Typically I try to keep things light on the blog but lately things that the media have been putting out have really been bothering me. This magazine cover is case and point, are you kidding me? Let's see one of the male political candidates portrayed on the cover of Newsweek like this, with the message below.
I am fed up with the media overly scrutinizing every female politician that has had the gutso to get out, stand up, and speak their mind. I am not just talking about strong republican woman such as Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann, but Hillary Clinton who has also been scrutinized to the tenth degree in the past. It seems like every day there is something in the media about some mistake these woman have made, and a whole lot of criticism from every media outlet on the planet. My view is that people are intimidated by woman that stand up for what they believe in. People are intimidated by the Hilary Clinton's, Sarah Palin's and Michelle Bachmanns of the world because they rock the boat and they are different. At the Iowa GOP Debate a few weeks when Michelle Bachmann was asked "If she was a submissive wife" I almost fell of my chair. Would that ever be rephrased differently to another one of the candidates on that stage that night? Absolutely not. Would the question be asked to a man?
I am fortunate to know many strong woman in my life. Family, friends, colleagues, that are successful and have rose to the top despite the challenges that woman are faced with. I just read this article yesterday on women in health care C-Suite positions, and the future of health care reform. The message is precise, and crosses throughout all industries. While woman have come a long way, we still have an uphill battle that we will eventually win.
http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-financial-and-business-news/shattering-glass-ceilings-women-in-the-hospital-c-suite.html
These are just a few reasons why I like woman such as Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, and Hilary Clinton to name a few. It is because they do rock the boat and they inspire woman both young and old that they can do anything if they dream a big dream, work hard, have passion, and stand up for their beliefs. Take away the politics and look at the big picture of what these woman stand for, they are the ones that are paving the way for woman in the future to get after it, and not be afraid to run for president, or be a CEO, or stand up in a board meeting with all men to speak their mind. In a month I may be holding a daughter in my arms, and my wish is that as she grows she will dream big, reach for the stars, and have passion to go after whatever she believes in to accomplish those dreams because of woman that have started to stand up for what they believe in today. Woman have come a long way don't get me wrong, but we still have a long way to go and we need to support, encourage, and push one another to get to where we want to be. With that said will Michelle Bachmann win the race to be the next president of the United States? Only time will tell, but my view is that with the challenges and scrutiny the media plays in this game she will not. I also think that because woman still have a long way to go in our country, and nations around the world that our country is not ready for a woman president. Not because she may not be good, it is because she is different and as much as this countries needs a change that may be too much. Yet at the end of the day we as woman will still be one step closer, we will get there, and that is what matters.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Gifts To Cherish
Well folks nesting mode has officially kicked in and I got around to thinking about some of my favorite gifts that I received over the years and still use today. I love buying gifts for people and taking time to find the perfect gift that will put a smile on someone I love's face. Lately I will admit I have been giving more gift cards, but am determined to get back into thoughtful gift mode. One of my favorite places to shop for fun and unique gifts are small boutiques and ETSY! ETSY is my obsession and I am one that gets excited when one of the blogs I read features a new shop they love. It is so hard to weed through them all!
I figured I would feature a handful of my favorite gifts that have stayed with me through numerous moves, and life changes. One has even survived being broken into small pieces and glued back together by my grandfather. I love things that are homemade, and that reflect my personality.
This was a gift that I received almost 8 years ago from my dear friend Kerry Kopec for my birthday. I have a strong superstition that this sign is good luck and plan on having it forever!
Complimentary Cereal bowl this gift was given to me by my volleyball teammates on my 20th birthday. I still use it everyday and even got it for John almost 7 years ago for Christmas our senior year of college.
Love sign, this was a wedding gift from our extremely creative friends the Gainor's who always find the most perfect gifts! This is a gift I often give along with a registry item just to add something a bit more personalized. Etsy shop link below:
Nancy Nelson Painting: My mom got me this about five years ago for Christmas. Nancy Nelson is a Cape Cod artist who paints beautiful, bright floral prints. I love her work!
