GAP Swimsuit Recall

ATTENTION READERS:

GAP has recalled the following swimsuits due to possible choking hazard.

Read the original recall in the link below.

I just bought this swimsuit for my baby girl. Thankfully she has not worn it yet.

Please spread the word to your friends about the recall.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10215.html

GTGlamour Update: GA Pre-K

I'm excited that the kids are napping long enough for me to sneak this post in today. I've been dying to share this story with you but I've been really busy off line and had not had a chance to update you guys on my first Giveaway of the year.

In March, I gave away the first Gladness Through Glamour Tutu to a preschool teacher in rural Georgia, who also happens to be my Big Sister. Working in a lower income area, Ms. Adams mentioned to me that she would love to give the girls an opportunity to feel like royalty. I asked her to come up with a plan and I would gift her a Tutu.

So she created the Princess For A Day program in her class. Teachers, listen up! The idea was to keep the tutu in the class and choose a different girl each day to be the princess. The first day, Ms. Adams discussed Princess-like behavior with the children. Princesses take care of nature, they are kind to others, etc. Then, the whole class worked on Royal Vocabulary Words.

When Ms. Adams got ready to choose the first Princess, she noticed that one of her students, who is usually drawn to mischief, was sitting very quietly hoping to be picked. Ms. Adams gave her a chance and the rest is history...

The little girl had the best day ever!!! She sat quietly in class, she didn't run away as she habitually did, she was a model student! At the end of the day, she didn't want to take the tutu off. Her mom was so happy about the change in behavior brought on by the tutu that she ordered one for herself!

I was thrilled when I heard the report. The truth is that something as simple and outward as a beautiful tutu made with lots of love can begin to make an internal transformation. Congratulations to Ms. Adams and her Preschool class in Atlanta, Georgia.

TiTi's TuTu's is looking for a deserving individual to become the next recipient of Gladness through Glamour. If you know the perfect candidate, email me or comment on this post to submit a name.

*TuTuLu*

The TomKat Studio: Kate's Fairy Garden Birthday Party ~ Part One

Just browsing for birthday ideas and ran into this amazing blog. I particularly love this theme, but all their parties are stunning.

Check them out!

The TomKat Studio: Kate's Fairy Garden Birthday Party ~ Part One

My Day

Today was such a perfect day that I decided to blog about it!

It all began last night around this time, when my husband got out of the shower. He scooped me up out of the computer chair into a huge embrace while he whispered, "I just reached into my drawer and pulled out a folded piece of underwear and realized that you do that for me. Thank you. For EVERYTHING you do around here."

If that is not the best kick off to a 24 hour period, I don't know what is!!!!

This morning, we had no plans before noon so we brought the kids into bed and hung out until 9 am. I just love cuddling with the whole family and listening to the kids get a giggle attack.

We got up and ate breakfast together. Then, we ran some errands around town and came back home for lunch and naps. My baby girl and I left the boys sleeping and met up with my niece to go to a birthday party at Build-a-Bear, where we had a blast. The birthday girl was proudly flaunting one of my TuTu's and she was stunning! I got 3 orders right on the spot from people who saw her.

After the party, the boys met up with us and we hung out for a while with our friends. I love parties with no end time, where you just can chill and hang out as long as you want. We are blessed to have such great friends.

At some point, the party did end and we took a walk around the mall only to find GAP had 40% off reduction on their clearance items. SCORE! We racked up!

We were beat, but we had promised our son a stop by the duck pond so we headed there. As the sun was setting, I stood snuggling with my baby girl and watching my son and my adoring husband feed the ducks.

I had no words to express the joy I felt. I was overcome with gratitude for all my blessings.

I am so thankful for days like today, but the truth is that I am just as blessed on days when my husband has to work late and the kids drive me crazy. It is up to me to find the positive and have an attitude of gratitude.

*TuTuLu*

Earth Saving Tips

I love our Earth! It is the treasure that God has given us and we should be responsible stewards of it.

In honor of Earth Day, here are some energy saving tips I collected from my friends. These tips come from real families who have implemented them and seen clear results in their electric bills.

