter is interviewing me today about my Summer Beauty Tips! Princess Nagger:  “I bet you’re regretting bringing those cheap disposable razors on vacation, aren’t you?”Me:  “I sure am – how did you figure that out?”PN:  “Well, for one thing, you’ve got scrapes and scratches all over your legs.  Looks like the cat attacked you.”Me:  “Like you like to say: ‘I know, right?’”PN:  “Hey! That’s my line!”Me:  “I gave you credit.”PN:  “OK then.

Summer Do's and Don'ts: An Interview of Me by My Daughter

Summer "Do's and Don'ts," an interview of me by my daughter. Mom the weather is getting hotter. What beauty tips do you have for summer? First off, I try to stay moisturized. I use a facial moisturizer with SPF every day and slather my legs and arms with lotion. You know I spend a lot of time outside so sunscreen is a must. Nothing worse than wearing shorts and your legs look dry and scaly. Keep them moisturized. Oh, and shave every day. Hairy legs are not pretty and no one wants to see that.  

Adventures in Real Parenting: What Not To Shave

As the youngest of three, my daughter Sophie has a few advantages. Her father and I, who have been at this parenting thing for over twenty-two years, are tired. Worn down from enforcing rules and shouldering high expectations, we've relaxed. We're less uptight about details, less inclined to over-program or hover like we did when we were new to this adventure. In other words, well, in the words of Sophie's two older siblings, we've given up. Sophie, in their opinion, gets away with murder. It's not exactly murder.

Marinka’s Summer Do’s and Don’ts

Marinka’s Summer Do’s and Don’tsMarinka, as interviewed by her almost-14 year old daughter.Daughter: Wait, what am I supposed to ask you again?Marinka: Tips for summer beauty.Daughter: Okaaaaay.  If you say so.Marinka: Come on, I have lots of great tips.Daughter: Fine.  What are your “great tips”?Marinka: Well, first of all, sunscreen is a must. A must. And there’s no need for quote marks.Daughter:  Got it.

Don'ts Learned From Mom

I've been blogging about the kids for quite a number of years now, and while I talk all about them and the fun things they do, I've never allowed them to have input on my blog. It's my blog, after all. But I think it's high time I remedy that. In an unprecedented turn of events, I'm allowing my daughter to interview me. I promise to answer (most) questions (semi) honestly. Heh. You could be in for a fun ride, people. The mind of a tween-ish girl can go just about anywhere. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride.

Sharing Summer Beauty Secrets & Mishaps

My girls have been interested in fashion since they were toddlers with very clear ideas about what they did and did not want to wear. Now that they are 10 and 12, it's not only about clothes, but about make-up, skincare, deodorant and shaving. Allie is going to help me write this post today. Her writing will be in pink, while mine will be in gray. I really want to wear make-up, but my mom has said that I have to get really good at remembering to wash my face in the morning and evening so that I don't break-out with pimples.  I asked my mom if she wears make-up in the summer.

Summer Beauty Do's And Don'ts -- A Vlog + Giveaway

As a follow-up to my How Not to Shave Your Legs Post AKA Zakary Needs a Transfusion post, Venus asked me to share my summertime beauty tips.I have a very low-key beauty routine in the summer.  Mostly it includes pedicures every month, drinking a gallon of water every day, and complaining to my husband that we need to install AC because it is 90 degrees upstairs in the house at two in the afternoon and my tinted moisturizer keeps sweating off. As a woman in my mid-thirties, I need the tinted moisturizer. 
 

Summer Silliness in Florida

Summertime is usually a very fun time in Florida.  It's so HOT that, to beat the heat, we usually spend any free time in the water, be it the beach, springs, or rivers. This summer has been a little less fun than normal, because we haven't been able to do all of the fun things we like to do, due to work, schedules, storms, and just general CRAP.  But it's still important to keep up with our beauty routine, because even just running to the store, we may not wear a bikini (you're WELCOME!) but we do wear flip flops, shorts, and tank tops. Oh, how I need a tan!  

Girls Rule! And a $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

First things first: Thank you everyone who has participated and commented on my Teenage Firsts post! I have absolutely loved reading your comments,and love all of the tips and tricks you have shared on how to talk with your teenager. I still can't even believe I have a teenager, let alone one to teach important things about womanhood!

Interview With Mama

As part of the Venus Embrace/Satin Care Passionista Fruit Shave Gel campaign, Belle and I had the opportunity to talk about fashion! Watch now, as she interviews me about my fashion advice!But first, a couple of notes:1. I am no expert on anything "fashion," as evidenced by my lack of make-up and "un-done" hair. (Hey, I'm getting my hair done soon ... cut me some slack.) 2. I really DO love my Venus Embrace! Extra tips on the Venus Embrace here.3. When did my daughter get so grown-up?  

5 Summer Beauty Do's and Don'ts

The other day Princess, Angel Face and I were sitting at the dining room table chatting, as we enjoyed a rare "girls' lunch date" together. The topic turned to summertime beauty, and as the girls shared their challenges and asked for advice, we came up with some Summer Beauty Do's and Don'ts that we'd like to share with you: 1. Don't Suntan. Ever. "You're so white!" Angel Face said to Princess, comparing arms. "That's because I always use sunscreen; I don't want to get skin cancer," Princess replied. I wish I'd been as smart as she is when I was her age. 

