January 2013 Recap

Hard to believe it's already the end of January!

Many started off the month with goals and resolutions - a renewed resolve to do more and be more. Where are we now? Are you still focused and energized? I truly hope so.  Did you slack off some? Get a little discouraged or face disappointments? I know I did and have - but use those moments to keep pressing forward and motivation to succeed.

January has been quite busy and fulfilling:

We kicked off 2013 introducing The Divatude Challenge - an opportunity to connect with one another, learn from one another and grow together throughout 2013.  I'm still taking volunteers in this challenge, if you'd like additional information, please fill out the form found here.

We met, Britney - the first participant in our challenge and a graduate with a purpose whose goals this year are to be accepted in pharmacy school, have a healthier lifestyle and to create a budget and focus on savings. Can't wait for our April check-in to share how she's coming along with her goals!

Many thanks to the divas who shared their divatude with us this past month:

~ Kita - editor of Kokoa Magazine

~ Joyce Brewer - author of Use What You Know: A Business Guide for Moms

~ Shannon Peterson - author of Love's Memory 

January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month and I shared The End Trafficking Project - the US Fund for UNICEF's efforts to raise awareness and mobilize communities to help protect our children.

Did the events at Sandybrook Elementary inspire you to participate in the #26Acts of Kindness movement? One reader chimed in on that she "love[d] the 26 Acts of kindness idea, but [she] want[ed] to strive to promote kindness on a daily basis, too". A sentiment I've heard express numerous times while bringing attention to #26Acts and one I definitely agree with.  However, not everyone feels that way or has that pressing desire to go above and beyond for others.  It's events and movements like this that may be the catalyst for change in their lives and thought process.

The tributes to Grace McDonnell and Jessica Rekos were not to bring anyone down but to remember these young lives and remind us to treasure the moments with the young people in our lives. 

Are you on Google+? If so, I'd love if you'd connect with the DWP community - another forum to inspire, motivate and support one another.

Have a fantastic evening, Divas! 

Looking forward to the wonderful things in store for February!

Blessings to you all!

~Michelle

Remembering Grace ... #26Acts

"A beautiful and artistic soul, 

Grace was truly a gift from God 

and represented all that is good in this world"

~Obituary of Grace McDonnell, Newtown Bee

Last night, President Obama paused during his press conference to acknowledge Grace McDonnell's parents - Chris and Lynn - with these words:

"She dreamed of becoming a painter.  And so just before I left, Chris, her father, gave me one of her paintings, and I hung it in my private study just off the Oval Office. And every time I look at that painting, I think about Grace. And I think about the life that she lived and the life that lay ahead of her, and most of all, I think about how, when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable among us, we must act now — for Grace. For the 25 other innocent children and devoted educators who had so much left to give."

Courtesy of CNN.com

Grace, from all accounts, was a child full of happiness and joy. She loved drawing, the beach and school.

In the days after the horrific acts at sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT - many of us were jolted into action with the 26 Acts of Kindness Movement inspired by Ann Curry. Thirty-four days later is the momentum still there? Have you followed through with your 26 Acts of Kindness? If so, are you going to start the process of over again?

The key, in my opinion, to keeping the memory of Grace and her schoolmates and teachers alive is to continue acting, to continue giving back and to continue having a positive presence in our communities.

When I read the articles on Grace - I'm struck by how fitting her name seems to be with her spirit and the legacy that she leaves behind. Her last goodbye to her mother was a blown kiss as her bus departed that Friday morning for school.  Her father had these words, that we all can and should apply to our daily lives, to share about Grace:

“[Grace] taught us you have to live for the future, happiness and peace" and “not to divert your energy to hate and anger.”

In honor of Grace's life - one characterized with love and a passion for drawing, I encourage you to draw a picture to give to a child (your own or one close to you) today.  So often we cherish the pictures that our little ones create for us, imagine their surprise when we share a piece of ourselves with them the same way.

This post is brought to you as part of my involvement with The Global Team of 200 - a highly specialized group of Mom Bloggers for Social Good members who focus on maternal health, children, hunger, and women and girls. Many of us have committed to keeping the awareness on the #26Acts of Kindness and the victims of the Newtown tragedy. If you're a blogger and have written a post on either (or both), we'd love for you to link up with us below.  

