Sunday Inspiration: So Important for Tween Girls to Always Know…

Such beautiful words.

This is such a beautiful statement for tween girls to know and always remember.

You don’t need to cover your face with makeup to be beautiful.

Pass this message along…

What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid? – LEAN IN

Tween Turning Point: Shopping Without Having a Nervous Breakdown

Just like we moms do, tweens have their own ideas about fashion and shopping! They want to come up with their own personal style. After your daughter has created some of her own beautiful fashions here on FashionPlaytes you may need to grab a few things at the mall to supplement her wardrobe. You’ll probably discover that shopping with your daughter can be a real challenge.

Here are some tips so you and your tween can meet in the middle and your shopping trip won’t end in tears… from either of you!

1. Make sure she dresses simple to go shopping. No button shirts, lace-up shoes or hard-to-get-off pants. You want easy-on, easy-off clothing to make changing in and out of outfits quick and easy. It might be a good idea for her to wear a thin tank top for coverage too. Dressing rooms are disaster areas and you need to get in and out as quickly as possible.

2. Give her privacy in those dressing rooms. She’s probably pretty shy about her body and the changes that are occurring. If she wants to go into the room alone, that’s OK but let her know you would like to see the outfits after she’s got them on. Even if she doesn’t like an outfit that you’ve chosen for her, tell her the deal is that you’d like to see it on her.

3. Start in the back of the store and work your way forward. I go to the SALE rack first. You can always find a deal or two, and then supplement with other items. There’s no reason to pay full-price on pieces when you know next week your daughter is going to sprout two inches and the pants you bought are going to be floods on her.

4. If you are in disagreement on a particular item — she loves it and you are unsure, or you think it’s too tight — let the salesgirl make the final call. I recently did this and told my daughter, “Whatever the salesgirl says, I will go with.” (The salesgirl took my daughter’s side and I was totally OK with the final decision!)

5. Tell your daughter that ultimately, you do have the final say on all things. You are the mom, you hold the wallet, and that’s all there is to it. She is to respect you and be grateful that you are taking her shopping, and that she better appreciate all the wonderful things you do for her. (OK, I don’t really tell my daughter this every time we go shopping, but from now on, I’m going to!)

6. After your shopping adventure, always, ALWAYS, go out for ice cream. This is mandatory!

About the Author:

Stephanie Elliot, in no particular order, is a wife, writer, blogger, book reviewer, editor and mother to three kids, two who have already been tweens, and one who is right smack in the middle of his tween-ness. Her oldest son is almost driving and her daughter survived her tween years so Stephanie must be doing something right. Find out more at

Tween Dad Club – Music Makes the World Go Around

I love music, pretty much any kind, and love to listen to it in the car, around the house and even better, see it live. All three of my kids play instruments. My oldest (12) plays guitar and mandolin, middle (11) plays drums and youngest (9) plays guitar and bass. The oldest has even started writing her own music and that’s been really fun to watch and listen to her over the past year or so. So, basically, music is a big deal in our house. But a recent event got me wondering about music and tweens and how affected my kids are by the lyrics in some of the songs they hear.

Now when I listen to music, it’s all about the melody and I don’t really pay attention to the lyrics or try to understand what the artist means. Of course, some are pretty obvious, but other songs, like many by Adele are abstract representations of her pain and regret. My 12-year-old often asks me what specific lyrics mean and I have to confess that I have no idea. Reality is, for me, I don’t really care. If I like a song, I just like it; it’s more visceral than emotional.

Well that’s all well and good in theory, but I had a moment a few weeks back when I was driving one or more (can’t remember) of my tweens to some practice, rehearsal, lesson, game, playdate, etc., when a song came on and all the kids started singing along. My first thought was: “how do they know all the freaking lyrics?” And then I thought, “what was that lyric???” This time the song happened to be “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore, and worse, it was coming from my iPod and it wasn’t the “clean” version.  Of course, it’s not just hip hop and rap that now often record two versions of songs, one as they intended and other safe for radio. This runs across almost any genre, from pop artists like Pink, Kei$ha and Britney to country artists like Luke Bryan and the Zac Brown Band. My kids even had a very funny and animated conversation about what word they could use in place of a questionable word in the Zac Brown Band’s song “Toes.”

