Girls Rock!

Because I adore girls and completely identify with how important it is to empower those (sometimes fragile) egos, this is todays post - an email from a 'rockin' mom. I just love her site and what it's trying to do, and the Wii fit prize is an awesome incentive to win this contest! Enjoy and have a great weekend...
pp

We are launching a photo essay contest for young girls in America, asking them to submit photos of what it means to be a Tween Girl in America right now. We believe that girls in America cannot be labeled or pigeonholed. They're not just athletes, just pretty, just smart, or just students. They are a tapestry, and we believe that these girls are the best people to tell us who they are. We're giving away a Wii Fit game to the winner. In addition, we will post the top five entries and the accompanying text on our site at www.itchickclothes.com. The contest is open from August 1st to September 30th.
Who are we? We're owners of an online boutique of plus or extended size clothes for tween girls. We're also mothers of daughters. We believe strongly in helping girls find their voice, and we're giving away 10% of our sales in August and September to Girls Inc., a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. More information can be found at www.girlsinc.org.
We're hoping to make our contest and our gift to Girls Inc. as big as possible. Will you consider posting our contest information on your blog to help us get the word out? We think this is a great opportunity for girls to find their voice through art and writing.
Contest details can be found at https://www.itchickclothes.com/index.php/contest.html. We are happy to answer any questions you might have for us. Also, please feel free to forward this email or our contest information to as anyone you think might be interested.

From two moms of daughters, thank you.
Catherine and Emily

Cut Throat

I love contests and competition. On the surface, I may seem a little cool and laid back, but I will go for your jugular at a baby shower to win the coveted bag full of sickly sweet diaper shaped soaps, feeding bottle candles and jelly beans all done up in gauze. Believe that, Ma. I dunno, but winning is just great and I am good at word scrambles and finding hidden minuscule baby combs in curtain patterns, so I usually win those. So this is why I need to win this contest and a free giveaway on sleep deprivation hosted on this cool blog, aptly titled 'coolmomsrule'. All I have to do is answer a few questions, which suits me just fine as I LOVE to talk about myself. (You'd never guess, right? :-)) So here goes...

Well, today we are giving away a copy of Sleep Deprived No More here on Cool Moms Rule! And here's what you have to do to:
Win it!Link to this post on your blog, and then comment here with your link. If you don't have a blog you can still win! Just leave a comment.

Here's what I want to know:

When was the last time you had 8+ hours of sleep?



October 27 2005 - the night I left the hospital with my first son. I was smart, I knew in advance to enjoy my time in the hospital and NOT have him room in with me. Trust me, he'll have more than enough time to room in with you, so sleep while you can!



If your child sleeps through the night, what routine worked for you?



That's exactly it - 'routine' works for us. he knows the drill, after his bath and food, there is computer time or story time or TV time and cuddle time, prayers, chocolate milk night cap and bed. Some nights there are tears and the occasional 3 am wake up, but they are far and few between and it's always back to bed.



On really bad nights, Mama is not above using good old fashioned bribery, with whatever is the 'thing' of the month.



If you are a struggling, sleep-walking zombie of a Mom, I want to hear about that, too.



I thought I was sleep deprived before number 2 son came along, but I cackle hysterically at the notion now. I have accepted the fact that I will not be sleeping 8 hours until at least four, five years in the future and I'm okay with that. Not because I am this great mom, but because, well, sleep is overrated. I'd rather be watching 'Flavor of love' at 2 am anyway. Call me crazy...



Share your tips and tribulations below in your comment for a chance to win Sleep Deprived No More!Last Day to Enter: Thursday, June 5, 2008Winners Announced: Friday, June 6, 2008