Inspire Me Monday - Week 1

Welcome to Inspire Me Monday hosted by Create With Joy
A place to share your creative inspirations
Sharpen your creative vision and
Showcase your creative talents!

I invite you to inspire others and
Nurture your creative spirit.   Alright, Divas, this week I'm connecting with some creative spirits over at Create With Joy to share what's inspiring and motivating me this week

Source: minimalistpretty.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Saying "no" to some requests and letting go of some unnecessary responsibilities was extremely liberating this week.  As I work on focusing on what's important and necessary in my life, being un-busy feels awesome!!!   Neka T. who blogs over at Neka T. Speaks reminded me this week that it's okay to do something nice for me.  Often we scrimp and save for everything else for everyone else and neglect ourselves.  She's challenged her readers to a 90 Day Common Sense Challenge. For the next 90 days, I will be taking either $2 or the spare change left over in my purse/pockets each day and putting them aside to do something fun and splurge on myself. From today through April 14th, I will be putting a little aside each day for.....a new Coach purse from the Coach Outlet.  (Hey, I've got to maximize my savings and fun...LOL). Head over, check out the challenge, and chime in if you'd like to join in.  

Check back tomorrow morning, for the last thing on my list for this week...it includes a wonderful new book, lots of free giveaways and an all-day party! Win-win-win!

Happy Monday Divas!!! Enjoy your week!
 

You can participate in Inspire Me Monday in the following ways:

1) Share “What’s Inspiring You” by creating your own Inspire Me Monday post! You can include any creative challenges you’ve discovered – any books or quotes you love – any bloggers who have inspired you – anything that has inspired you and will inspire us too!

2) Share your creative projects with us! You’re welcome to link up your Arts & Crafts projects – your Recipes – your DIY, Home Décor and Organizational Ideas – your original Writing, Music & Photography – you get the idea!

3) Visit the participants – share some comment love – let them know what’s inspired you!

Focusing on Small Steps

Courtesy of Melanie @ Only A Breath

This week I have to admit was one of those weeks that seriously tested my focus and dedication to making a true change. I shouldn't be surprised, really. That's typically what seems to happen when you make a conscious decision to walk a different path.

What I learned this week is that I need to have my goals front and center in my mind and environment. I used to be an avid planner user and at some point got too attached to my smartphone's calendar. I'm making a point to change that. There's something to say for taking the time to write down what needs to be done - appointments, goals, tasks, etc.

I'm, also, taking the time to begin my 2013 goals journal. I will have my specific goals for the year written and use it as a place to jot down notes, ideas, and successes along the way. While I blog on a semi-regularly basis, I have gotten away from writing just because. Sharing my goals, fears, and accomplishments in a private space for me to fully release.



  Have a fantastic weekend, Divas :)
What small steps are you taking to reach your 2013 goals?
Create With Joy's Friendship Friday

Question Of The Week

This Week’s Theme

One Small Step

The New Year is in full swing!
Over the past few weeks we have identified our One Word and a few Resolutions that will help us to
Keep our goals and priorities in the forefront of our minds.

Now its time to focus on putting these plans into action.

Change occurs when you take small steps towards your goals
Consistently time and time again.

This week, I invite you to share some of the
Small steps you are taking that will help you
Accomplish your goals!

#SOCSunday : Focusing on the Necessities

I woke up this morning in so much pain. Barely able to lift up my head or turn my head.  Despite that, I was thankful. Thankful that I woke up in my own bed, with my kids sprawled over the bed (I can never pinpoint when they sneak in during the night - but I'm pretty sure they do it in pre-synchronized shifts).

On Christmas Eve, I was driving back from a Wal-Mart run for cookies and eggnog for Santa.  My parents' were in total slacker mode this year - I guess that's what happens when your kids have all been gone for years and Santa hasn't visited your house in almost 5 years, right?

BAM! Literally, it was a half-blink of an eye that a buck darted into the road and did a somersault over my car. I honestly didn't have time to react and that was a good thing.  There were cars behind me and coming towards me - if I'd slammed on my brakes, swerved, anything...the result could have been a lot worse than my banged up vehicle.

My first reaction was to laugh. Yes, I'm being serious. I literally laughed out load and said, "Seriously God?!?" I had no more tears to cry...just pure frustration. This seemed to be one more thing to add to the ever growing list of what else can happen to make life difficult.

