It was nearly 5 p.m. on the night before I was flying to Tanzania for a nine day trip.  I had just begun to pack (yes, I’m a last minute packer), and I was about to shut down my computer when an email arrived asking me to participate in the Lands’ End National Swimsuit Confidence Week by posting a picture of myself in a Lands’ End suit.  They offered to send me a suit of my choice if I wanted to participate.

I wanted to participate. I did not want to shop for a bathing suit at 5 p.m. the night before flying halfway around the world.

Remembering how brave my friend Linney was to participate last year over at Linneyville , I quickly replied that I would participate, but would wear one of the Lands’ End 2012 suits that I had already purchased at Sears.

So yes, you just read that right. I agreed to post a picture of myself in a bathing suit on my blog and Facebook for free.  

Fast forward to last Friday afternoon when the email arrived reminding me of my promise and pointing out that the photos will also be on the Lands’ End Facebook page for – oh hi! – their nearly one million fans to see.  My first instinct was to go back on my promise.  They hadn’t sent me a suit, so really, I had no obligation to follow through…except that I’m not the type to go back on promises, even if they were a snap decision.

I also thought about all the times that I tried to hide by body for no reason and the things that I missed because of it, even if sometimes those things were just getting to wear the fun clothes.  I thought about the times I stayed under the swimsuit cover-up, hiding behind my blingy flip flops and big sunglasses.  I missed swimming in Europe with my friends when I was seventeen years old and oh by the way much thinner than I am now, all because I was afraid to bee seen in a swimsuit.  I would love to shake my teenage self and then push her into the water.

I thought about the times that I wore dresses with sleeves when really the sleeveless one was much more my style.  Thought about all of those hot days when I wore jeans rather than be seen in shorts.  Or capris.  Oh, my closet full of capris.  And I’m 5′ 3″.  Do you know how ridiculous that looks?

What was I hiding?  My arms?  My legs?  My hips?  My stomach?

No more.  I’m done hiding and you should be, too.

Here is what I look like underneath those sleeves and that cover-up and those high-collared shirts…

When I look at this I don’t see a woman whose arms will never look like Michelle Obama’s, but instead I see the arms of a woman strong enough to hoist a forty-five pound five year old onto her shoulders and hold him there for fifteen minutes during the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom.  And no, the ladies don’t great me in the morning with a perky hello like they used to, but they fed two children for a total of twenty-four months.  They earned their sag and no doctor is ever going to be allowed to change them.  And the tummy underneath that tankini top (thank you, Lands’ End, for that flatteringly loose tankini top…for this I love you and I give you my money…)?  I happily stretched that out with two kicking babies and joyfully filled the space back up with popcorn eaten in bed with my husband while we watch HGTV each night, holding buttery hands and stealing salty kisses. Would I love to lose ten more pounds?  You bet.  But I’m going to swim this summer regardless…

My kids will not miss splashing around with their friends because their mom doesn’t have swimsuit confidence.

My family’s summer vacation photos will not be mysteriously without my presence because I happen to be wearing a swimsuit when the camera comes out.

Last summer was our first living in our current house where there is a community pool, and I somehow managed to get myself over to the pool once…and then couldn’t stop going.  There was something so incredibly freeing about just giving up, giving in, and enjoying life.  Yes, life in a swimsuit.  Yes, with other people around.

Rocking a Lands’ End 2011 suit that I bought at Sears

And now you’ve all seen me in a swimsuit.  There is no turning back!

This is the part where I would love to give you something.  Inspiration?  Motivation?  Lands’ End will be hosting giveaways all week on Twitter in the #LandsEnd tag and there is also a Swimsuit Sweeps running right now on the Lands’ End Facebook.  If you’ve got a love for prizes, definitely check those out!

But mainly I just want you to get out there and enjoy the summer with me.  And yes, some days that means wearing a swimsuit…and it’s okay.

{I promise}

Want to see the other brave people who are showing their swimsuit confidence this week?  Stop by the Lands’ End Wall and if you dare, add your own photo!

Happy swimming living!

