Last weekend we went to a fall festival in our neighborhood. It was one of those perfect days in Florida, sunny, no humidity and a cool breeze. So of course I got out the boots and leggings, anytime it is slightly cool in Florida that is what we do break out the boots because you never know when you are able to wear them. But I also had the weekend packed with outdoor activities for the family, one being the pumpkin patch at the fall festival.
Everly wandered around picking out her perfect pumpkin for this years Halloween festivities. I wanted to get some posed pumpkin patch pictures but she has a problem with me holding her back when she has so much to explore.
I recently watched a brilliant and inspiring documentary about the impact of the media on our young boys and girls it was called Miss Representation by Jen Siebel Newsom, I saw the trailer for it about a week ago and knew I needed to watch this for me, Everly and her generation. The statistics were astonishing yet not shocking all. Here are just a few of many:
American teenagers spend more than 10 hours a day consuming media, most of it filled with content that objectifies women and distorts their bodies.
Women respond to advertisers’ messages of never being good enough: American women spend more money on the pursuit of beauty than on their own education.
67 countries in the world have had female presidents or prime ministers. The United States is not one of them. Cuba, China, Iraq and Afghanistan have more women in government than the US does.
Study after study proves that TV violence enhances violent behavior in real life.
Only 16% of protagonists in film are female. Only 7% of film directors and 10% of writers are female.
I fumble through my journey of motherhood daily, trying to figure out how not to screw up this precious opportunity I was given and how I can raise her to be a driven, passionate, loving, self confident individual. Watching this documentary just affirmed my greatest fear and conquest. I am never going to be able to shield her from everything and I don't want to, well I can't say that is completely true, if I could keep her in my little bubble forever I would... but that's not very healthy is it? The best I can do is commit to being the change I would like to see happen and lead by example. This is definitely an evolving topic for me personally as a learn for myself and my daughters future.
I encourage everyone to see this, it's not just our daughters that are impacted but our sons as well. And even if you don't have children of your own I am sure everyone has a young mind in their lives that are dear to their heart and wants the best life possible for them!
A few months ago my mom came to me with an idea and a plan. She wanted to partner up with our friend Dawn and open up a bridal boutique. Dawn and my mom our neighbors and her and her husband Jim have become great friends to our family. She is the owner of Bridal Ltd. in Port Orange, Florida, a bridal shop that specializes in couture bridal gowns and focusing solely on the lady of the day, after all it is all about the bride. Talking with her brides and getting to know their needs for their special day she saw a potential opportunity to provide a full service bridal boutique experience to her customers. After some casual conversation amongst friends, my mom called me and said, "I decided I want us to do this, I want to partner up with Dawn and open up a bridal boutique. We are going to focus on bridesmaids, lingerie and accessories...oh and I want you to do it with me."
At first I didn't know what to think, to be honest I was a little upset, this has been something I wanted to do for a long time but I didn't think it was the right time in my life. And then I wasn't sure how I was going to be able do this with me living in Tampa and the boutique located in Port Orange. But then the whisper became louder and the gentle nudge turned into a firm push and I knew this was the right journey to take. After making the decision that I was on board everything started to fall into place. I was overjoyed with all the excitement and support I received from family and friends as I shared with them about this new endeavor in my life.
So that is how For the Girls came to fruition. It will be excited to see how this process unfolds since it is all new to me. I am looking forward to sharing this experience as I learn all about this new chapter in my life!
