Book Review - Force of Nature: A Celebration of Girls and Women Raising Their Voices

About the Book

From the bestselling author-photographer of Strong Is the New Pretty, Force of Nature A Celebration of Girls and Women Raising Their Voices is a collection of Kate Parker’s photographs that celebrates girls and women finding, using, amplifying, and sustaining their voices to empower themselves and the people around them.

Mothers lifting up their daughters. Sisters standing their ground. Classmates lending a helping hand. Here are more than 150 full-color and black-and-white images of girls and women in the process of speaking up and speaking out. Force of Nature, the third installment in the Strong Is the New Pretty series by bestselling author-photographer Kate Parker, is split into four chapters—Find Your Voice, Use Your Voice, Amplify Your Voice, and Sustain Your Voice. The book and its subjects tackle issues big and small with the power and wisdom of their voices and their confidence in themselves. Individually and collectively, these girls and women—and their voices—are a force of nature. Some arrive in the form of urgent whispers while others positively roar off the page. Each photo is accompanied by a quotation from the subject talking about how she has found or used her voice to uplift herself and others. Throughout the four chapters are ten “spotlights” that feature additional photos and extended essays that tell the stories of exceptional girls and women who are navigating the complexities of making change every day. 

My Take on the Book
I know that the description of this book talks about mothers lifting up their daughters, but as a father to daughters I would say that this is an amazing books for dads to read with their daughters too. The book is powerful, not only through the images (which are powerful) but also through the descriptions and being pulled into the stories behind the images themselves. Kate Parker has done a remarkable job capturing the essence of so many girls and it encourages you to empower your own daughters to live their best lives and to achieve the dreams they set before themselves!

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Biscotti and Kate Mack Let Girls Feel Like Princesses #dadchat

About the Dresses
From school recitals to family festivities, Biscotti’s timeless combination of fabrics and eye-catching details fill the need for what girls (and fashion-conscious moms) want. Rich and pretty color paired with the perfect complement of glitz and glitter make this winter’s collection a holiday favorite and will make any princess shine. With Biscotti’s consistent quality, style and cheerful designs they bring “beyond adorable” style to any holiday, photo or special event.

Wrap that precious girl in her favorite things—pink and sparkles! The Biscotti Baby-Girl’s Glam It Up Dress in pink is made of Ponte knit and embellished with party-perfect sequin polka dots making it comfy enough to keep toddlers happy all day and darling enough to steal the show.

Got a girl that loves glam? Glitz her up in holiday sparkle and shine with the Gatsby Girl Dress in Silver. Featuring all over fringe netting and silver sequins, this stunner will have her dancing the night away with glittering twirls. Fun, pretty and modest, it’s the perfect way to liven up her holiday look without losing the simple charm of sweet design.

Deck the halls in shimmer and shine with Biscotti’s Girl’s Deck The Halls Dress in Gold! With this sensational party dress, sparkle is the word. Featuring stunning gold sequins softened by a layer of elegant sheer netting and a charming drop waist petal skirt perfect for feathery twirls, this is one dress she’ll never want to take off! With its elegant design and festive colors available in silver, gold and red, sugar plum fairies will have nothing on her!

Biscotti has captured the enchantment of childhood with romantic and charming dress collections since 1986. Biscotti and Kate Mack styles have been featured in many leading publications such as Vogue Bambini, Women’s Wear Daily, The Wall Street Journal, Child Magazine, Us Weekly and Teen Vogue. Their exclusive designs and elegant silhouettes have become favorites among celebrity moms including Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham and Heidi Klum.


My Take on the Dresses
These are beautiful dresses that just flow when worn. My girls felt like true princesses and while I did not take a video, you can probably see that Diva-J loved spinning and spinning and watching the dress simply fly up around her, letting her feel like a true flapper. After wearing these I showed my girls some of the dresses and dress styles from the 20's and they thought they were very cool, much like their dresses were.

The dresses were very well constructed and a few friends saw the girls in the dresses and continuously asked who made them and where we got them and I was happy to share with them the company and the website. I encourage anyone with girls to check out this site as it truly will make your girls feel like princesses in their own right!


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"Charming" Holiday Gift for Young Girls #dadchat

About the Product
CHARM IT! by High IntenCity is an iconic, detachable charm jewelry line for girls from five to fourteen. Nearly fifteen years since its launch, the brand remains a popular jewelry product adored by girls and parents alike. In fact, CHARM IT! is a favorite among celebrity moms, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Heidi Klum.

“Empowering girls with the gift of self-expression is the heart behind the brand," says High IntenCity president Renee Levy. "Our number one mission is to inspire individuality and celebrate creativity."

