Patricia Wooster

Doing a little research for my follow up book to #igniteyourspark called "Ignite Your Image" about how teens can love and create their best self-image. I figured starting with my favorites was the way to go like @rosalind.wiseman and @theofficialcaroldweck

Husband. Brother. Son. Son.

The newest Wooster...Lola

And you thought YOU were ambitious!

Remember the good ole days when it was easy to stay focused on your Christmas shopping? You made a list of people to shop for, you headed out to the appropriate store, and you bought their gifts. It's a little difficult to stay on track now, when my email account is being bombarded by 20%, 30%, and even 40% off any store I've ordered something from....i.e. my favorite stores! I'm pretty sure my son's list doesn't cover anything from Tory Burch.....just like my grandmother won't benefit from a sale at ShopBop. Does it matter that Elizabeth & James has put my favorite t-shirt on sale? Or that J.Crew misses me? Several times a day I cringe as I open my email and hit delete....delete....delete.

I admit to getting frenzied when decorating. My husband's offer to help   is usually met with an icy glare....decorating the house is not for amateurs! Nothing that looks "crafty" is allowed unless it is made by someone under the age of 12. Baking is left to the professionals. Lists are checked NOT once, NOT twice, but at least 3 times. Gifts are bought, wrapped, labeled, and hidden. Trying to plan menus.....wondering what the hell I made last year....and plenty of cooking. By December 26th,  the house looks too "Christmassy", so I begin to deconstruct the whole thing until it's time to set it all up for the next year.

I love the idea of putting my name on things....pants, shirts, journals, bags...pretty much anything. I really love the idea of doing it in an interesting way. Monograms give you an opportunity to personalize things with colors, style, and placement. Consider taking clothing to an embroidery shop, so you can really customize the look. There's no reason your initials need to be limited to your shirt pocket or cuff. For that matter, there's no reason you need to use your initials. Use your mates. Just make sure you've got a keeper before you start tattooing someone else's initials all over your favorite clothes and bags.

Like Medina she ventures into wearing overalls (even though they are from Crew Cuts), and overshares with mention of her hairy legs. She has a great dislike of Crocs, sparkly clothes, and double collars. They both have a laid back voice that makes you forget you are reading a blog, but makes you think of slumber parties, bad dates, and marathon phone conversations. 

TOMS has created "Marketplace" where you can buy everything from jewelry made by women in Uganda to a Pure Fix Bike. A portion of every sale goes towards a social cause. You can shop by category, or by which cause you'd like to support. They've got really great t-shirts and jewelry. It's a pretty cool place to do some holiday shopping!  

This is extremely sad considering who will actually be watching these videos. It won't be a psychologist or self-help guru spreading pixie dust on their problems. Nor will it be new teenagers who want to befriend them. The majority of people who watch these videos and feel compelled to comment will have ill intent. These girls are stepping into a virtual playground of bullies and pedophiles. It's better to receive no attention than to invite negative attention!

Baldwin Men's Shop is located in Leawood, Kansas. In 2013, Matt Baldwin was named one of GQ menswear designers of the year. @baldwin, baldwindenim

Bluhm may be quiet on the outside, but her insides are screaming for change. Her insides are winning, because this quiet girl is creating more noise in the publishing industry than most adults!