Author: jen

Rising Rates of Depression Amongst Teen Girls

This article is sponsored by CHOC Children’s Hospital

depression in teens

The teenage years are a time in life unlike any other marked by new, fluctuating hormones, social pressures, and school stresses. These new situations can understandably cause kids to feel down or depressed at times. But for others the feelings of sadness or hopelessness can persist in a state of depression. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 20% of teenagers experience depression before reaching adulthood.

A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics found depression rates amongst teens stayed fairly stable from the years 2005 – 2011. However from 2012 to 2014 the rates of depression were on the rise for both boys and girls, with a more pronounced increase for teenage girls.

What is causing this increase? Is the advent of social media playing a role at putting more girls at risk for depression?

I am exploring this question, along with other extremely helpful information provided by Dr. Adrianne Alpern Ph.D. a child psychologist at CHOC Children’s Hospital on warning signs of depression in teens, symptoms and how to get help if you suspect your teenager might be depressed….

Galileo Innovation Summer Camps for Kids (Giveaway!)

This post is brought to you by Galileo Innovation summer camps for kids

galileomaingraphic

When the calendar turns to March every year without fail the texts and emails begin to filter in from my mom friends asking each other the same question…“What summer camps are you signing your kids up for this year??” And behold, the summer camp conversations begin.

For all you mamas starting your summer camp planning and research on the best OC summer camps for kids, I am thrilled to share with you a fabulous innovation summer camp which might not be on your radar since it is fairly new to So Cal called Galileo. But it should be! You can thank me later.

Because Galileo is not your typical summer camp. Yes, it’s super fun, and the kids will have a blast. But it is something more, something special. It’s a camp that is profoundly enriching because Galileo seeks to teach children they have the power to change the world. They want to teach them their ideas matter and anyone can take an idea and make it come to life.

Take a moment to watch this quick video to give you a taste of what Galileo summer innovation camps are all about and then enter to win $200 off one week at Galileo 2017 summer camp!

Anxiety and Children

This article is sponsored by CHOC Children’s Hospital

As a person who has struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember, mental health is an important topic to me. Mental health needs to be talked about. Today’s article is focused on anxiety and children. Do you have an anxious child? I do. Which is why this post today on anxiety and children is particularly important to me. I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Dr. Christopher Min, PhD, a licensed pediatric psychologist at CHOC Childrens about anxiety and children and he was so insightful……

Romance at The Ranch

Disclosure: Complimentary media stay provided to facilitate this review. 

Every year my husband and I make it a goal to get away in November to celebrate our anniversary. The time together alone, no kids, is magical. It’s one of the highlights of my entire year. To have extended, uninterrupted hours to talk, relax and reconnect is like fuel for the marriage tank.

In the years when we have only one or two nights for a getaway, staying close to home is best for maximum relaxation time and living in Orange County, we are pretty darn lucky to have a large number of phenomenal destinations to chose from.

Back in August we were lucky enough to able to stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach as a family of four and enjoyed all the amazing family-friendly activities available for guests.

Click here to read my post about staying at The Ranch at Laguna Beach as a family.

When we were deciding where we wanted to go for our 15 year anniversary, I thought The Ranch would be the perfect spot.  We got married in Laguna Beach, so the town holds special memories for us, and I couldn’t wait to experience The Ranch as a romantic Laguna Beach hotel.  If you are looking for a staycation spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day or a special event with your sweetie, here’s a little taste of what could be in store for you…

romanceattheranch

Gift Ideas for Girls Under $50

* all links in this post are amazon affiliate links *

‘Tis the season for shopping and since I know a thing or two about what girls are into having two myself, I wanted to share some gift ideas for girls under $50. Yep, no gift on this gift guide is over $50 and all these items can be bought on Amazon Prime, which is my best friend during the holidays and all year round.

12 Gift Ideas for Girls Under $50

(ages 7 – 12)

giftideasforgirlsunder50

My girls are ages 7 and 10, so we can assume these are gift ideas for girls ages approximately 7 – 12. My girls are into arts, crafts, selfies, Musical.ly, putting on endless “shows”, reading and recently have found a new obsession with baking….