I was shopping in the mall the other day with my 11 year old daughter and suprisingly enough (ha..ha..)there was another girl about her age wearing close to nothing! I usually in this day and age hardly even notice that some girl is walking by us half naked but this girl was wearing shorts that were not much bigger than the width of a band-aid and a shirt that came up so high that it barely covered her chest! She was also using crutches because she had a broken leg. She was getting quite alot of stares. I couldn't believe that her mother would let her leave the house looking like that. I told my daughter, "You will never be able to wear an outfit like that!" She laughed. Luckily, my daughter is not only beautiful, but she is exceptionally bright and athletic and would never have to be half naked to finally get noticed!
To my suprise a man over heard me speaking of this scantily clothed girl and agreed with me! He said "I would never let my daughter leave the house wearing that! I am so proud of my daughter, she is attending Boston University and doing well!" It was so refreshing to hear a man was offended to see a girl half naked in a mall. It is so great to see that there is still men out there that agree that women should respect themselves more than that, and keep their clothes on!
I have to admit that I am liberated, I am not a women who wears turtle necks and long sweat pants to hide myself. I like to dress up in fashionable clothes and look attractive and feminine but with class and tact. I love clothes, jewelry, high heels, makeup and all that girly stuff. I usually have to give my daughter fashion advice because I know the lastest styles better than her. She always asks me how I am so good at putting fashions together and making everything flow together so nicely. I want her to be in style, and fit in, but I still refuse to let her wear some of the clothes that the girls wear that are quite revealing and seem too mature and sexy for an 11year old girl. I want her to always dress with class and there is no need to display yourself like a piece of meat.
Truly sexy and beautiful women can get away with wearing an ordinary pair of jeans and a sweater and their sex appeal can still shine through. So to all the single women out there, keep your clothes on, it might be harder to get the attention that your longing for, but when you do you might find that "diamond in the rough" a nice guy that loves your soul.
Steph
last quote: Nickelback song
Moms. Friends. Girl Power All the Way!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Fashion for Girls - Too Sophisticated for 6
I went to Kohls today to buy some clothes for my 6 year old daughter. I like to buy a size up for shirts and sweatshirts and that meant that I got bumped out of the toddler and little girl section to the big girl section. I was startled at this realization that we've just entered into the big girl section. I had a lot of mixed emotions. I was sad and missed my little girl with cute, little girl clothes. Lady bugs, flowers and butterflies.
As I entered into the bigger girl section I was faced with a lot more sophisticated fashions and I have to tell you, I am compeletly not ready for that. I walked around and found nothing that I wanted to see my daughter wearing. I did pick up a couple sweatshirts. But the dresses and shirts and skirts were a little tough to absorb. I went back to the girls section to buy a size 6x dress. I like her at 6 being dressed in cute, girly clothes. Even the formal wear and party dresses are cute. The bigger kid clothes are much more refined and too sophisticated.
I think the "tween" years should scale back on the sophisticated clothing and remember that these are young girls. Let's keep them looking young and innocent and not dress them to look older. Let them enjoy being a girl and not worry so much about being fahionable. My daughter loves dressing up and being fashionable but I don't want that turning into sexy outfits or her being worried about being in fashion. What really worries me is that she probably would be attracted to these clothes. But I feel like it's my job as a parent to be sure she does not wear anything too grown up. When kids get older it's natural to want to be in fashion, but in elementary school, who cares and why should they? Elementary school is about having fun not being worried about looking good and impressing others, especially boys. We as parents should not buy our 6 and 7 year old daughters clothes that make them look older. I want to keep my little girl a little girl.
Jan
As I entered into the bigger girl section I was faced with a lot more sophisticated fashions and I have to tell you, I am compeletly not ready for that. I walked around and found nothing that I wanted to see my daughter wearing. I did pick up a couple sweatshirts. But the dresses and shirts and skirts were a little tough to absorb. I went back to the girls section to buy a size 6x dress. I like her at 6 being dressed in cute, girly clothes. Even the formal wear and party dresses are cute. The bigger kid clothes are much more refined and too sophisticated.