We are so excited to introduce you to Treat!  From the same people who brought you Shutterfly, Tiny Prints, and Wedding Paper Divas, Treat is an easy and innovative service for people to create personalized greetings that reflect their style, personality and special relationships.  Just choose a card to get started and then personalize it the way you’d like with photos, nicknames, inside jokes – whatever works for you!  Be funny, heartwarming, sarcastic, sappy – Treat let’s YOU decide. Just in time for Father’s Day, Treat is having their first Twitter Party! Please join us as we throw an old fashioned Sitewarming Twitter Party for our new friends at Treat…

Treat Father’s Day Twitter Party

When: Friday, May 25th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET/11:00 to 12:00 p.m.

Where: #TreatDad tag on Twitter

How: To participate follow sponsor @TreatCards, host @ResourcefulMom, and tweet with the tag during the hour.

Prizes

• 5 winners will each receive a VIP Treat accounts (a year of free cards! *up to 100 cards)
• 10 winners will each receive a set of 5 free greeting cards
• 4 winners will each receive a $25 Tango card
• 4 $25 Visa cards

RSVP

More About Treat.com

• Your first Treat card is free! Be sure to take advantage of the code FREETREAT at checkout.
• You can add a gift card to your Treat greeting card from top retailers such as Amazon, iTunes, Target and more!
• Need help remembering birthdays? Import birthdays from Facebook and set up reminders.
• Want to schedule cards and not worry about them?  You can…up to a year in advance!

Today’s featured giveaway has been provided by Osprey.  Osprey Packs, a leader in creating top-quality, high-performance, innovative packs to comfortably and efficiently carry gear, introduces the Poco Series of child carriers. The Poco Series channels everything the brand knows about packs into a line of child carriers that are comfortable, safe, supportive, light, well ventilated and supremely easy to adjust for fit. Superb ventilation as well as quick and easy torso and hipbelt adjustment were important factors in the design of the Poco series from the outset. Ventilation is the key to comfort for both parent and child and ability to quickly adjust the pack between parents ensures the comfortable fit expected from an Osprey.

Enter to Win 

One Resourceful Mommy reader will receive the Osprey Poco Plus (ARV: $259).  The Poco Plus features a built-in sunshade, size adjustable hipbelt with zippered pockets, a large zippered lower compartment, inner mesh security pocket, two stretch mesh side pockets and a cell phone pocket on the shoulder strap.

To enter please leave a comment telling me where you’d like to go with your Osprey Poco Plus!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents age 18 or older and ends Friday, May 25th at 11:59 p.m. ET.  Product was provided for giveaway.

Giveaway LinkUp

Are you hosting a giveaway on your own blog? Add your link to our link list so we can help spread the word!  Readers, be sure to check back often to find new giveaways to enter on the list.

About Osprey Poco

What makes the Osprey Poco series so great?
- Fastest, easiest torso adjustment system on the market. Supremely easy to adjust for fit between different size adults.
- Comfortable, supportive, light and well ventilated.
- Thoughtfully designed to ensure the safety and comfort of precious cargo. (Please note, the maximum weight for the Poco is 22kg/48.5lb (Child, gear and pack combined) and the child must be able to sit upright unassisted.)(

How did Osprey do it?
Osprey, industry leader in creating top-quality, high-performance, innovative packs to comfortably and efficiently carry gear, is channeling everything they know about packs into this new line of child carriers.

Poco Series Features:
• Quick and easy torso length adjustment: it’s the fastest, easiest adjustment system out there.
• Adjustable hipbelt: the fit of the hipbelt is critical to comfortable carry. Osprey’s new, exclusive design ensures excellent fit and load transfer.
• Soft, ventilated seat adjusts up and down for optimal fit and balance
• Padded, ventilated harness adjusts easily to hold a child securely
• Removable and washable drool pad
• Framing around child is full padded for comfort and protection
• Adjustable stirrups for a more comfortable ride
• Hydration sleeve behind backpanel
• Two padded grab handles for balanced lifting
• Strong, reliable powedercoated aluminum frame with injection molded hinges
• Folds easily for storage or travel

Do you game with your kids?  Maybe you should!

