Top 7 reasons we Love Hearts For Hearts Girls™

1.  The song
While watching a commercial recently there was a catchy tune, "Hearts for Hearts Girls."  I was intrigued to find out more about the company and researched them online.  I was pleasantly surprised to find much more than a great song but a wonderful doll company.

2.  The dolls
They have several dolls in their collection.  Each with their own unique story.  Right now, there are six Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls: Lilian (Belarus), Rahel (Ethiopia), Nahji (India), Tipi (Laos), Consuelo (Mexico), and Dell (United States). The girls tell a story about life in their country, inspired by real girls who are strong, smart, courageous, and determined to rise above challenging circumstances. On Amazon I viewed all the different dolls and saw what I'll be adding to my Christmas shopping list.

3.  Their mission
Their mission is Changing The World one Heart at at Time.  When you buy a doll, Hearts For Hearts Girls donates part of the purchase price through their charitable partner, World Vision, to programs that support children, families, and communities in that country. Whether it’s malaria nets in Africa, schoolbooks in Asia, or food supplies in Eastern Europe and the US, these programs help children and families thrive and succeed.  What an amazing way to give back to the World! 

4.  The accessories
They have accessories for the dolls, giving girls more entertainment and enjoyment.  The material is soft, good and durable.  As a mother it's always nice to see a company that cares about the fine details right down to the feel of the fabric.  Each girl has a unique clothing line featuring the customs of where they are in the world.  Najhi came with a Dance Costume, Headpiece, Tea Tray with Teapot, and Tea Cups.

5.  The website
A pretty pink heart logo is what grabbed me first when I visited the site.  I browsed the different pages and loved the interactive sections.  One of my favorite fun features was to swing the H4H Girls back and forth in their frames before you choose to learn about them. With the doll and accessories you are given a special code to join the website. We used the code and registered to enjoy the games.  There were several games that included interactive play.  We ended up spending the most time on Marketplace.  We spent hours collecting money to complete missions.  This will be something that brings us back time and time again.  I say us because even I enjoyed playing some of the games with my daughter and my son joined in too.  He enjoyed the fishing game the most.

6.  The videos
They have several videos on the website to watch.  One is the commercial that my daughter can play over and over again and sing with the girls.  The other is behind the scenes making of the video. 

7.  The joy it brings to girls around the world
Not only are the dolls beautiful and the packaging amazing, but the joy that my daughter experienced when dressing Najhi and learning about her life in India is priceless.  We have never had an Indian doll or really learned about how someone many miles away from us lives their lives.  On the website they have true stories about real girls who inspire us, the reason that Hearts For Hearts Girls exists. We enjoyed reading about them.  If you happen to know a girl who inspires you, then tell them about it! Her story might end up on their website.    www.hearts4heartsgirls.com

What makes Hiking and Outdoor Adventures so fun?

I tend to spend a large amount of my time on my computer with work.   Hikes and family outings are one of the best ways to energize yourself and make some lasting memories.  I love lasting memories of our family trips and special moments to cherish forever. 
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Tonight my son wrote a story for school that was about his two day hike in Alaska.  I thought I'd share the adventure...

"The Time I Took a Two Day Hike"

One breezy day in Alaska we set off on a journey.  We were going to make an overnight hike!  On the first day we walked for almost 8 miles over different terrain!  We started off in a forest section with moss and leaves , also a slow incline.  We took a detour to see an amazing waterfall with rushing waters.  

Back on, the packs went, for more long hours of hiking.  After all that forest we got high in the mountains into a hilly area with many ponds.  From certain pints you could see for miles into Resurrection bay, Seward, and the ocean beyond.  But before that, we camped.  We walked down to a windy gravel beach by Lost lake and set our tent.

The next day was beautiful with hardly any clouds in the brilliantly blue sky.  In the hills we walked, seeing waterfalls, crystal clear deep blue lakes, and there was even some snow on the trail.  We also saw many other people on the way.  Getting closer to the end was the hardest with our aching feet, and running out of water.  The final part went back to trees and cliffs that you do not wanna look down.

When we finally got down my Aunt, two cousins, and their 2 dogs were exhilarated
to see us.  Then we went to town and got tasty pizza at the only "Apollos."  My feet hurt so bad that I had to wear my wool socks into the restaurant! Even though we couldn't call on the hike we told many stories to come.  And that was my first two day hike.

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So I hope you have the opportunity to get outside with your family and go on a hike your children will remember forever and share with others.

Cheers to your Moments!

- Nicole Flothe

Finding 7 Fabulous Facebook Travel Destinations Resources

If you type in Travel under the search section on Facebook you get thousands of Travel groups, apps, and posts from friends that have used the word travel in their post.  The other day I had joined in on the marketing stroll where you visit other peoples Fan pages and I made several new business friends.  I found this app that one of the new fan page owners was using called Fan of the week.  It is a free app that you can add to your Facebook page. It selects for you the Fan from your page that has been most active in commenting and posting then lets everyone know they have been chosen for Fan of the Week.  


A great topic of interest is Finding 7 Fabulous Facebook Travel Destinations Resources.  Have you ever been to Jamaica?  I have been when we went on a cruise to the Islands.  We saw the beautiful tourist scenes and visited the Dunn's River Falls.  For things to do in Jamaica here is a handy list...http://www.lonelyplanet.com/jamaica/things-to-do
Here is our 7 Fabulous Travel Destinations Resources on Facebook:
1.  LonelyPlanet Jamaica
2.  Travel 365
3.  Born in Alaska
4.  Walt Disney World
5.  See Australia
6.  Paris
7.  London

Make your Friends some Cupcakes.

I always told my husband if he wanted to make more friends, just make them some cupcakes:)  Once when my son was a baby and he was playing with my keys in the car, he locked the door and he was inside while I was outside with no keys!  Luckily we were at a gas station and the attendants helped me jimmy the lock.  I brought them a box of donuts for a Thank you.  Now-a-days Cupcakes seem to be the clever option when offering a delicious treat to someone.  I think the designs, color and taste are amazing.  Some people are having cupcakes at birthday parties and Wedding cupcakes. 

There are a few places in Naples that I've visited.  One is Simply Cupcakes of Naples, you can find them on their Facebook page.  I love their updates and pictures. Here is a snapshot of their website...

Today while I was on Facebook I saw a Facebook Fan Promotion going on where you could stop in on others recommended fan pages and say hello.  It was a fun time checking out businesses all around the world.  I found  Queen of Hearts Specia lty cupcakes, edible bouquets and more

We chatted for a bit and of course I loved the name of her cupcake company.  She was even sweet enough to offer me a free cupcake when I visit someday:)  Here is a snapshot of her website...

So I hope this helps you if your looking to make new friends in your area or worldwide.  I hope you have a wonderful night and enjoy some cupcakes where ever you are! 
Straight from the heart,
Nicole