I think the "tween" years should scale back on the sophisticated clothing and remember that these are young girls. Let's keep them looking young and innocent and not dress them to look older. Let them enjoy being a girl and not worry so much about being fahionable. My daughter loves dressing up and being fashionable but I don't want that turning into sexy outfits or her being worried about being in fashion. What really worries me is that she probably would be attracted to these clothes. But I feel like it's my job as a parent to be sure she does not wear anything too grown up. When kids get older it's natural to want to be in fashion, but in elementary school, who cares and why should they? Elementary school is about having fun not being worried about looking good and impressing others, especially boys. We as parents should not buy our 6 and 7 year old daughters clothes that make them look older. I want to keep my little girl a little girl.
Jan
Thursday, October 20, 2011
"Inside Job"-- Matt Damon
I can't sleep after seeing the documentary "Inside Job", by Charles H. Ferguson and narrated by Matt Damon, on the downfall of our global economy! It sickens me that the downfall of our economy has been caused by greedy, immoral and selfish men that have no regard for anyone except themselves!
Before you ever discuss the economy or how Wall Street and Washington are run, I suggest that you watch this movie. It scares me that these men that are in power are so corrupt. There is not an ounce of moral fiber in their body.
The movie is based on facts and most of these men refused to be interviewed. We all know that politicians are dishonest and just say what they believe will buy them enough votes to get into office and do not follow through on half of what they promised, in this movie you will get a more clearer picture of how things in this world really run and understand why we are in a recession.
Basically the movie depicts how the men on wall street and Washington took advantage of the American public and continued to make money off of people defaulting on their mortgage in fact they wanted people to default on their loans so they could make more money. It is time that the American people take a stand. The men involved should be punished. Nobody is doing anything about it.
It will be a long time before we get back on track and we might never if we don't make changes on who is running this country, the powerful men in Wall Street and public office. Abe Lincoln must be turning over in his grave to see the kind of men that run this country today. The bottom line is that this country is lacking moral fiber. The lack of morals that I see in today's society is what's going to be our downfall. It is time that men start taking accountability for what they do. As Christie Brinkley said to Ladies Home Journal about today's society "It's an epidemic of male narcissism gone wild!"
Steph
Before you ever discuss the economy or how Wall Street and Washington are run, I suggest that you watch this movie. It scares me that these men that are in power are so corrupt. There is not an ounce of moral fiber in their body.
The movie is based on facts and most of these men refused to be interviewed. We all know that politicians are dishonest and just say what they believe will buy them enough votes to get into office and do not follow through on half of what they promised, in this movie you will get a more clearer picture of how things in this world really run and understand why we are in a recession.
Basically the movie depicts how the men on wall street and Washington took advantage of the American public and continued to make money off of people defaulting on their mortgage in fact they wanted people to default on their loans so they could make more money. It is time that the American people take a stand. The men involved should be punished. Nobody is doing anything about it.
It will be a long time before we get back on track and we might never if we don't make changes on who is running this country, the powerful men in Wall Street and public office. Abe Lincoln must be turning over in his grave to see the kind of men that run this country today. The bottom line is that this country is lacking moral fiber. The lack of morals that I see in today's society is what's going to be our downfall. It is time that men start taking accountability for what they do. As Christie Brinkley said to Ladies Home Journal about today's society "It's an epidemic of male narcissism gone wild!"
Steph
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Joining Forces - Supporting Military Families
I was watching Oprah Winfrey on the OWN network and heard about Joining Forces, an initiatieve to support military families started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden.
My town has an affordable homes located on property that was once the Fitch Home for Soldiers. It was the first home for soldiers ever in the country and was blessed by President Abraham Lincoln. The homes provided temporary housing for veterans returning from war.
Currently the housing authority wants to redevelop the property and in doing so will pave over the Fitch Home for Soldiers Parade Ground and move the monument to another location on the property.
I am trying to save the Parade Ground, including starting a petition in 2010, and additionally assign 10% of the new units in the redevelopment to veterans as a way to pay homage to the original intent of the property.