On a recent road trip with some other Dads and tweens, we had a carload of tween boys in the car and all but one could sing to just about everything that came on a pop radio station – from Taylor Swift to David Guetta. The dad of the one boy couldn’t believe the boys all knew the songs and the rest of the dads were equally stunned that his son didn’t know any. The reason is, they only listen to Radio Disney and the other kid-friendly stations on the radio, and filtering the music his kid hears to content they see as appropriate.

This led to a conversation about tweens and music and what, where and how much we expose our kids to — and then when they are exposed, how do we explain what it all means and how we view it.  My kids know they can’t say certain words and if they do, there will be trouble. For me, it’s about what’s acceptable for a kid to say and what’s not. To me, they are just words, but words can hurt, shock, enrage, endear, offend, etc., so my kids know they have to choose their words with care. Part of this learning process, to me at least, is knowing that there are words out there that can cause problems for them and that not everyone shares our beliefs about what is appropriate and what is not.

The truth is, no matter what bubble we as parents try to create for our children, the truth is kids are going to hear a wide variety of music regardless of what we do – they are in carpools, have Internet access, watch TV shows and movies, have their own Apple accounts or share ours, etc. – it’s how we react to that, and prepare them to react that’s important. Ideally, we’re giving our kids the ability to process what they hear when they are outside our sphere of influence and decide for themselves what’s appropriate and what’s not. While sometimes I wish it could be as easy as turning off the radio, it’s not and we need to give our kids the ability to make good decisions about what they listen to, and how they interrupt what they hear.

I don’t have all the answers but I do know what works for us.  Just my two cents on the topic. Comments welcome.

About the Author:

Rich Williams is a tech PR guy, serial entrepreneur, and Dad to three kids, two of which happen to be tween girls. He spends his days navigating tech topics with clients and driving kids to guitar, soccer, swim, tae kwon do, tumbling, drums, etc. He is often very, very tired.

5 Things to Do on Memorial Day with your Kids

It’s Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  It’s a beautiful day to reflect and to honor the courageous men and women.

Memorial Day for me, has always been one surrounded by family, too.   Ever since I was a little girl, my parents always made sure Memorial Day weekend was a weekend where we did activities together as a family and spent quality time together.   It was a meaningful weekend to my parents and grandparents because we always thought about the men and women who died for our country and I have tried to continue this tradition with my own family.

My sons are 5, 6, 7 and 8… but regardless of your child’s (or children) age, there are beautiful things that you can do together today that will be special.

Here are 5 Things to Do on Memorial Day with your Kids:

1) Picnic – Whether it’s in your backyard or at a local park or at a beach, it’s a fun way to bring everyone together. There’s something fun about packing up lunches and grabbing a blanket and all sitting together outside and enjoying a lunch.  It’s the conversations that come from these special moments that are so dear and important.

2) Bike Ride – Depending upon the weather, a bike ride is always a fun activity to do together. My parents used to do this with me and my siblings all the time and we have just started doing this with the boys.  It was always so much fun to be together and enjoy a beautiful day on our bikes. Seize the day and head on out!

3) Plant a Garden Together – My husband will be doing this today with our sons. There’s something beautiful about being one with the earth and planting and creating something magnificent. Whether you’re planting flowers or veggies, spend some time creating something gorgeous with your family. It’s a fun family activity for everyone to do together.

4) Mystery Road Trip – These are so much fun for parents to do to their children! Pack everyone up in the car and head out on a mystery road trip.  We do this with the boys and head to Boston or the zoo or to a local museum. It’s a cute way to get excitement in the car. The boys ALWAYS get excited about the end destination because it’s a true surprise for them!