Surviving the Summer Beautifully Requires Venus Embrace

Today, my daughter is interviewing me about Summer Beauty Tips! Enjoy are video! Then find more tips on staying beautiful all summer long, visit Getting Ready with Kendall and Kylie Jenner and the Venus page. Read more for the links...

An Interview by My Daughter on the Topic of Summer Beauty Do's and Don'ts

My daughter Interviewed me on the topic of Summer Beauty Do's and Don'ts. It's always great to be able to get a kid's perspective on the truly important things in life.She wanted to know answers to the following questions:1) Have you ever used lemon juice or other products to lighten your hair?When I was a teenager, it was a big deal to use Sun In in your hair.

Summer Beauty Tips from Me and My Girls

Three daughters+one mom=a lot of beauty products and paraphernalia. And how do you teach your daughters about the appropriate amount of grooming and primping and beautifying, all the while still teaching them about true beauty, which can't come from a jar or a tool? It's not that easy but my younger girls are at the age where they want to talk about it. They want to use a little makeup and are starting to be very interested in shaving. They polish their nails often and dream of using creams and lotions and powders. Oh, I remember the longing to be grown up.  

Summer Beauty Do’s and Don’ts

Grace, my 14-year-old daughter, will be using this space to interview me about summer beauty do's and don'ts. It is so important to talk openly with our girls and give them a chance to ask questions and receive honest answers about their body, hygiene and intimate grooming.What summer look from your teen years do you most regret?There was a difference in summer and winter looks? Remember I grew of age in the early '80s. We set the fashion trends your generation is copying. I never thought I would see leg warmers come back into fashion.

Summer Beauty

I'm 32 years old. I have five children. I think I can reasonably be called an adult. And yet every time my mom sees me rub my eyes she yells at me: Don’t rub your eyes! That skin is very delicate! Do you want to get wrinkles?This tells me a couple of things:1.) Your mom is ALWAYS your mom, no matter how old you are.2.) Your mom is a great source of beauty advice ... even if she’s yelling it at you.With this in mind I sat down with Guinevere to talk about beauty-related things. A couple of weeks ago she asked me about wearing makeup.

Women are from Venus, part deux (plus a giveaway)

Recently I had the pleasure of participating in a review of the Venus Embrace razor and its sidekick, Satin Care Passionista Fruit Shave Gel (with its fruity scent which I LOVE). Both are products that I've used on a regular basis for a number of years. And I'm not exaggerating one bit when I say that the Venus Embrace razor has enabled me to exit my bathroom WITHOUT the telltale dots of toilet paper adorning my legs from the carnage of shaving. I've been able to introduce this system to both of my daughters (ages 12 and 10) who are new to the joys of shaving.  

The Olden Days: Beauty Tips for Summer

Do you remember being a teenager and asking your mom about things that happened in the olden days? Well, imagine if you will, being asked that very question in the present day by your own kids. Talk about an eye opener on many levels, but also a chance to remember the good ole days and share what worked and did not work for you growing up. Below is the transcript of how our little question and answer session went one afternoon between my daughter and myself. Maybe you will remember some of the same things as you read along. Enjoy.

A Summer Beauty Q & A with My Tween

It is 105 today in Richmond, and while going to the pool is an option, my daughter and I decided to stay in the air conditioning and have a summer beauty heart-to-heart.We decided to document this in an interview style so she can come back to this for reference and comparison in years to come. I am sure both of our opinions on do's and don'ts will change dramatically.  

An Interview with my Tween Daughter

I was asked to do an interview with my tween daughter. The catch is, she is the one doing the interview & I am the one on the spot. This will be fun, she’s almost 12. We have these back and forth conversations quite a bit so it wasn’t a stretch to have a conversation like this. I just had to document it this time. The topic...Best Beauty Tips for Summer. Here is what she wanted to know & what my thoughts were on the matter (plus there is a super exciting extra at the bottom).

An interview with my daughters and a giveaway!

When I told my two oldest daughters that Venus wanted them to interview me about "Summer Beauty Do's and Dont's" they were beyond excited.  Maddie is 11 years old, Olivia is 8 going on 25.We set up the microphone and pretended like we were on TV.

Summer Beauty Interview

I'm excited that Gillette has asked me to document an interview with my daughter about summer beauty tips!  I even took some pictures of us together!  It's a rare occasion that I get on the other side of the camera which is why my facebook profile picture is 3 years old.  But it was fun to be silly together and take some ""teenager style"" pictures.  You know the kind where you squish your faces together and put your phone out in front of you, and maybe pucker your lips...  Well, now we officially have a set of those. 

Switcharoos, Sunscreen, Safety, Sunglasses, and Summer Do's and Don'ts: $50 Venus Embrace Giveaway.

With glee, I let my daughter do the asking when Venus recently asked my not-so-little anymore PB to interview me. My 12 year-old took charge and soon we were discussing Summer Do's and Don'ts. Don't worry. As always, I have no filter and she, being my daughter, kept her eye rolls and snickers to an amazing minimum. Heh! I have no idea where she got that attitude from... PB: Soooo mom, let's start by you telling me your beauty don'ts, m'kay?