Studies have shown that when parents play games with their children, it can actually be good for them!  Researchers found that when kids play age-appropriate digital games with their parents, they felt more connected to their families.  This co-play experience helped inspired the latest offering from the online favorite, Webkinz.  I’m happy to introduce Webkinz Friends from the creators of Webkinz World, the original kids’ online world.  Now teen and adult Webkinz fans can play the new Webkinz Friends social game, launching with exclusive innovations in Facebook gaming:

• Webkinz Friends has the first virtual representation of plush pets in a Facebook game
• Players can register new Webkinz pets within the game, receive a fun pet-specific prize and choose between KinzCash and an additional room for their home – and see their virtual pet walk around Kinzville on Facebook
• Players of Webkinz Friends will also earn great prizes which they can send to a Webkinz World account online – so parents can earn and share prizes with their children!

Please join me to learn more about Webkinz Friends and have the chance to win fun Webkinz prizes at the…

Webkinz Friends Twitter Party

When: Thursday, May 24th from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: #WebkinzFriends tag on Twitter

How: To participate follow host @ResourcefulMom, sponsor @Webkinz, and tweet with the party tag during the hour.  New to Twitter Parties?  Learn more about how to participate in a Twitter Party.

Prizes

Twenty-five (25) winners will each receive a new Webkinz Rockerz pet!

Prizes will be sent mid-June. This giveaway is not open to residents of New York, Florida, or Quebec.  Please see below for the complete official rules.

RSVP

About Webkinz Friends

The new social game Webkinz Friends, enables teens and adult players to relive the Webkinz experience on Facebook and brings exciting news to the world of “co-play” by creating a cross-platform relationship between two games; where everyone can have fun in their own age-appropriate environments.  This city-building goal-driven game also allows players to send exclusive prizes to any account on the Webkinz World platform directly from Facebook. Webkinz Friends is the new face of co-play, where everyone can have fun in their own age-appropriate environments.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

HOW TO ENTER: Beginning 5/24/12 at 8:00 p.m. ET and ending 5/24/12 at 9:00 p.m. ET, participants must use the @ symbol and the hashtag #WebkinzFriends to respond directly to @ResourcefulMom in order to qualify to win prizes in response to questions during the event.  @ResourcefulMom will choose a winner at random using Twitter search by refreshing the search page.  The most recent tweet using the hashtag #WebkinzFriends will be the winner.  All decisions are final.  Neither the party sponsor nor the hostess @ResourcefulMom is responsible for misdirected or undeliverable Twitter updates, including those from private Twitter accounts.  Prizes will be sent mid-June. This giveaway is not open to residents of New York, Florida, or Quebec. 

RESPONSIBILITY: By entering and participating, entrant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Sponsor, Resourceful Mommy Media, and all participating entities from and against any and all claims, demands, liability, damages or causes of action, losses, costs or expenses.

SPONSOR: Resourceful Mommy Media, LLC

PRIZES: Provided by Ganz. Twenty-five (25) Webkinz Rockerz

Over the last couple of years, Resourceful Mommy readers have enjoyed chatting with one another during a series of #BFFMom chats covering every topic from how it felt to become a mom for the first time to involving dads in the breastfeeding process.  These chats have been among our favorites, a group of friends sharing their stories and helping each other through the many challenges of parenthood.  Bravado Designs graciously sponsored these discussions, and now it is time to celebrate with them as they reach an incredible milestone – twenty years of Bravado.

To celebrate their first customers 20 years ago and the next generation of moms to come, Bravado Designs is holding a BravadoMama Model Search!  Focusing on real mothers, Bravado is searching for one of several new faces to represent BravadoMamas everywhere.  Join us as we help celebrate 20 years of Bravado Designs and kick off the BravadoMama Model search at the…

BravadoMama Twitter Party brought to you by Bravado Designs

When: Wednesday, May 23^rd from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: The #BFFMom tag on Twitter.com

How: To participate be sure to follow host @ResourcefulMom as well as @BravadoDesigns.  Please also welcome special guest Jill from @Glamamom.

To learn more about how to participate in Twitter Parties please visit “How to Participate in a Twitter Party.”