Quote Frame: I actually bought this for John and I but I love it and have also given it to people as wedding gifts before. ETSY link below
Tiffany Vase and Candle Sticks: This was a special gift from my BF Erin for our wedding and I love looking at these simple but elegant candle sticks in our dining room everyday!
Palin Stuffed Animal for the baby, I just got this gift from Aunt Darlene this past weekend and am in love with it! I am sure our little munchkin will be too! It is amazing how much it resembles our first baby.
I realized as I walked through my house that I have a lot of favorite gifts, and have even more from our baby showers! I love our guacamole bowl we got as an engagement gift from Naya, our handmade crochet baby blanket from my stepmother Michelle, and John's former nanny when he was a baby, the baby's taggy blanket from John's cousin Christie, plus many more! The bottom line I think the key to gift giving especially for bridal showers and baby showers is to buy something off the registry and send something personalized as well.
Here are links to some of my favorite ETSY shops, please feel free to share your favorites too!
Super Cute Boys and Girls Monogrammed Dresses and Jon John's
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74187050/monogrammed-seersucker-jon-jon?ref=pr_shop
Dog Collars With A Southern Flare!
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=pecan+pie+puppies&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US
Quote Frames From Above:
http://www.etsy.com/people/thesugaredplums
Love Plaque Shop:
http://www.etsy.com/people/PrettyMyDrink
Addison Logan Leashes and Collars:
http://www.etsy.com/people/AddisonLogan
Monogrammed Onesies/Burpies:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kalamitykids?section_id=7806639
I figured I would feature a handful of my favorite gifts that have stayed with me through numerous moves, and life changes. One has even survived being broken into small pieces and glued back together by my grandfather. I love things that are homemade, and that reflect my personality.
This was a gift that I received almost 8 years ago from my dear friend Kerry Kopec for my birthday. I have a strong superstition that this sign is good luck and plan on having it forever!
Complimentary Cereal bowl this gift was given to me by my volleyball teammates on my 20th birthday. I still use it everyday and even got it for John almost 7 years ago for Christmas our senior year of college.
Love sign, this was a wedding gift from our extremely creative friends the Gainor's who always find the most perfect gifts! This is a gift I often give along with a registry item just to add something a bit more personalized. Etsy shop link below:
Nancy Nelson Painting: My mom got me this about five years ago for Christmas. Nancy Nelson is a Cape Cod artist who paints beautiful, bright floral prints. I love her work!
Quote Frame: I actually bought this for John and I but I love it and have also given it to people as wedding gifts before. ETSY link below
Tiffany Vase and Candle Sticks: This was a special gift from my BF Erin for our wedding and I love looking at these simple but elegant candle sticks in our dining room everyday!
Palin Stuffed Animal for the baby, I just got this gift from Aunt Darlene this past weekend and am in love with it! I am sure our little munchkin will be too! It is amazing how much it resembles our first baby.
I realized as I walked through my house that I have a lot of favorite gifts, and have even more from our baby showers! I love our guacamole bowl we got as an engagement gift from Naya, our handmade crochet baby blanket from my stepmother Michelle, and John's former nanny when he was a baby, the baby's taggy blanket from John's cousin Christie, plus many more! The bottom line I think the key to gift giving especially for bridal showers and baby showers is to buy something off the registry and send something personalized as well.
Here are links to some of my favorite ETSY shops, please feel free to share your favorites too!
Super Cute Boys and Girls Monogrammed Dresses and Jon John's
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74187050/monogrammed-seersucker-jon-jon?ref=pr_shop
Dog Collars With A Southern Flare!
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=pecan+pie+puppies&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US
Quote Frames From Above:
http://www.etsy.com/people/thesugaredplums
Love Plaque Shop:
http://www.etsy.com/people/PrettyMyDrink
Addison Logan Leashes and Collars:
http://www.etsy.com/people/AddisonLogan
Monogrammed Onesies/Burpies:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kalamitykids?section_id=7806639