Tips for saving energy and conserving the Earth:

1. Run the dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes.
2. Keep the garage door open until everyone gets home.
3. Turn down the temperature of the water heater (safer for the kids too)
4. Cook with toaster oven instead of the big oven.
5. Keep the blinds closed to reduce incoming heat from the sun or use black out panels.
6. Turn off the water heater when out of the house for a few days.
7. Keep the A/C on 78 and use fans to increase air circulation.
8. Update appliances to energy efficient ones.
9. Run the washer on cold water.
10. Wash larger loads. Only run the washer for a full load.
11. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
12. Shower with the kids instead of bathing them.
13. Unplug appliances when not in use.
14. Keep the family together. Watch one TV together. Read and do homework in the same room instead of having the TV and lights on in several rooms at once.
15. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!!!! Look online for ideas on how to reuse items or donate items which you no longer need but are still good to local organizations.

I hope you see a tip that your family already uses. If not, try one! Today is the perfect day to establish green habits in your home. You will save money and feel good about leaving a better planet to your kids.

*TuTuLu*

Success follows Excellence

Today, I went to the Spring Arts Festival in the city of Alachua, FL with some friends and family. We had a blast! From delicious "scoop up the melted cheese" pizza and yummy brownie sundae's, to Elephant rides with the kids, it was over-the-top!

Browsing the kiosks, I met this amazing artist: www.maddiecolinandriles.com She makes a variety of handmade children's clothes and accessories which she sells from her website. Her work is original and truly beautiful.

Of all the vendors, maddie, colin & riles stood out to me the most because of the quality of her presentation. Her booth was accented with breathtaking photos of her own children modeling her pieces. I admire people who are so passionate about what they do that they pay attention to every detail of their work. The excellence of her work was evident to me just from the way she presented herself.

I am all about passion myself. I believe that if something is worth doing, it deserves my best. maddie, colin & riles is a perfect example of what I mean.

Success doesn't follow lucky people; success chases after excellence.

*TuTuLu*

Gladness Through Glamour Giveaway

One of my latest designs and part of my new SEC Collegiate collection...

WIN ME! WIN ME!

Your Little Gator will be sure to delight at The Swamp in this hand-made orange, blue and white creation wrapped in orange satin ribbon and embellished with polka dotted bows. Size 0-12M

Today, Friday April 16, you have a chance to win this fun creation from TiTi's TuTu's, priced at $25, in support of a great cause.

Come out for an evening of Music and Art hosted by the Young Abolitionist Movement of Eastside High School tonight from 6pm to 8pm at the GCM Emporium on 818 W. University Avenue (next to Taco Bell)

The Young Abolitionist Movement is an organization from my Alma Matter in Gainesville, Florida with the goal to educate people and raise money to support grassroots non-profit organizations that directly impact the lives of trafficking victims.

There will be a raffle ($1 per ticket), a bake sale, and t-shirts for $10.

Let's do our part in ensuring that every individual in our world is valued and treated with respect. This is your chance to share your true beauty.

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.

- Edmund Burke

If you would like more information about the epidemic of trafficking (the 2nd largest criminal enterprise in the world with 27 million enslaved), visit the following websites:

http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/

http://www.madebysurvivors.com

http://clw-online.org/slavery.html

(cases in FL Agriculture)

For Private Donations, please contact Ms. Heather Christian at Eastside High School 352.955.6704

Alice in Wonderland Tea Party

I love this whimsical Alice In Wonderland un-Birthday Party by No Fuss Fabulous. Visit their site for more photos and inspirational ideas. The girls are No Fuss Fabulous floor me with their amazing creativity every time.

*TuTuLu*

What can you do with your leftover Easter Eggs?

If you're like me, you're constantly looking for multiple uses for items. Just recently, I struggled to get rid of the leftover plastic eggs after the hunt was over. The good news is that there are a number of ways those little eggs can be used to keep little ones busy for hours.

Here are some educational ideas by age for recycling Easter Eggs:

Under 2

• Play a color matching game where the child must find two eggs in the same color. Older children can find two halves of an egg and hook them together.

Preschool

• Write an uppercase letter on the top half of the egg and a lowercase letter on the lower half (pictured). Have the kids find matches. Mix and match colors for older kids.