Prizes

Five (5) winners will each receive a choice of one of Bravado’s NEW Limited Edition Colors – - Body Silk Seamless (Honeysuckle or Turquoise) or the Essential Nursing Tank in Tiger Lily.

This giveaway is open to both U.S. and Canada.

RSVP

This morning I went for my typical morning walk for the first time after being away for over a week and realized something…summer is almost here!  From the thick foliage in the trees to the smell of honeysuckle, the signs are everywhere.  It’s time to start the summer celebration season, and we’re kicking things off with Libby’s at the Libby’s Summer Twitter Party!  Join us as we chat about everything from summer recipes to favorite family activities while awarding delicious prizes.  I hope to see you at the…

Libby’s Summer Twitter Party

When: Tuesday, May 22nd from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET

Where: #LibbysSummer

How: To participate, follow sponsor @LibbysTable and host @ResourcefulMom.  Learn more abouthow to participate in Twitter Parties.  You can also visit Libby’s Table on Facebook and connect with Libby’s at Get Back to the Table (don’t miss the recipes!)

Prizes

3 (three) winners will each receive a Libby’s Summer Prize Pack, which includes the following: 

• Charcoal Companion BBQ Tool Set, 3 Piece Vineyard Rosewood (ARV: $50)
• Assorted Libby’s Product

1 (one) Grand Prize winner will receive the following Libby’s Summer Grand Prize Pack:

• Cuisinart CGG-180T Tabletop Gas Grill, Petit Gourmet (ARV: $140)
• Assorted Libby’s Product

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

RSVP

About Libby’s Get Back to the Table

Since its launch, the Libby’s jingle has reminded families about the joys of gathering around the dinner table for good conversation, good times and good food. The brand’s passion for helping busy families continues today as Libby’s inspires a new generation of mothers to gather their families around the dinner table through GetBacktotheTable.com – an online space where busy moms can get quick, convenient recipes and sound advice about how to feed a family on a budget.

Their Web site features recipes, tips and information for getting the most out of your grocery dollar to create delicious meals the whole family can enjoy together all year long!

I spent last week sharing just some of the incredible stories of the people I met during my time in Tanzania with Compassion International, but I wanted to also share the beauty of the country…

There are no trees like this in my backyard…

Flamingos, visible from miles away like pink flower petals floating on the water…

Mount Meru…

A friendly baboon…

What coffee looks like before it gets to Starbucks…

Ain’t nothing but a chicken wing…okay, and a Blue Monkey… (yes, they stole our lunches)

Zebras in Arusha National Park…

I know that termites are gross, but somehow this is still incredibly beautiful…

Mama giraffe, the perfect neck scratching post…

Mount Kilimanjaro as seen from my plane window…

Wordless Wednesday

Want more Wordless Wednesday?  Check out:  The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, Brain Foggles, Lil Kid Things, The Centsible Life, Rachel Ferruci, and Zensible Mama. Don’t forget to link your own photos below!

During my time in Tanzania with Compassion International, I would like to share some of my favorite posts from the past.

~Originally posted 10/24/10~

And you won’t believe where we’re going…

A year ago I reviewed a book called Spilt Milk, and while I enjoyed the entire book, there was one passage in particular that never left my heart.  Author Linda Vujnov writes:

“‘All men are idiots, and I married the king of them.’ I was stunned as I read the license plate frame while leaving the grocery store.  Although I had a few ideas of my own for a personal license plate frame, this one wouldn’t have made the list of options.  The disrespect was pooling in the parking lot stall…When we find a man who becomes our husband, wonderful things transpire.  Not only does this man acquire new titles like husband, lover, and dad; he no doubt becomes our rock of Gibraltar, protector, best friend, and biggest fan.  As wives, the importance of encouragement, respect, and support for these men whom we love should be forefront.  Equally important is reminding them how much we love and need them.”

