NFL Inspired. Environment Approved! New Eco-Athlete Line.

I brought my family with me to check out the new Origany Baby and Toddler organic Eco-Athlete Line. Origany has teamed up with Atlanta Falcons Ovie Mughelli to help launch the new clothing line! 

 

Origany, the company that specializes in Clothing Made Organic by Nature™, is the hip up-and-comer in the eco-conscious corner of the children's clothing world. Origany is proud to announce their partnership with Atlantic Falcons' pro Bowler Ovie Mughelli, to bring kids a clothing line that celebrates an active lifestyle and supports the environment. Muhelli, who is the number #2 Eco-Athlete in the world is also endorsing the line.

"We are very excited to be receive endorsement and announce our partnership with Ovie Mughelli of Atlanta Falcons," said Origany CEO Raj Sardesh. "Given his commitment to the environment and to the kids as part of his foundation, it was natural synergy and inspiration for our eco-athlete line that encourages all kids to be active and environmentally conscious."
 

Inspired by the Ovie Mughelli Foundation's commitment to teach kids how to take care of the environment, Origany launched an all new line of kid's sportswear. The Eco-Athlete line of baby and toddler clothing is the perfect fit for the future all stars of America. It features five different sports motifs including the classic pastimes of football and baseball, as well as bicycling, tennis, and the all round eco-athlete. Parents have a number of adorable options for babies including bodysuits, pants, rompers, jackets, and hats, as well as t-shirts, dresses,

and hoodies for toddlers. 

"The Ovie Mughelli Foundation is very excited about partnering with Origany," says Ovie Mughelli. "Origany's successful track record of creating very beautiful, eco-conscious clothing is a great match with the (Ovie Mughelli) Foundation's mission to encouraging Greener ways of living to kids. As tough as I am on the field as a power blocker Fullback, Origany's sportswear line inspired by me reaches the more gentle side of me. I'm confident that parents will find it loveable and perfect for their future all-stars."     Whether parents are looking to buy green or are searching for something in the unique and adorable category, each article of clothing is sure to delight. Origany's ensembles are always made from certified organic cotton so that sensitive young skin starts out safe and strong. By going organic, harmful pesticides are eliminated from closets and the environment. Children enjoy the soft, cuddly quality of the fabric, while parents can't get over how stylish the designs are.
 

In addition to endorsing organic living, Origany aids the Ovie Mughelli Foundation, which focuses on making sure "Our Future is Green". This charity supports the overall development of youth socially, mentally, and physically by implementing programs that educate children about the environment. Origany has decided to donate 5% of the proceeds from each Eco-Athlete sale, as well as 20% of the proceeds from each sale of Ovie's #34 affiliated outfits to the foundation.

Since 2006, Origany has been a purveyor of fashionable, organic clothing. Their eco-conscious lines of baby and toddler clothes are certified by Green America and GOTS, and can be found in boutiques throughout the country. In the past few years they have become one of the must-have brands for celebrity babies, earned the iParenting award, and had their baby alpaca toddler dress featured on the cover and named a top 10 must-have by Babies and Kids Magazine. They've started 2011 off strong by being named one of the top brands for babies and toddlers by BetterTV.

For samples or additional information, please visit www.origany.com.

Source: Media Kit provided by Origany

2011 Honor Awards Judge for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to judge the 2011 Honor Awards for Program Excellence, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's highest national program award.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America inspire young people to reach for their "full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens."

Serving as a judge, I have a greater appreciation for their work and a better understanding of the breadth and scope of their programs.

 

 

  

 

 

              

Note to Readers - Blog

Hello!
I started blogging a little over 2 years ago, and I have over 136 posts to date on my site. My blog has created a platform for me to write about issues that are close to my heart. Along the way, I have developed great friendships and wonderful professional opportunities.

As you may have noticed, I recently posted an exciting giveaway and anticipate that I will have many more similar posts such as: product reviews, popular concerts, kids events, contests, community engagement and outreach initiatives, and of course more giveaways. I'm excited about this opportunity and wanted to keep you informed.

I greatly appreciate your support and readership. Please continue to spread the word about Married with Two Boys. Also, please don't hesitate to email me with any questions.

My Sincere Thanks!
Sojourner

Visit my blog Married with Two Boys follow me on Twitter like me on Facebook and connect with me on LinkedIn.

MRS. BUTTERWORTH’S FAMILY BREAKFAST BALL

**CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT**

MRS. BUTTERWORTH’S FAMILY BREAKFAST BALL 

AT PIEDMONT PARK CELEBRATES SPRING

Free Family Event is a Sweet Way to Dress Up Breakfast

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

 

WHAT: Springtime is here, and Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup invites families from all over Atlanta to join her for a Family Breakfast Ball at Piedmont Park on Sunday, March 27, 2011. In celebration of her new limited-edition spring bottles, Mrs. Butterworth’s will serve a complimentary pancake and waffle breakfast along with her rich and buttery syrup and a heaping helping of fun for the entire family. 