5) Parade – There are Memorial Day parades everywhere today, just look up online or in your local newspaper where they will be. There’s something special about heading out to a Memorial Day parade and sitting, watching and honoring the men and women. It gives the day meaning and a purpose as to why we’re honoring these brave men and women.

Sunday Inspiration: Words to Always Remember…

Words to always remember.

Great words to teach your tweens.

Anything and everything is possible… they just need to believe.

Fashion Playtes News Alert: Join Club Z and YOUR GIRL Could Win!

We have some news… CLUB Z is officially up and running!

To celebrate, TONS of cool prizes are being given away each day now through May 30th!! From movie passes to amazon gift cards and even an iPad — we’ve got stuff our members are gonna LOVE!

Make a note for your girl, EVERY DAY now through May 30th,  we’ll randomly select one (1) Club Z member to win our pop up prize! Winners will be announced right here on our style mag.

Then, on Monday June 2, we’ll be giving away a BRAND NEW iPad to one lucky Club Z member!

Make sure your girl enters, all you have to do is sign up to be a part of Club Z!  Remember, it’s FREE to join, but we’ll need your permission.

Fashion Friday: 5 Summer Trends for Moms

It’s Fashion Friday!

I personally love this time of year because summer is LITERALLY right around the corner! The weather is warming up. The beaches and pools are beginning to open. School is almost out. It’s a fun and exciting and happy time of year!

With the beginning of each summer, I always stock up on a few new fashion items for myself (after all, it’s not just about getting the kids ready, too!). There are some wonderful and fabulous trends for moms right now that I’m exciting to share with you today!

Get fashion ready… summer is COMING!

5 Summer Trends for Moms:

1) Stripes – Stripes are big on everything this summer! Find them on tops dresses, bathing suits, accessories and shoes! Love this nautical look for the summer.

2) Pants with Patterns – These are such a fun item to add into your closet this summer season. Find a pair of pants with a fabulous and eye-catching print!

3) GIGANTIC Summer Scarf – I love a scarf, especially a summer one. I love how a summer scarf can really amp up any outfit. It goes from casual to totally chic. Find some gorgeous printed or bold scarves and have some fun with them this summer!

4) White Blouse – Summer whites are my fave fashion trend for the summer. Find some gorgeous white items and wear them with white bottoms. This look is perfect for anyone!

5) T-strap Sandal – Looking for a fabulous summer shoe? The T-strap Sandal is the ONE to grab for the summer. Very elegant and fashionable for your feet!

Tween Turning Point: Let’s Not Forget Daddy’s Role

We’ve been talking lately about activities moms and daughters can do together but why can’t we include Daddy in these little bonding moments? He’s important too. Daddies matter so much and during the tween stage, he’s necessary for the building of your daughter’s self-esteem. He’s the male role model in your daughter’s life, and she’s got to have some quality time with her father as well.

But sometimes you might find your daughter pulling away from your husband.

She may become shy as her body is changing and her emotions are soaring in all sorts of ranges – she may be weepy one day, giggly the next, or screaming minutes later. Or maybe you notice your tween daughter clinging to your husband more than usual, which might make him uncomfortable. He might not be used to this sort of affection from his tween daughter, and this could put a strain on their relationship.

It’s definitely Daddy-Daughter time! They need to find a balance to their relationship and get some common ground. They need to talk about what’s going on in her life: School, friendships, hobbies, and yes, if it comes up, even boys!

My husband and daughter recently had some major bonding time when I was out of town with our youngest son and my husband had to take our oldest son to Los Angeles for a basketball tournament. He had to drag our daughter along. But, he made sure to make a day for just the two of them.

They spent a day hanging out at the beach, going to lunch, and seeing a movie together while my son was playing basketball. My husband even took our daughter out to try on shoes, and of course, she tried on the highest heels she could cram her toes into! He snapped a picture and sent it to my phone with the caption, “She is never allowed to get a pair of these!”