I promise we’re heading to the hotel room now…

A week ago I flew to Las Vegas to speak at BlogWorld and New Media Expo.  I enjoy speaking at various conferences around the country partly because it is my only chance to spend time with blogging and social media colleagues, and BWE is uniquely enjoyable because the crowd of 4,000 attendees is far more diverse than many of the other events I attend.  I especially was looking forward to hanging out with a dad blogging buddy this year and also had the pleasure of getting to know three of his colleagues during our whirlwind night after a long day of networking and learning at the conference.  During some downtime between evening events, the five of us crashed in one blogger’s room and chatted for about an hour.  I was struck by the fact that I suddenly had this unique window into the mind of dads other than those in my own family, and what was most compelling was how different they were from my own husband.

Continue reading…

Summer is almost here, and like every other parent, I’ve already begun to think of ways to entertain my family without breaking the bank.  There will be a couple of days at the lake with my parents, frequent trips to the park, time at the community pool, and some morning camps.  Rayovac knows that parents are trying to make summer fun on a budget, and they’re powering up an opportunity to do just that with their Six Flags Sweepstakes.  Now through May 30th, visit Rayovac’s Facebook page to enter for a chance to win a Family Fun Pack, which includes 4 general admission tickets, a regular Flash Pass for 4, one Family Meal Pack along with free parking to a location of the winner’s choice!

While you’re out and about this summer everywhere from your local playground to your day at Six Flags, stay charged up with Rayovac’s newest Portable Power product, the keychain On-The-Go Charger.  You can use the On-The-Go Charger to keep your Apple or micro-USB device charged.  Just put the charger in your purse or on your keychain and you’ve got a recharging opportunity at your finger tips.  Each On-The-Go Charger includes the following:

• Includes 2 adaptors: detachable micro-USB and built-in apple device connector
• Powerful 400mA Lithium Ion rechargeable battery
• Charge your device for an additional 45 minutes of additional talk time
• Use and recharge 100s of times
• Holds a charge up to 12 months
• LED light indicates charging
• Keychain attached for a portable and convenient instant power solution
• No cords needed

Embarrassingly, I am the queen of the dead cell phone.  My phone of choice does not have a very long-lasting battery, and I use my phone throughout the day to do everything from tweet to email to text to take client phone calls.  During the summer my phone is my lifeline when I am out with the kids, calling ahead to restaurants, searching for driving directions, texting to plan park playdates.  The On-The-Go Charger is now happily situated on my keychain, ready to save me from that sad moment when the last little bit of battery disappears and my phone screen turns black.

Enter to Win

Not only can Resourceful Mommy readers enter to win the Rayovac Six Flags Sweepstakes on Rayovac’s Facebook page, but one reader will receive a four pack of Six Flags tickets from me!  To enter to win, tell me what you do to keep your family powered up this summer, charged and ready for fun.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends Monday, May 21st at 11:59 p.m. ET.  I am a Rayovac sponsored Blogger.  As part of this program I have received product and monetary compensation.

It’s time for another delicious Twitter Party with one of our favorite sponsors, Boar’s Head!  Please join us as we celebrate the Boar’s Head new product line, which includes Jerk Turkey Breast, Chipotle Chicken Breast, 3 Pepper Colby Jack Cheese and Chipotle Gouda,  inspired by the cuisines and flavors of the exotic locales of Jamaica, the Baja peninsula, Brazil and Veracruz, Mexico.. This new line draws on global tastes from around the world – truly taking your taste buds on a journey of bold flavor. With Boar’s Head Bold, those looking to embark on a flavor journey need to look no further than their local deli or store, finding a delicious way to discover a world of flavors right at home.  I hope to see you at the spicy and flavorful…

Boar’s Head Bold Twitter Party

When: Monday, May 21st from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: #BHBold tag on Twitter

How: To participate follow host @ResourcefulMom, sponsor @Boars_Head and use the tag during the party hour.  New to Twitter Parties? Learn more about How to Participate in a Twitter Party.

Prizes

15 (fifteen) participants will each receive a $25 American Express gift card to use to add the new Bold Boar’s Head flavor to their lunch!

1 (one) Grand Prize winner will receive a $100 American Express gift card to purchase plenty of Boar’s Head Bold to spice up their month!

RSVP

Planning on joining us?  Let us know here by adding your Twitter URL (http://twitter.com/username).  An RSVP is not required to participate or to be entered to win.