Families get a sneak peek of Mrs. Butterworth’s new, downloadable wardrobe collection with accessories designed to complement and customize her bright new look. Families can playdesigner by adding their own personal touches to new Mrs. Butterworth’s spring edition bottles.

After the event, accessories will be available for everyone to download from her Facebook page with a special purchase code found on Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup limited-edition spring bottles.

WHO: Mrs. Butterworth’s Family Breakfast Ball is open to breakfast lovers of all ages at no cost.

WHEN: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE: Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall Lawn 400 Park Drive Northeast Atlanta, GA 30306

MORE INFO: Visit Mrs. Butterworth’s page on Facebook at facebook.com/MrsButterworths and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/MrsButterworths.

Photo: Just a little fuzzy! But it'll do!

  










Peek-a-boo! We had a blast!

Rappers: Pants on the Ground and Tatted Up

 











The only thing conservative about me is the way that I dress.  That's it.  It's my own personal preference not to show cleavage at work, wear short shorts, and pierce my navel.  I am a fan of self-expression, and have seen it all.

However, as a parent to two young African American boys, I'm not a fan of the recent trends that I’ve seen popping up among some Black artists, who many young African Americans look up to as role models.  The most common trend is sagging pants and the latest trend is getting tattoos on the face. 

To defend my first point of sagging one's pants, last year's American Idol, Larry Platt, became famous for singing “Pants on the Ground” and argued that men should pull up their pants, rather than let them sag.  It seems that since this song hit the airwaves, a lot of men have sagged their pants even lower.  Pants are so low on the ground these days, that you might as well walk in your draws.  


(Quick rant.) "Yes, take them off and walk in your underwear.  I think I would prefer seeing that, than you trying to stumble up the street, while holding your pants.  What is the point in wearing a belt if your pants are way below your waistline and tucked under your butt.  Not to mention if they are skinny jeans." Exhaled. 

Mashaun D. Simon wrote an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution about dress code entitled, "Morehouse dress code seeks to ‘get back to legacy.’"  In the article, he quoted Dr. William Bynum, vice president of the Office of Student Services, as saying, “We know the challenges that young African-American men face.  We know that how a student dresses has nothing to do with what is in their head, but first impressions mean everything.”

There's got to be a limit or intervention with what is and isn't appropriate and what some would deem "cute," "funny," and representing the "streets."  Now, the latest fad is to get "tatted up."  Recently, Atlanta rapper Yung LA had the internet buzzing about his Duck tattoo on his face.  He recorded one hit song, wasn't yet signed to a label and went out and got "tatted up."  Facial tattoos are becoming a fad. 

I'm calling on young Black male artists, sports figures, fathers, and professionals to set the standard for what is and isn't appropriate.  You can wear your pants a certain way and not be seen as Steve Erkel.  I also believe it takes a village to raise a child, and when I see young brothers sagging their pants, I become embarrassed.  I want to pull up their pants for them.  It's not cute or professional.  It’s tacky.  In 2009, Pharrell Williams, the lead singer of N.E.R.D., began removing his tattoos and concealing his body art in order to become more marketable. Recently, Rapper 50 Cent has been quoted in several publications on how ridiculous it is for young people to get tattoos on their faces because they become less attractive to advertisers.

I understand that at ages 15 and 16, you're trying to fit in with what's hot.  I had a Jehri Curl when I was younger, wore different color socks, backwards clothes, and big hoop earrings.  Getting a tattoo on your face is permanent, and it will limit the job opportunities that young folks may receive in the future.  I'd encourage kids to slap a fake tattoo on their faces, just to see what it would look like before getting a permanent one. Please tell your children not to let a fad label them or pigeon hole their success.

Visit my blog Married with Two Boys follow me on Twitter like me on Facebook and connect with me on LinkedIn. 

Photo (Top): http://rapfix.mtv.com
Photo (Yung LA): http://theurbandaily.com

Cheers to Super Dads!

I recently came across a website called, Cinchcast.com. I recorded one of my favorite articles, "Super Dads: Stepping Up to the Plate and Not Striking Out." Listen and tell me what you think.

Do you know a Super Dad? If so, then please comment about him on my blog! I know a lot of great Dads that love and provide for their children. Cheers to Super Dads!