With charms starting at $5 each and bracelets and necklaces from $5 to $16, gift-givers can build a customized, thoughtful

CHARM IT! products are available nationwide at independent specialty retailers and premium department stores including GapKids.
My Take on the Product
These charms were colorful and fun and offered a bit of everything for girls. What my daughters loved was that the charms explored so many interest areas that they had as well as characters that they have come to know and love too. From Disney princesses to animals to sports and more, these charms allowed my girls to custom make a bracelet that was right for them. Each charm was intricately designed, colorful and unique. All-in-all these charms were well made and there was plenty of room for girls to continue adding on as time goes by too. If your girls love charms, this is a bracelet to take a look at as you get ready for the holidays.


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Book Review - The Lily Series - Here's Lily!

About the Book 
In this fun, entertaining story, readers meet awkward sixth grader Lily Robbins who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance and with becoming a model. As she sets her sights on winning the model search fashion show, she exchanges her rock and feather collection for lip gloss, fashion magazines, and a private “club” with her closest friends. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.


This best-selling, biblically based fiction series for girls—with a fresh new look and updated content—addresses social issues and coming-of-age topics, all with the spunk and humor of Lily Robbins as she fumbles her way through unfamiliar territory. As readers come to love Lily and her stories, they’ll also benefit from the companion nonfiction books that will help them through their own growing pains.

About the Author
Nancy Rue is the author of 110 books, including 9 novels for adults, 17 for teens, and 60 for tween readers, as well as 2 parenting books, 32 non-fiction books for tweens and teens, and the features for the FaithGirlz Bible. Her Lily Series, published by Zondervan, has sold well over one million copies. Her ability to relate to a wide audience has made her a popular radio and television guest and an in-demand speaker and teacher for writer's conferences across the country. She has been a regular keynoter for The Young Writer's Institute and Virtuous Reality Ministries, and now anchors Zondervan's Beauty of Believing Tour for FaithGirlz, which draws thousands of tween girls and their moms. Nancy is also the founder of the "Writing for Children and Youth Conference" in Glen Eyrie, Colorado. Her latest titles include The Reluctant Prophet for adult readers (David C. Cook) Limos, Lattes, and My Life On the Fringe (Zondervan) for teens, and That Is SO Me (Zondervan), a year-long devotional for tweens. A student of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, sponsored by the Upper Room, Nancy continues her own spiritual journey even as she writes and speaks for mothers, daughters, and would-be writers about theirs. For more information, visit her website at www.nancyrue.com.

My Take on the Book 
This book is the start of a series that I think every girl should read. I read this to my eldest daughter and she loved it. As a parent, I enjoyed not only the fun-loving nature of Lily, but also the story and plot and the messages that the author shares about being ok with the person that you are, not worrying about what others think and being unique and the person that you want to be.  The author has also done a great job at incorporating spirituality into the book itself and allows all readers to know that all things are possible with God, which in my book is a great message to learn. This was a great book that should be in any girls' library!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - The Lily Series - The Beauty Book

About the Book 
In a society so focused on the idea that external beauty reigns supreme, it can be difficult for young girls to figure out what “true” beauty is all about. This unique and creative book for girls ages 7–11 answers the common questions girls ask during this often confusing and overwhelming stage in their lives in an inviting and conversational manner.

Filled with fun quizzes, imaginative activities, and cool illustrations, The Beauty Book offers cool, relevant information about everything from great hair styles to tattoos, from skin care to clothes, and much more. Above all, the message that God-confidence is beautiful is highlighted on each and every page.

About the Author
Nancy Rue is the author of 110 books, including 9 novels for adults, 17 for teens, and 60 for tween readers, as well as 2 parenting books, 32 non-fiction books for tweens and teens, and the features for the FaithGirlz Bible. Her Lily Series, published by Zondervan, has sold well over one million copies. Her ability to relate to a wide audience has made her a popular radio and television guest and an in-demand speaker and teacher for writer's conferences across the country. She has been a regular keynoter for The Young Writer's Institute and Virtuous Reality Ministries, and now anchors Zondervan's Beauty of Believing Tour for FaithGirlz, which draws thousands of tween girls and their moms. Nancy is also the founder of the "Writing for Children and Youth Conference" in Glen Eyrie, Colorado. Her latest titles include The Reluctant Prophet for adult readers (David C. Cook) Limos, Lattes, and My Life On the Fringe (Zondervan) for teens, and That Is SO Me (Zondervan), a year-long devotional for tweens. A student of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, sponsored by the Upper Room, Nancy continues her own spiritual journey even as she writes and speaks for mothers, daughters, and would-be writers about theirs. For more information, visit her website at www.nancyrue.com.

My Take on the Book 
This book talks directly about self-image and the importance of girls liking themselves for who they are. This message is so important, especially in a world that is becoming so jaded by what they see on television on what beauty is and what they need to do to achieve this. On top of this, the book incorporates prayer and the ability for a girl to be as unique as they want to be beautiful both inside and outside for themselves and for God! The book shares some great messages for the whole family!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Here Come the Girl Scouts

About the Book
An inspiring picture book biography for Girl Scouts and adventurers of all ages.