I'm not a complainer - I'm really not. I try so hard to look at the positive, but it was getting so very hard to keep doing that when it seemed like I had this perpetual black cloud over my head. I was just plain tired.

I called my best friend trying to touch bases with her husband who works for the police force in my hometown.  I, also, called my husband to get the insurance information and he asked for pictures of the vehicle. I accidentally sent them to my BFF and her response shook me. I had to step back and look at the situation.  Honestly, the car did look bad - really bad. I was upset and angry at the inconveniences and expense of a deductible.

In the quiet of the night, it hit me and the tears came. Tears of gratitude and release and relief.  I had gotten so caught up in life that I'd stopped focused on living. I took a much-needed break from just about everything to regroup and refocus. Sometimes we need that jolt to remind us what's truly important and necessary in our lives.

 ~~~~

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post hosted by jana's thinking place. It is 5 minutes of your time and a brain dump. If you'd like to try it...here are the rules:

~Set a timer and write for 5 minutes

~Write an intro if you'd like but don't edit the post. No spellchecking. No proofreading. Just raw writing.

~Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. Your back door to your blog, if you'd like, but make it accessible.

~Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post

~Link up your post at jana's thinking place

~Visit your fellow bloggers and show them some love

2012 Reflections...2013 Goals

I have to admit I'm proud of the growth of Divas With A Purpose throughout 2012. I was reviewing some old posts and realized that I did share my social media goals and am fairly satisfied with what was accomplished.  They were:

- to blog on a more consistent basis

- to network with other bloggers and support their blogs more with comments

- to build the Diva Blogging Circle

Overall, I'm very pleased with myself and the focus I had on my goals for last year. My blogging consistency compared to previous years was much better.  I, also, branched out and connected with more bloggers with different blogging styles and made some great blogging buddies.  The latter part of 2012 I participated in a few Twitter parties and I had a blast! I've, also, narrowed down the blogging groups and forums that I participate in so I can focus more on quality relationships and not just have a large number of friends and contacts in the blogging world.



The DWP Blogging Circle ended with 52 participants for 2012.  The linky has been reset for this year.  I'm looking forward to connecting with some old participants and meeting some new ones.  I've made a commitment to support all that link up with a comment, share, or link back at least once a week.

For the upcoming year I'm working on becoming more organized and pre-planning blog events and posts. I've set up a calendar for the year (many thanks to Janeane over at Janeane's World for the inspiration to do so!) and am excited about many of the series and blog events I have in mind (like my 5 year blogoversary in August!!!).

I announced The Divatude Challenge 2013 on the 1st and am looking forward to meeting and learning from some wonderful ladies over the next year.  I'm still taking volunteers for the year-long challenge and the weekly posts. You can get more information and sign up here.

I would, also, like to connect more with local bloggers in the SC area and increase my social media presence and interaction on websites like Twitter and Pinterest.

Did you do a recap of your goals for last year?

Are you satisfied with what you accomplished?

What goals are you wanting to accomplish in 2013? 

Friendship Friday: The Miracle of Christmas

Happy Friday Divas! My posting is going to be a little sporadic until the new year. In light of the holidays and recent events in our world, I'm taking this time to focus on my family and the true meaning of this Christmas Season.  I wish you all happy holidays and look forward to sharing with you the wonderful plans for Divas With A Purpose in 2013.  It's only fitting that I share with you this Friendship Friday from a blogger who inspires and motivates me in so many ways over at Create With Joy where she encourages her readers to "Live With Passion"

Create With Joy's Friendship Friday

Question Of The Week

This Week’s Theme

The Miracle Of Christmas

What represents the Miracle of Christmas to you?
Is it a song – a tradition – a childhood memory – a story?
I invite you to share your miraculous Christmas posts with us this week
And to experience a blessed, miraculous Christmas with your families!

Weekly Giveaway Link-Up: Win Some ~ Share Some

Welcome to the best Giveaway Linkup on the web hosted by Moms with Voices Media! This is a great place to list and find giveaways hosted all around the blogosphere by some great bloggers.

• List your giveaways below.
• Hop over and enter 1 or 2 (or all) of the giveaways! If you're the lucky winner, we'd love to hear!

For more giveaways, sweeps and contests, check out our Giveaway Group on Facebook.

Secret Santas