Elementary

• Play a variation of Memory by hiding small items, pictures or letters inside the eggs and asking the kids to find matches.
• Write a sight word on the outside of an egg. On the inside, place the letters. Kids unscramble the letters to spell the word. Give older kids blank eggs with the scrambled letters inside and have them write the word on the outside of the egg.

If you have another way you use plastic eggs, do share!

*TuTuLu*

A Miracle Story

Tonight, I planned on writing a follow-up post for my self-confidence series but while writing an article for one of my clients, I began to think about this story and felt I needed to share it with you.

For my 10^th birthday celebration, my parents let me have my best friend spend the night. We had so much fun that we begged our parents for one more night. They gave in to our powers of persuasion and we ended up spending the whole weekend together.

The next week, she died of an asthma attack.

It took me a long time to understand and an even longer time to heal. I never expected Asthma to be fatal.

Fast forward 16 years to a year ago, and there I was, holding my 16 month old baby boy hooked up to a Nebulizer. We had spent the night before trying to help him breathe until the Pediatrician's office opened the next morning and we took him in.

It was the scariest moment of my life when I heard them say "Asthma". His oxygen level was so low they sent him for x-rays and prescribed him steroids. Nothing the Dr. tried seemed to work.

But I had a praying family.

From China, my Pastor emailed every day asking about his progress and praying health over him. My friends and family were also praying for full healing and eventually, he recovered.

A couple of weeks ago, I ran into a box filled with Nebulizer medicine dated March 26, 2009. I couldn't help but thank God for the FULL HEALING of my son, who barely got a runny nose this year during the worst pollen season I've seen in this town.

Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one or with a disease, God heals hearts and bodies.

Diva-licious Birthday Party

In planning my baby girl's first birthday, I've run across some beautiful parties that I just have to share with you. Check this Hot-Pink Zebra Baby Diva theme by Baby Lifestyles.

Diva-licious!!!

Spotlight on Accessories

These adorable little shoes are the perfect mix of funky style and girly glimmer. Pair these with a TuTu for a fabulously fashionable outfit!

Visit the SKECHERS store to view all styles.

SKECHERS Official Shoe Store |
Girls' Twinkle Toes Shoes | Shuffles - Flutters

True Beauty: Confidence

A few weeks ago, I began a study on True Beauty. I've been having a blast with this latest exploration. I hope you enjoy reading my posts.

Previously, I mentioned 5 areas of True Beauty. Today, I will address the first area: Confidence

(Disclaimer:While I did peek at the dictionary a few times, what I share in this post is my heart and my interpretation of my friend's answers.)

Confidence Defined:

• A deeply spiritual understanding of who we are as created by God. For my friends and myself, knowing who we are in Jesus Christ and being certain of the purpose He has for our lives, is our greatest source of confidence. Assurance of purpose is the antidote to self-doubt.

• An unconcern for the approval of others.When you know that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, what others think about it really doesn't matter. Confident people are not thrown off course by criticism.

• Self confidence goes beyond simply thinking positively about ourselves; it is accepting ourselves in spite of our shortcomings and flaws. It is looking at ourselves through the eyes of our Creator.

How does confidence make one beautiful?

When we are sure about who we are and we accept ourselves, we radiate joy. Every other area of our lives is infused with sincerity and peace when we feel free to be ourselves.

Tips for building self confidence in the young people around you:

1. Speak sincere words of affirmation at every opportunity.
2. Encourage them to pursue their talents with passion and to try new things.
3. When they feel discouraged, remind them of something they are good at.
4. Tell them that they matter to you and that their lives have a purpose.
5. Be transparent about your own successes and failures.
6. Separate their value from their performance.
7. Give them room for independence and refrain from criticism.

Pitfalls to avoid:

Arrogance - when self-confidence turns into a belief that we are somehow better than others OR when we must make others feel inferior in order to feel that we are great.

Addiction to Praise - when we are unable to perform without constant affirmation OR when we perform simply to gain the affirmation of others.

Please share other tips on how you build up your children's self-esteem.

*TuTuLu*