I have struggled for the past 5 years to have a voice in this project but the residents and neighbors have been steamrolled by the housing authority and officials in Town who approve of this project due to political pressure and fear of 8-30g, a bill that allows developers higher density in building projects if they include 10% of units as affordable in towns with less then 10% affordable housing. Since this town has less then 10% and an "8-30g preditor" in town, pushing this through even if it is not the best plan for the property, resident and neighbors, will save the NIMBYs in town.
I will continue to fight for a better plan that honors the original intent of the property and preserve its historical heritage and include veterans in the resident make-up.
Please visit Joining Forces to learn more about the initiative and how you can help military families.
If you would like to help in the fight to save the Fitch Home for Soldiers Parade Ground, please sign the petition, visit and like my Facebook page, or send an email to stephandjanblog@gmail.com.
Thanks.
Jan
My town has an affordable homes located on property that was once the Fitch Home for Soldiers. It was the first home for soldiers ever in the country and was blessed by President Abraham Lincoln. The homes provided temporary housing for veterans returning from war.
Currently the housing authority wants to redevelop the property and in doing so will pave over the Fitch Home for Soldiers Parade Ground and move the monument to another location on the property.
I am trying to save the Parade Ground, including starting a petition in 2010, and additionally assign 10% of the new units in the redevelopment to veterans as a way to pay homage to the original intent of the property.
I have struggled for the past 5 years to have a voice in this project but the residents and neighbors have been steamrolled by the housing authority and officials in Town who approve of this project due to political pressure and fear of 8-30g, a bill that allows developers higher density in building projects if they include 10% of units as affordable in towns with less then 10% affordable housing. Since this town has less then 10% and an "8-30g preditor" in town, pushing this through even if it is not the best plan for the property, resident and neighbors, will save the NIMBYs in town.
I will continue to fight for a better plan that honors the original intent of the property and preserve its historical heritage and include veterans in the resident make-up.
Please visit Joining Forces to learn more about the initiative and how you can help military families.
If you would like to help in the fight to save the Fitch Home for Soldiers Parade Ground, please sign the petition, visit and like my Facebook page, or send an email to stephandjanblog@gmail.com.
Thanks.
Jan
Friday, October 14, 2011
A success journal is a great bedtime tradition
I just started a new tradition with my two girls. Each night before we go to bed, we sit down together and write one thing that we did today that we are proud of or was successful at or enjoyed. This is a really good way to reinforce and reward good behavior. Even on bad days it is a good way to instill something positive.
I read the Success Principles by Jack Canfield a few years back. I recently picked it up and opened it to the page about starting a success journal and writing every night what you did in the day that was successful.
This comes at a great time because I've been trying to curb bad behavior with my 6 year old and I've been trying to find ways to create more reward for positive behavior and reduce the negative behavior. This has been going really well. I bought each their own journal. Each day gets its own page and my 6 year old wrties her own success and then draws a picture of it. My 3 year old has the same entry everyday. Apparently she's very proud of going outside to play everyday. Let's hope it's a mild winter!
I do recommend this for all parents. I also started my own success journal. It's a nice way to end the day and nice way to go to bed with positive reflection.
Jan
I read the Success Principles by Jack Canfield a few years back. I recently picked it up and opened it to the page about starting a success journal and writing every night what you did in the day that was successful.
This comes at a great time because I've been trying to curb bad behavior with my 6 year old and I've been trying to find ways to create more reward for positive behavior and reduce the negative behavior. This has been going really well. I bought each their own journal. Each day gets its own page and my 6 year old wrties her own success and then draws a picture of it. My 3 year old has the same entry everyday. Apparently she's very proud of going outside to play everyday. Let's hope it's a mild winter!
I do recommend this for all parents. I also started my own success journal. It's a nice way to end the day and nice way to go to bed with positive reflection.
Jan
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Are you for real?--Wendy Williams
I was watching the Wendy Williams show the other day, which I never watch, and she was talking about Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Ashton was spotted in a hot tub with 4 women having a good time and partying and instead of Wendy saying how terrible it was since he is a married man, who should be faithful to his wife, Wendy basically blamed Demi! She said "come on Demi, let him go, you're all dried up down there and can't give him children, you had your 3 girls. You should just find yourself some 65 year old European." What!!!!!!!
