“No matter what you do, there will be critics.”

Don’t be afraid to pursue your own dreams based on what others say when you share your idea. Use criticism to strengthen your resolve and refine your goals.

If you are brave enough to share your vision with others you might hear some popular and expected responses. Of all the moms that I have met and interviewed each one has had their critics. Statements such as, “it has already been done”, “how will you find the time” or “what happens if you fail?” Instead of allowing any doubts to stop your pursuit, use the criticism to refine your focus.

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Three moms join forces to establish Baby2Baby.

If you have young children, you likely have gear. Clothing, toys, highchairs, strollers, swings; all of which are items we feel fortunate to have as our babies morph into toddlers and children.  Eventually, the day arrives when those items are no longer of use to our families, yet the question presents itself: what can I do with all of this wonderful clothing and equipment that looks practically new? A couple of years ago three inspiring moms confronted this issue over dinner and came up with a plan to put their baby gear and clothing to good use.

Friends for several years, Karis Jagger, Marnie Owens and Lee Michel began to research how best to execute their mission. Familiar with “Baby Buggy,” an established organization in New York that collects gently used baby gear and clothing and redistributes it to local charities, the friends decided to model their own organization with similar goals in Los Angeles. Thus, in 2006 Baby2Baby was born as a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished families with children ages 0-4 years.  Their inaugural drive was an appeal to local friends that resulted in three garages full of baby gear and clothing. After cleaning and taking inventory, they loaded the items into their own cars and drove them to three local organizations: Beyond Shelter, 1736 Family Crisis Center and St. Anne’s. (more…)

Time tested beauty tips.

I first read this poem written by Sam Levenson in 1996 and have re-read it several times since then.  I thought I would share it.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. 
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, 
renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,
you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;
one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

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