Special Facebook Live Session: Bullying Prevention Conference

"Yes Ma'am, No Sir”: Teaching Children Manners

I didn't grow up in the South, but was raised by a southern mom and dad whose roots sprouted from the South.  The moral values of respect, compassion, dining etiquette, listening skills, service, etc. were taught to my siblings and me at a very early age.  There wasn't a question when my husband, also from the South, and I had children that they would refer to us as "Ma'am" and “Sir.”  We wouldn’t tolerate the "Yeah," "Huh," and "What." 


Everyone isn't a fan of using those responses, but we believe that it shows a sign of respect to your elders. To this day, I refer to people that are older than me in this manner.  I'm a firm believer that polite behavior will be rewarded.  These terms are as important as "Thank You," "Please," and "You're Welcome."  Instilling politeness and good manners at a young age are vital.

White House Launches Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge | The White House

White House Launches Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge | The White House

College Costs in 2026

Our oldest son, Roland, will be 4 years old in June.  I'm already thinking about the cost of college tuition in 2026, when he graduates from high school.  My husband and I started a 529 Plan shortly after he was born, and contribute monthly towards his college education.  Yet, I cringe to think about the cost of tuition when he walks across the graduation stage.  Our youngest son, Joshua, will follow in his older brother's footsteps 2 years later in 2028. The College Board's website highlights current tuition costs:

• Public four-year colleges charge, on average, $7,605 per year in tuition and fees for in-state students. The average surcharge for full-time out-of-state students at these institutions is $11,990.
• Private nonprofit four-year colleges charge, on average, $27,293 per year in tuition and fees.
• Public two-year colleges charge, on average, $2,713 per year in tuition and fees.

Rather than worrying myself sick about the rise in college tuition and inflation, which I can't control, I'm staying optimistic about the possibility of paying for college.  I can imagine in 2026 those numbers will have at least doubled.  (The College Board reports that on average tuition and fees for 2010-2011 will increase 6% annually.)

My background is in higher education, and I worked in admissions at a southeastern university of art and design for almost 8 years.  One aspect of my job was to encourage prospective students to apply to the university.  Throughout the years, I assisted in enrolling hundreds if not thousands of students into the institution.  Each year, the tuition would increase slightly, along with other universities across the country.  This caused my sales pitch to become a little more sensitive.

Oftentimes, parents would ask to speak with me privately and their eyes would welt up from the necessity of wanting to provide the best for their child.  I found myself grabbing boxes of tissue, holding hands, and giving a comforting pat on the back to parents struggling to find ways to pay for college.  I assisted parents on brainstorming ways to help pay for college despite the high tuition costs, and derived a combination of student loans, financial aid, or scholarships.  Like most colleges and universities, if students score above the national average on their SAT/ACT exams and have a fairly high GPA (usually above a 3.0), then they may have the opportunity of earning a college scholarship.

Some students contemplated whether or not they should attend college.  The U.S. Census Bureau report titled "The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings" highlights that over an adult's working life those with master's degrees will earn $2.5 million, adults with bachelor's degrees, $2.1 million, and those with high school diplomas can expect to earn $1.2 million.

Rather than putting the emphasis on or tantalizing about college tuition costs for our children, I've decide to follow my own advice and focus on researching the resources that are available to us that will assist with college.

• www.USNews.com - Lists school rankings.
• www.Scholarships.com - Highlights a variety of scholarships.
• www.StudentAid.com -  Provides information on financial aid to help pay for college.
• www.SREB.org and the Academic Common Market: Enable students to pursue out-of-state college degrees at discounted tuition rates.
• www.GA College411.org - Provides college advice, college admission applications, financial aid, scholarships, etc.
• www.Fastweb.com- Offers free scholarship matching service, and financial aid support.
• www.FinAid.org - Information on loans, scholarships and savings.

My advice for parents is to always ask questions.  Admission and financial aid officers are in a customer service profession and their jobs are to assist students and parents.

Although our sons are nearly 4 years old and 14 months old, I've already started instilling in our children the importance of higher education.  I have a “college wall” above the bookcase in our oldest son's room with pendants from various universities.  My Father-in-Law attended Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL and insists that I purchase a "Tuskegee University" pendant the next time we're there.

I was immersed into higher education at a very young age.  My dad, being a professor, allowed us the opportunity to move from one college town to another.  Having that experience, gave me the opportunity to interact with college students and attend university functions.  There are so many wonderful institutions in Atlanta and the South, that I often take our oldest son to various events on campuses.  Planting the seed early is crucial, and staying open-minded about their future is also important.

Original Article published: MyAtlantaMoms.com.

Stay-At-Work Mom: Jennifer Hudson Is Fabulous!

I Heart Stay-At-Work Mom, Jennifer Hudson. She's fierce, strong, beautiful and can sing! She's been out for awhile and I'm really feeling her style, look and personality. 