These are the days when your daughter is full of emotion and she literally doesn’t know what is up or down. Don’t let her pull away from you or your husband. Make her feel like she’s a part of your whole family. It’s so easy for her to feel misplaced when everyone is so busy she might feel like no one has time for her. Make her feel important… because she is important. Don’t let anyone forget that! Especially not her!

What are some ways you and your husband make your tween daughter feel like she is special?

About the Author:

Stephanie Elliot, in no particular order, is a wife, writer, blogger, book reviewer, editor and mother to three kids, two who have already been tweens, and one who is right smack in the middle of his tween-ness. Her oldest son is almost driving and her daughter survived her tween years so Stephanie must be doing something right. Find out more at

Join us today at Kidscom.com for a Fashion Design Special Learning Lab!

Today over at

Maeve the Brave! (one girl’s self-portrait)

Just last week, I attended an “Author’s Breakfast” for my youngest daughter, Maeve.

Maeve just turned 7 and we call her “Maeve the Brave” – for good reason. The nurse actually nicknamed her after a pretty intense delivery, and it’s turned out there’s no better name in the world for this little one.

“Maeve” means “intoxicating leader,” and in addition to leading the charge in our family, she’s assigned herself the role of neighborhood mayor. Maeve has a truly unique sense of fashion that rivals that of the stylists on our FPgirl shoots. She’s artistic, athletic, sensitive, passionate and driven. Yes, at age 7 we know this. She rode a 2-wheeler when she was just 2 years old – just one day after her brother, age 4 at the time. Needless to say, she knows she can do just about anything and has developed a strong sense of self.

Maeve’s first grade class is absolutely adorable and they are so fortunate to have a phenomenal teacher (game-changing good!). At the Author’s Breakfast, the children shared books they’d written and illustrated. The stories were beautiful, insightful and well written; the illustrations fabulous.

But my favorite part of every book was the “About the Author” section. Here the children described themselves – what they’re good at, their favorite sports, families, etc. – with a sense of pride, confidence and innocence. They had drawn self-portraits with colorful details like rosy cheeks, long eyelashes, brilliant smiles, and sunshine and blue skies.

Seeing those happy drawings instantly made me think of the new Dove campaign – the one where Dove hired a sketch artist and asked

5 Things to Do on May Day with your Family

It’s May Day!

Traditionally, on the first day of May a festival is held to celebrate spring.

Throwing a May Day festival may not be something you can do today, but you can celebrate with your family in many different ways.

Here are 5 Things to Do on May Day with your family:

1) Plant a Garden

What a wonderful and fun activity to do with your family today! Find an area in your backyard to create a beautiful garden masterpiece. Buy some gorgeous flowers and plants and enjoy your time outside with your family. The beauty is in the time together and then the final product of the garden. This is a perfect May Day activity

2) Have a Cookout

Depending upon the weather (it’s snowing in Colorado!), get that grill going! If it’s a beautiful evening, take some time to enjoy dinner outside with your family. Grill burgers or chicken or veggies! Make lemonade! Make S’mores! Just take the time on May Day to create a delicious meal for your whole family!

3) Create a May Pole

My Nana used to do this for me and my siblings when we were kids and we LOVED it. If you happen to have the items that will allow you to create a May Pole, it’s a really fun thing to do with your kids. Play some music and have everyone dance around! It’s something they’ll never forget, believe me!

4) Make a May Day Basket of Flowers

My mother still does this! Find baskets around your house and fill them with beautiful flowers. Have your children help you create centerpieces for the tables in your home to celebrate May Day. Bring in lots of colors, it will brighten up your house beautifully!

5) Bike Ride or Family Walk

Get your family outside and do something active! Grab the bikes or grab your sneakers and get the family moving on May Day. May Day celebrates spring! It’s a perfect time to get outside and enjoy the day and the weather. I’m personally planning on taking my 4 sons on a neighborhood walk after dinner tonight!

Easy Braid Tutorial

Looking for an easy braid hairstyle for your leading little lady? Here’s a super easy hair tutorial!