Is this society and Wendy trying to say that if your husband sees a chick who is younger than you, or more attractive, you should understand if he cheats??!! Ashton is a married man and should honor his vows! If he can't respect himself and his wife, there is a thing called divorce!
Demi Moore happens to be a beautiful women. Who cares how old she is? Older men have been dating younger women, forever. It is about time older women started dating younger men! I am all for it! Ashton is not some twenty year old kid, he is a grown man in his 30's!
Older women in this society get no respect! They are called dried up, prunes, and are basically told by society that they are no longer attractive. What is so bad about wrinkles? It is a part of life. We are all going to get them! I guess from what Wendy thinks and society says, if your a woman over 40 you're a "has been" and just step aside and let the young girls take over!
All women have to start demanding a little respect! Wendy you should not be talking so negatively about a women your own age! Women need to stick together and respect each other. Men stick by each other and that's why it is a man's world. Women if we stopped trying to keep each other down and supported each other men wouldn't stand a chance. They would have no choice! They would have to respect us and they wouldn't be able to cheat because we would be smart enough not to mess around with a married guy who just wants to have his fun and use us for a little while!
This society has turned into a man's fantasy! Men always have had commitment issues and when women wouldn't give it away so freely they were getting more respect. What is wrong with being married to the same partner for 50 years and raising a family. My grandparents did it and they were a lot happier than couples I meet today that cheat, have multiple partners and don't value marriage.
Steph
Is this society and Wendy trying to say that if your husband sees a chick who is younger than you, or more attractive, you should understand if he cheats??!! Ashton is a married man and should honor his vows! If he can't respect himself and his wife, there is a thing called divorce!
Demi Moore happens to be a beautiful women. Who cares how old she is? Older men have been dating younger women, forever. It is about time older women started dating younger men! I am all for it! Ashton is not some twenty year old kid, he is a grown man in his 30's!
Older women in this society get no respect! They are called dried up, prunes, and are basically told by society that they are no longer attractive. What is so bad about wrinkles? It is a part of life. We are all going to get them! I guess from what Wendy thinks and society says, if your a woman over 40 you're a "has been" and just step aside and let the young girls take over!
All women have to start demanding a little respect! Wendy you should not be talking so negatively about a women your own age! Women need to stick together and respect each other. Men stick by each other and that's why it is a man's world. Women if we stopped trying to keep each other down and supported each other men wouldn't stand a chance. They would have no choice! They would have to respect us and they wouldn't be able to cheat because we would be smart enough not to mess around with a married guy who just wants to have his fun and use us for a little while!
This society has turned into a man's fantasy! Men always have had commitment issues and when women wouldn't give it away so freely they were getting more respect. What is wrong with being married to the same partner for 50 years and raising a family. My grandparents did it and they were a lot happier than couples I meet today that cheat, have multiple partners and don't value marriage.
Steph
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Book Bag: Junie B. Jones
I am agast. I had heard great reviews and recommendations for Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, a children's book targeting kindergarten through second graders.
Wow, what a shock I was in when my 6 year old daughter brought it home and we started reading it together. I am appalled at the language and behavior of this fresh, little girl and cannot understand why it gets rave reviews, and supposedly from teachers! Last I knew teachers were trying to keep bad behavior like calling names, making fun of kids, the start of bullying behavior, and hitting other kids out of the classroom. Saying dumb and stupid are words that have been forbidden in class and in my home. Even worse calling other kids dumb and stupid. Disgraceful. My daughter actually stopped me and said she was using bad words and we decided to substitute super for stupid or dumb.
The book she brought home was Junie B. Jones and her Big Fat Mouth. As I'm reading this line about Mickey Mouse, I realize that she's giving away that the Mickey at Disneyworld is a guy in a costume but it was already coming out and I didn't know how to react. Sorry but my daughter is six and I want to take her to Disneyworld next year and have her believe in the magic of Disney. Sorry but I'm a believer in letting children believe. The time of being young and innocent is so little. Let's let the kids be kids and enjoy this time of wonderfulness. Why would a woman writing a book for a five year want to give away this secret away. Of course they will learn the truth, but I don't think it should be at five and from a book written for a five year old.