Juliette Gordon Low - Daisy to her friends and family - was not like most girls of the Victorian era.
Prim and proper?

BOSH!

Dainty and delicate?

HOW BORING!

Daisy loved the outdoors and yearned for adventure! Born into a family of pathfinders and pioneers, she too wanted to make a difference in the world. And nothing would stop her - not even losing most of her hearing. Combining her ancestors' passion for service with her own adventurous spirit and her belief that girls could do anything, she founded the Girl Scouts. One hundred years later, Girl Scouts continue to experience the outdoors, do good deeds, and make a difference!

My Take on the Book
Juliette Gordon Low was known as Daisy to her family and friends. .She loved the outdoors and wanted to make a difference in the world. She founded the Girl Scouts by combining her ancestors' passions for service with her own adventurous spirit. She believed girls could do anything they decided they could do

This wonderful story tells the history and challenges that Juliette encountered in forming the Girl Scouts.

At the end of the book you will see pictures of famous women who were Girl Scouts: Lucille Ball and Hillary Clinton were two. There are photos of Daisy and her Savannah Girl Scout troop in 1913.

Your young Girl Scout will love this book.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Bonding Over Beauty

About the Book

Unsightly moustaches. Zits the size of Skittles. Sudden underarm odor. Some horrible-sounding thing called “menstruation” looming on the horizon like Godzilla making a buffet of the eastern seaboard en route to New York City. Is it any wonder that a girl’s ‘tween years can be both a wondrous (boys!) and difficult time in her life? Mothers and caretakers have a choice to make: Is this an opportunity to foster her self-esteem and strengthen the bond between them—or just time passing until her dreaded teen years?

Erika Katz, author of the soon to be released book, Bonding over Beauty, a Mother-Daughter Guide to Self-Esteem, Confidence and Trust, is a mother and beauty expert who learned firsthand as a child actress and model just how bewildering this time in a young girl’s life can be. Erika wrote this beauty guide for mothers looking to connect with their daughters and build trust through the age old beauty / grooming rituals that every girl goes through on the road to womanhood.

“Bonding Over Beauty will equip moms with the information they need to be truly caring—rather than controlling—with their girls… It will enable moms to educate and empower their daughters to make positive choices. While on the surface this looks like a book about beauty, it is actually about moms being able to teach their daughters the most important lesson of all: beauty truly comes from within.”

— From the foreword by Dr. Jane Greer, psychotherapist and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationships

Containing numerous bonding activities that can ease the difficulties faced by young girls on the road to physical and emotional maturity, the book also lets mothers know the crucial topics they need to address regarding the confusing effects of puberty. From step-by-step recipes for creating inexpensive, at-home body scrubs and acne remedies to advice on how to deal with unwanted body hair and even more unwanted periods, to recommendations for the best and most age appropriate beauty products for girls to use, Bonding over Beauty is an essential read for anyone raising a ‘tween girl.

My Take on the Book

This book is all about beauty and is for the person in a tween's life that is helping them with building their self-esteem and self-concept. Thus, though this book is touted for daughters, others can also benefit from the book itself, though I can see the importance of mothers and daughters bonding over this type of material. 

What I liked about the book was that it focused on beauty and health and made the reader consider the whole person. Thus, the book is not just giving beauty tips, but it also spends a lot of time on health and exercise which is very important in a young girls' life. The book was easy to read and with short chapters that hit home, anyone reading can get through a chapter in a short period of time and then have a good conversation together about what they just read.

There are some good resources in this book as well for parents. I know that I am not looking forward to the whole PMS Discussion and will probably let J-Mom take the lead on this. Yet, in this book there is a whole section on this whole issue and the way that it was presented here was so down to Earth that I was set at ease (at least somewhat)..

Overall, this is a great book that will help in the building of a strong relationship between child and parent. If you have a daughter going into her tween years, do not miss this book!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

   

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Nick Jr.'s Olivia Helps You And Your Daughter Throw A Dress-Up Party!

Let your daughter be the star of her own party, a dress-up party! Nick Jr.’s Olivia, a 6 ¾ little girl, who is known for her big imagination, provides you with all you need to help your little one put on a great party with her best friends. Free, easy and fun, you and your daughter can host the most fun and fashionable dress-up party together by going to NickJr.com and printing out the following:

·         Olivia’s Designer Dress-Up Party Invitations
·         Olivia’s Straw Toppers
·         Olivia’s Designer Dress-Up Pack
·         Olivia’s Dress-Up Party Certificate
·         Olivia Dress-Up Party Goody Bag
·         Olivia Photo Frame Party Favor
  

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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