I love the holidays! I love Christmas music, the crowds, making lists, and gift exchanges! Especially gift exchanges among my circle of friends. This year, I did something different and participated in a blogger Secret Santa exchange. It was a chance to "meet" someone new and do something nice for someone else.

Earlier this week, I received the cutest hand-decorated wine glasses from Melissa who blogs over at Life, Love and Dirty Diapers.

I love unique and hand-crafted items like these! Probably because I am no good in the crafts department at all!

My favorite part of the glasses, of course, is the personalization on the base:

Thank you Melissa! I'll think of you as I unwind with my Diva Glasses!

Many thanks to Jessica over at Boys Oh Boys for coordinating this exchange!

Have a fantastic weekend, Divas!

The Fear of Things to Come Book Tour Review & Giveaway

 

The DSM. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A voluminous, invaluable tool used by psychotherapists the world over to diagnose individuals with mental illness. Referenced by Samantha Clark countless times throughout her career, never suspecting that one day it would save her life.



Samantha receives a seemingly innocent but anonymous letter, and overnight her world changes forever. She becomes a victim in a frightening game of cat-and-mouse, a nightmare that begins when her boyfriend, Todd, fails to return to the wellness retreat they own in the woods of Florida. Working closely with police, Samantha and two trusted friends discover that Todd’s disappearance is linked to a series of murders occurring in a nearby county. They soon find themselves prey to a mentally ill patient from Samantha’s past, bent on revenge. With time bearing down, they must weave together the clues found in a succession of ominous letters and the DSM to save Todd. Their mission to unravel the mystery behind the kidnapping plunges them into a terrifying maze of danger, deception, and madness.

Author on Facebook        Author's Website        Author on Twitter

About the Author

Author Kathryne Arnold

Kathryne holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and is a licensed mental health therapist and certified clinical hypnotherapist. Her extensive knowledge of the human experience, garnered from more than two decades in the mental health and social services fields, is reflected in The Fear of Things to Come, her second novel.

My Review from Goodreads.Com
The Fear of Things to Come by Kathryne Arnold

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It was "uncomfortable" to read at times because I was anticipating what could/should happen. Any book based on the DSM combined with a mentally unbalanced psychopathic sociopath (I'm sure that's pretty redundant...LOL) will keep you on your toes. I'll warn you - this book can be pretty graphic with some of the violence but it's not overboard. The descriptions and scenarios seem to fit the storyline based on the characters. Admittedly, some of the characters irritated me and I found myself wanting to shake them. Overall this was a good read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY

This great giveaway is brought to you by

author Kathryne Arnold and Beck Valley Books 

3 Lucky Winners will each receive a Signed Book from the author.

Open US/CA

Ending on Sunday 16th December 2012 at 11.59pm est

Enter below and Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

#SOCSunday: Roughing It

The purpose of Stream of Consciousness writing is to do just that - write. Whatever comes to mind on a particular topic or what's in your thoughts and perhaps needs to just get out of of you.

Today's (optional) Prompt: Roughing It

I'm so not a roughing it kind of girl. I prefer comfort and peace.  However, it seems that for some time now I've been in a "roughing it" kind of stage in life.  Wow - that is not even where I thought this prompt was going to take me. I had visions of my family's infamous camping trip while I was 8 months pregnant (definitely not a good idea, in my opinion!) but as I started typing all these other thoughts and feelings came flowing through.  One of the reasons I truly love Stream of Consciousness writing. It's a chance to get all the stuff (well, some of the stuff) that I often filter in my writing and my speech.

Right now, my family is in a rough place.  There's lots of stress and short-tempers and just wariness.  Do I get discouraged? YES Do I get frustrated? Oh yes.  This seems like a never-ending cycle, but I know in actuality that's the stress and frustration taking over.

As I was typing, I was reminded of the process of mining diamonds. Hopefully, that's the right term since I only have 5 minutes and can't waste a moment googling it :)  However, coal goes through this torturous process and comes out as a beautiful, shiny gem. I have to remind myself of that when I get frustrated and want to throw in the towel.  This process is refining me. This season of "roughing it" is preparing me to shine and let others know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. This process is helping me to truly enjoy the small, seemingly insignificant, things in life and celebrate each day and what it brings.

I still don't like roughing it, but I will embrace the reasoning and rationale behind it and continue pressing forward.

Whew!

