What if it was Your Daughter?

New National Survey Shows Stark Contrast in Parents’ Perceptions and the Reality of Teenagers’ Relationships

A new survey was recently published about parents' perceptions of their daughters' romantic involvements as compared to their actual relationships. It was a startling wake up call to me that only 1 in 4 parents reported that their teenage daughter had been in an unhealthy relationship but in actuality 1 in 3 adolescent girls reported being in an unhealthy relationship.

I don't have a daughter but I do have two boys. Even though they are far from their first relationship (I hope!), my husband and I teach them how to respect and care for women. We don't present it in a "weaker sex" kind of way but we do encourage chilvary and special attention.

I can't help but wonder if the sexualization of women through the media and the degradation of women through "gangsta" rap culture adds fuel to the fire and contributes to the low self esteem of women young and old in our country.

What are your thoughts?

Before & After

Everybody loves a good before & after makeover photo, right? Well this past weekend I had the pleasure of building a relationship with one of my clients whom I didn't know very well. She was so excited about Mary Kay's Hollywood Makeover Contest and called me when she saw an ad in Ladies' Home Journal. It was a great pick-me-up for me because I was contemplating eating the cost of a hotel conference room that I'd rented for a bridal event. Neither of my brides were able to make it do to life circumstances and I was a little down, to say the least. Then my client called me, she was available, and the two of us enjoyed some great girl time and she got a fabulous, free makeover!

Check out her contest entry then post a comment here to let me know what you think of her new look. Personally, I think she looks FABULOUS but then, I might be a little biased. :)

Make A Difference Monday

Kind of a short post today but wanted to give a shout-out to "Make A Difference Monday," courtesy of K-LOVE--a radio network I ADORE!

It's amazing how we can make a difference in the smallest ways. Today has a been a black-hole day for me. In other words, sucking to the infinite power! I won't go into all my stuff but I'm sure you've had days like that, too. You know, when the universe decides to point its big guns your way and has you in its sights to exclusivity of everybody else? Well, maybe not but it sure feels that way, right? Thankfully, God sent a couple of angels my way and I know their prayers were heard. Such a small thing but it made such a huge difference to me.

Here's another small way to make a difference: check out Samaritan's Feet--I'll bet the last time you checked out Zappos, you weren't thinking of the fact that so many adults and children go without shoes. I know I wasn't. Why not take a little time today to make a difference in a small way? It may not be with this organization, it might be with your neighbor or your child's teacher, but make a difference in somebody's life today.

I'd love to hear how you made a difference or someone made a difference in your life--go ahead and post a comment, you never know whose day you might make better!