In addition to the bad behavior and giving away childhood secrets, it is written in bad grammer and bad english.
So I thought as I was reading I thought this book must be for older kids. So I searched for it and read the Amazon description and discovered that this book is intended for K through 2nd grade. Even worse this book series has won 40 awards. I am shocked and disturbed that this book would get published, praised and awarded.
Bad language, bad behavior, bad grammer. Presumably this is a good "learning" book to teach kids how NOT to behave. How about we write books that teach children HOW TO behave. Books that will inspire them and teach them to be good, kind children. Kids emulate what they read and mimic at this age. Giving them this sort of book teaches them the wrong thing and gives them a bad role model.
We often critize children for being fresh and you wonder why when this is the reading material that people are praising. How could you not expect kids to be fresh when they are given books that encourage this behavior. I don't want a book that I have to make excuses for and talk up the bad behavior. I'd rather my daughter read a book that doesn't need excuses. That kids can read and enjoy. A book can be funny and not be insulting. I don't enjoy a book that is a bad influence on my child.
I definately will not be buying this book or any from the series. I honestly cannot believe one was published let alone an entire series. What a crazy world. I guess people like stupid books. Oh there goes my big fat mouth. Sorry, just got done reading this stupid book. Keep it away from your 5, 6 or 7 year old or you can expect to hear these words, that we try to avoid, in your house and on the playground.
Junie B. Jones, you get a time out. Don't let your kids read this dumb book.
Jan
Wow, what a shock I was in when my 6 year old daughter brought it home and we started reading it together. I am appalled at the language and behavior of this fresh, little girl and cannot understand why it gets rave reviews, and supposedly from teachers! Last I knew teachers were trying to keep bad behavior like calling names, making fun of kids, the start of bullying behavior, and hitting other kids out of the classroom. Saying dumb and stupid are words that have been forbidden in class and in my home. Even worse calling other kids dumb and stupid. Disgraceful. My daughter actually stopped me and said she was using bad words and we decided to substitute super for stupid or dumb.
The book she brought home was Junie B. Jones and her Big Fat Mouth. As I'm reading this line about Mickey Mouse, I realize that she's giving away that the Mickey at Disneyworld is a guy in a costume but it was already coming out and I didn't know how to react. Sorry but my daughter is six and I want to take her to Disneyworld next year and have her believe in the magic of Disney. Sorry but I'm a believer in letting children believe. The time of being young and innocent is so little. Let's let the kids be kids and enjoy this time of wonderfulness. Why would a woman writing a book for a five year want to give away this secret away. Of course they will learn the truth, but I don't think it should be at five and from a book written for a five year old.
In addition to the bad behavior and giving away childhood secrets, it is written in bad grammer and bad english.
So I thought as I was reading I thought this book must be for older kids. So I searched for it and read the Amazon description and discovered that this book is intended for K through 2nd grade. Even worse this book series has won 40 awards. I am shocked and disturbed that this book would get published, praised and awarded.
Bad language, bad behavior, bad grammer. Presumably this is a good "learning" book to teach kids how NOT to behave. How about we write books that teach children HOW TO behave. Books that will inspire them and teach them to be good, kind children. Kids emulate what they read and mimic at this age. Giving them this sort of book teaches them the wrong thing and gives them a bad role model.
We often critize children for being fresh and you wonder why when this is the reading material that people are praising. How could you not expect kids to be fresh when they are given books that encourage this behavior. I don't want a book that I have to make excuses for and talk up the bad behavior. I'd rather my daughter read a book that doesn't need excuses. That kids can read and enjoy. A book can be funny and not be insulting. I don't enjoy a book that is a bad influence on my child.
I definately will not be buying this book or any from the series. I honestly cannot believe one was published let alone an entire series. What a crazy world. I guess people like stupid books. Oh there goes my big fat mouth. Sorry, just got done reading this stupid book. Keep it away from your 5, 6 or 7 year old or you can expect to hear these words, that we try to avoid, in your house and on the playground.
Junie B. Jones, you get a time out. Don't let your kids read this dumb book.
Jan
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