 ~~~~

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post hosted by jana's thinking place 

It is 5 minutes of your time and a brain dump. If you'd like to try it...here are the rules:

~Set a timer and write for 5 minutes

~Write an intro if you'd like but don't edit the post. No spellchecking. No proofreading. Just raw writing.

~Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. Your back door to your blog, if you'd like, but make it accessible.

~Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post

~Link up your post at jana's thinking place

~Visit your fellow bloggers and show them some love

Expanding Your Circle

Photo used from: http://juangreatleap.com

Networking - A strategic and focused approach to proactively building relationships that are mutually beneficial in your professional life

My take on what true networking involves?
~ Getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people
~ Having REAL and SINCERE conversations
~ Having something to offer others to help them and not just looking for your next sale, plug, or new client

If you've ever been to a networking event, you can tell who is there just to pass out business cards and not really interested in forming relationships with those there. It's important to put our communication skills to use when networking (especially active listening) and be able to collaborate and cooperate with others.

Some things to remember when networking:

~ Choose the group right for you. There are groups that meet online or for happy hour, lunch, breakfast, dinner, etc.  Also, look at the mission and overview of the group. Make sure it fits what you're attempting to accomplish.

~ Don't commit to everything. There are often costs involved - monetary and time. Make sure you're willing and able to make the investment.  Visit the group a few times before committing to joining to ensure it's something you'll continue with.  You don't want to commit and then never be seen again - that's a reflection on you and your business.

~ Once you commit, be consistent in your attendance and volunteer to help with events and planning.  Again, don't take on more than you can handle but work within your areas of expertise.

~ Know who you are, what you do and be able to articulate it.  Have a 30 second spiel on your business/blog that you can share when others inquire about what you do.  Try to have it specific to the group you are networking with.  Also, for online networking - have the same thing available in written form.

What are some networking tips and techniques that have worked for you in the past? Have any epic fail moments you'd like to warn this rest of us about? Would love to hear about your experiences.

Have a fantastic weekend, Divas!!!

~~Blogger Opp~~Thirty One Gifts Giveaway Sign-Ups

Hello Fellow Bloggers :)

Starting November 9th, Divas With A Purpose and Dorinda's Diva Shoppe will be hosting a Thirty One Gifts giveaway.

The Prize: One Large Utility Tote & One Medium Utility Tote (Retails: $70 USD)

If you'd like to participate in this great giveaway, sign up on the form located here

There's a blogger referral prize that includes $25 in Thirty One products, waived fees and a co-host spot!

Look forward to working with you!

Readers, come back on November 9th for a chance to win this awesome prize :)

Time to Rock the Vote, Divas!

It's Election 2012! So get out and Vote. Go cast your vote for our country's leaders, then hop over here and vote for your favorite blog post! Several bloggers are submitting their favorite posts and are hoping you'll vote for them! The post that gets the most votes WINS! 

We've all heard the saying - No Vote! No Voice! For my readers here in the US - I hope you all exercise your right to vote on Tuesday. I tend not to discuss politics on DWP, but I do stress the importance of being involved in our communities. The Presidential Election is important but there are many LOCAL elections and issues that will be voted on next week, as well.

#NaBloPoMo : Walking the Talk

Speak It!

Live It!

Be It!

Those words came to me one day while writing a post on walking in one's purpose and making a positive impact on those around you and it just clicked.  Those 6 simple words have become my daily mantra and the essence of what I want Divas With A Purpose to stand for.

Speak It!
I truly believe that there is power in our words. By speaking aloud what we want, the impact we'd like to make, the changes that need to be made - we can set so much in motion.  I stress positivity, especially when speaking to and about children.  We have the power to crush spirits and dreams with our speech.  I've seen so many people (and I have been guilty of it, too!) speak negativity into a situation or a person's life.  Many of us were taught as children, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Many of us (yes, I'm including myself) need to start living by that rule again as adults.  It's not always easy, but by speaking positivity on a regular basis, it allows us to...

Live It!
Don't just speak the words but live the words.  I strive to truly live and enjoy life.  It's not easy to be positive all the time and, believe me, I most definitely am not.  However, I would like to think for the most part I have a very positive outlook and demeanor.  It's just depressing to always be mad and upset and holding on to things.  I strive to enjoy life and make the most out of the smallest and most insignificant moments.  There's a lot I don't have, but by focusing on what I do have and giving thanks on a regular basis I feel that I'm a better person overall than I was 5-10 years ago when I was constantly stressed out and just "blah" lots of the time.