Jennifer Hudson will release her second album "I Remember Me" on March 22, but you may have already heard the album's first single "Where You At" which hit the radio on Jan. 24. Take a Listen!





Jennifer Hudson is in Atlanta today promoting her new album and CD. She was interviewed this morning on The Frank and Wanda Show and talked about her new album; which will be released on Tuesday, March 22: 
 

One of my favorite songs on her new CD is "I Got This". Listen to the song and tell me what you think! 

  
I Got This - Jennifer Hudson by HDMI44


Check out her website:  http://irememberme.jenniferhudson.com/

"Where on Earth: The Art of Robert Reid"

"Where on Earth: The Art of CAU Alumnus Robert Reid"

Exhibition Dates: February 11 – April 29, 2011

Hours: Tuesday – Friday 11am-4pm

Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries, Trevor Arnett Hall, 2nd floor, located at the intersection of James P. Brawley Drive and Greensferry Street, 223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30314

Admission to the exhibition is free and open to the public, though the Galleries, located in Trevor Arnett Hall, welcomes a suggested donation of $5.00. 

Telephone: (404) 880-6102 / 6644 


Email: cauart_galleries@cau.edu

Website: www.cau.edu/Academics_Art_Galleries.aspx

New Walt Disney Pictures Movie “Prom”

New Walt Disney Pictures Movie “Prom”
Genre: Drama-Comedy
Rating: PG
U.S. Release Date: April 29, 2011

 At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite.  

For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one “Prom.” Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, “Prom” hits theaters April 29, 2011. 

Cast:  Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell, Danielle Campbell, Yin Chang, Kylie Bunbury, Nicholas Braun, Jared Kusnitz, Jonathan Keltz, De’Vaughn Nixon, Nolan Sotillo, Cameron Monaghan­, Joe Adler, Janelle Ortiz, Raini Rodriguez
 
Director: Joe Nussbaum
 
Producers: Justin Springer, Ted Griffin
 

Executive Producer: Samson Mucke
 

Written by: Katie Wech 

Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite.  

Thankful Thursday

Click on Coupons for Your Favorite Brands!

African American Community and Diabetes Town Hall Meeting at Spelman College

On March 15, 2011, Spelman College and Novo Nordisk hosted a Diabetes Town Hall meeting about its impact on the African American Community. According to the American Diabetes Association, 14.7 percent of all African-Americans age 20 years or older have diabetes. Guest speakers included:

• Kendall Simmons, former NFL guard
• A.J. Johnson, actress, fitness expert, founder, The AJ Zone
• Doxie Jordan, associate vice president, Diabetes Sales Southeast, Novo Nordisk
• Dr. Kathi Earles, MD, medical scientific director, Novo Nordisk
• Donna DeCaille, nutritionist, executive consultant, EnVision Nutrition Inc.
• Gail Richardson, diabetic nurse educator
• Dr. Reginald Fowler, Board Certified Internal Medicine

The American Diabetes Association publication, "What Puts Kids at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes," gives helpful tips and reminders for parents: 

Kids with type 2 diabetes often: 

• Are overweight 
• Are not physically active enough
• Have a mom, dad or other close relative who has type 2 diabetes
• Are African American, Latino American, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander

Common Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

• Very thirsty
• Fell Tired
• Go to the bathroom a lot
• Have blurry vision
• Losing weight without knowing why
• Have dark skin under arms or neck

However, sometimes there are no symptoms of diabetes and people find out when they go to the doctor for their annual check-up. The advice from the panelists and American Diabetes Association for people to lower their chances of getting diabetes include:

• Eat Healthy Foods
• Be Active Every Day
• Stay at a Healthy Diet 

There are more than 26 million Americans living with diabetes. Interested in helping spread the message about diabetes?

Attend and sign-up for the 2011 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes 5K: 

Saturday, September 24, 2011in Downtown Atlanta

Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Downtown Alpharetta

Contact Rhonda King at 404-320-7100 ext. 3081. Or email rking@diabetes.org.

Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention

I'm so proud of my dad, Dr. Manning Marable, author of the new Malcolm X biography, Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention. Featured on Amazon.com, "Years in the making-the definitive biography of the legendary black activist. Of the great figures in twentieth-century American history perhaps none is more famous than Malcolm X."

The video below is the first installment of the Malcomology video project, by truth2power films.

 

Visit my dad's blog at http://detroitred.tumblr.com, like him on Facebook, and follow him on twitter.

This title will be released on April 4, 2011. Pre-order now! Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Women's History Month & Fair Pay

President Obama commends the great strides that have been made to create a more equal American society, and reaffirms his resolve to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.