This is just perfect for the summer months ahead!

Check out:

BeTween the Pages: The Care & Keeping of You 2 by Cara Natterson

Sunday Inspiration: Express Your Fashion Self

Fashion is a way of life.

It’s a way to express your creativity.

It’s a way to be bold.

It’s a way to be subtle.

It’s a way to share a piece of who YOU are with the world.

It’s a… way of life.

HAVE SOME FUN WITH IT!

Fashion Friday: VIDEO – FPgirl’s Summer ’13 Photoshoot (GET READY!)

There are some ADORABLE summer trends spotted in this FPgirl Summer ’13 Photoshoot Video… pops of color, bright neons, nautical stripes, embellished flip flops, colored jeans, etc!

What’s your favorite for your FPgirl?

Tips for Getting Your Kids into the Habit of Writing Thank-You Notes 

Thank you notes. They’re so very important. And these days, while it’s so easy to pop off a Facebook message or an email to say, “Thanks! Kelsey got the gift and she loves it!” that DOES NOT COUNT as a thank-you note. Ever since I was little, I’ve written thank-you notes, and I’ve instilled this habit into my kids whenever they receive a gift. I tell them that if they want to keep getting gifts, they have to write thank-you notes.

Here are some tips to help your kids get into the habit of writing thank-you notes:

          1. Don’t delay: As soon as your child gets a gift, address an envelope and stamp it, sit down with her, and help her to write a thank-you note.

          2. A thank-you note does not have to be lengthy. Key points: Note what the gift was and how much you appreciate it. That’s all you need to do! And sign your name. Three sentences is all it takes!

          3. This may be a harsh tactic, but don’t let your child play with or use the gift until the thank-you note is written.

          4. To make writing thank-you notes special, purchase personalized thank-you notes for your daughter. Here are some cute suggestions for girls.

          5. Always handwritten a thank-you note. Never type it out and sign your name. Try to make it as personal as possible. A personal note goes a long way.

Remember, the person who gave you the gift made the effort to get you a gift. Thank that person appropriately!

About the Author:

Stephanie Elliot, in no particular order, is a wife, writer, blogger, book reviewer, editor and mother to three kids, two who have already been tweens, and one who is right smack in the middle of his tween-ness. Her oldest son is almost driving and her daughter survived her tween years so Stephanie must be doing something right. Find out more at

Wednesday Inspiration: SMILE BIG and LAUGH OFTEN

A little inspiration to kick off your Wednesday…

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Thanks to

Tween Dad Club – Tweens and Social Networking…it’s all about the ground rules

When I was a tween, the only tech I had access to was my GI Joe’s Kung Fu Grip. Eventually we got an Atari and I got wicked good at Pong, but the devices we thought were so cool weren’t connected to anything but our TVs. Today, it’s a completely different world and, as a parent of tweens, something we need to consider carefully. I’m not suggesting that we helicopter over our kids as they explore social networking, or block them out completely. The reality is, they live in a much more social and connected world than we do. But as parents, we have to help them learn how to explore and engage in a positive and protective way that doesn’t open them up to problems or predators.

Most social networking sites don’t allow kids under 13 to use the site unless they have parental permission. The Children’s’ Online Privacy Protection Act (

Celebrate Earth Day!

Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22nd to learn about and take care of the Planet. People from all over the world celebrate with musical performances, picnics and other outdoor activities. Other popular ways of observing Earth Day include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, recycling, conserving water and electricity!

Taking care of the Earth might seem complicated, but there are many simple steps everyone can take to do their part as well as  numerous charities, that are each working to  keep this planet a great place for years to come!

We have been celebrating Earth Day all month over at FPgirl! From our April Design Contest, “Green is Glam”  asking girls to create a earth day inspired graphic for us to feature on a reusable bag, to creating new “Earth Day Graphics” empowering and inspiring girls around what Earth Day is all about!

Want to see what the girls are saying about Earth Day - check out these posts over on the Style Mag!