Be It!
Be wonderful! Be motivated! Be daring! Be driven! Be inspirational! Be victorious! But most of all just be you!

Happy November Divas! Enjoy this day and make the most of it!






Throughout the month of November, I will be linking up with BlogHer's National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo). My goal going into 2013 is not to just blog on a more regular and consistent basis, but to, also, focus more on the PURPOSE within Divas With A Purpose.  I began blogging almost 3 years ago and had no idea what I was getting into! I've come across some of the most caring and wonderful group of people through the blogging community. Definitely a journey I've enjoyed and look forward to the doors that are opening for Divas With A Purpose and the women that have supported it from day one! You divas ROCK!

SOCS: Continuing to Grow and Learn

The purpose of Stream of Consciousness writing is to do just that - write. Whatever comes to mind on a particular topic or what's in your thoughts and perhaps needs to just get out of of you.

Today’s (totally and completely optional) prompt:
What new tricks would you like to learn or have you learned?

I wouldn't call it a trick, but I'm definitely working more on streamlining my endeavors and focusing on those things that truly bring me joy.  I've been blogging for almost 3 years now and it's brought me in contact with so many wonderful, giving and caring people.  It's, also, expanded my horizons and exposed me to organizations and opportunities that I'd never considered I'd be associated with.  

Over the next year I would like to expand my marketing contacts and make more of a direct impact in communities and with women's organizations dedicated to empowering and motivating women (the whole premise of Divas With A Purpose).  

I'd, also, like to focus more on my personal finance posts - with today's economy there are so many that are struggling financially and I believe that by collaborating with others we can come up with solutions that can be implemented within our personal lives to help with cutting back, creating budgets, saving on necessities and being able to splurge from time to time.

 ~~~~

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post hosted by jana's thinking place 

It is 5 minutes of your time and a brain dump. If you'd like to try it...here are the rules:

~Set a timer and write for 5 minutes

~Write an intro if you'd like but don't edit the post. No spellchecking. No proofreading. Just raw writing.

~Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. Your back door to your blog, if you'd like, but make it accessible.

~Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post

~Link up your post at jana's thinking place

~Visit your fellow bloggers and show them some love

#GracoSafety Babies "R" Us Event

Happy Friday, Divas :)

Earlier this week I shared with you all the great time the little diva and I had at the #GracoSafety Night Out with fellow bloggers in Charlotte. Today I'm going to share with you the fun I had that following Saturday hosting my very first event. I got the opportunity to travel to Concord, North Carolina and spend the afternoon with some great families and employees at the Babies "R" Us discussing Graco's newest product - The SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40!

  
Keeping our little one's safe is high on all parents list of priorities. The American Association of Pediatrics suggests that children be rear-facing until they are 2 years old. Graco's newest product - The SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 is the ONLY infant car seat the provides rear-facing protection for infants up until 40 pounds (the weight of an average 2 year old).

The families that I chatted with last weekend agreed that SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 was stylish and easy to use.  The top features were the adjustable base that allows the infant car seat to grow their children and the Simply Safe Adjust™ harness systems that allows harness and headrest to be adjusted with just one hand (that was my favorite feature hands down!).

During my afternoon at the #GracoSafety event, the families and I discussed key safety concerns of parents and the importance of having a car seat that could grow with our children.  My favorite part of the afternoon was having the opportunity to present two moms-to-be with their very own Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40!!! 

Overall, the families that I interacted with were very impressed with the ease of use of the SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40. One father stated it specifically addressed one of the key features he was looking for in an infant seat - lightweight and easy to transition from the car to stroller.

The Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 is available exclusively at Babies "R" Us and one lucky reader had the opportunity to win a $25 Gift Certificate (giveaway has ended).
Congrats to our winner - name will be announced as soon as she confirms her prize :)

Disclaimer:

The Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 – the first and only newborn to two-year infant car seat that actually grows with your baby from four pounds all the way up to 40 pounds. The car seat is designed for a parent on the go. The infant car seat can be easily removed from the base and used as a carrier when the infant is small, providing portability and convenience so you can easily move your infant in and out of the car without disturbing them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently made the recommendation to keep all children in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2. Graco set out to make this product so parents can keep infants rear facing longer while still keeping them comfortable.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco. The opinions and text are all mine.