Happy Sweet 16th Birthday to the Groovy Girls!

With two girls in the house, we're no strangers to the world of dolls.

However, it's no small stretch to say that there are some collections that... don't always portray the most positive messages. Whether it is in the design or the clothing or the name, there are simply some lines of dolls that even I (with my very relaxed parenting style) don't want around.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are amazing, inspiring, innocent dolls that are filled with imagination, personality and pizzazz. These are the dolls that are motivating, vibrant and encouraging to their young owners, passing along the message that all girls are unique and special and perfect just the way that they are.

Which is why we couldn't have been more excited to help celebrate the 16th birthday of the beloved Groovy Girls, a soft 16-inch doll line from The Manhattan Toy Company that embodies everything positive and wonderful about dolls.

An award-winning family of colorful, soft dolls, Groovy Girls have their own individual fashions (of clothing, hair, accessories and more) to show their focus on personal style, diversity and the power of friendship. Since the brand's introduction in 1998, Groovy Girls has become one of the most popular toys for girls worldwide.

But more than simply a line of dolls showcasing a variety of hairstyles, hip outfits and skin tones, Groovy Girls has a compelling message behind each and every funky, fun look. The way that the brand encourages a girl's sense of self-identity and individualism and validates that all girls are important in the world is, without a doubt, a major factor in why parents and kids have embraced these dolls for the past 16 years!

Whether the little girl in your life prefers bright, hip and trendy or opts for characters that are frilly, princess girly, there is sure to be one (or more) Groovy Girls to light up her life. What better gift than one that will appeal to the fun and love of dolls while also encouraging individualism, confidence and imagination?

With that in mind, it was time to hold a Groovy Girls Sweet 16 Birthday Party to celebrate just how much fun and laughter these dolls have brought to generation after generation!

The combination of an adorable selection of Groovy Girls dolls, the Royally Ritzy Bed, the Totally Tentastic tent, Groovy Girls Sparkletastic Jewelry kits for everyone, and some colorful, tasty snacks had my 5-year-old hostess extremely excited for the party to begin (not to mention the two week countdown that we had done leading up to the day).

When are my friends getting here? Soon!

Did you see this doll? I LOVE this one! This one, too! Yes, I saw them. Do you know which one is my favorite? ALL OF THEM.

I can't wait to play!! Can I start playing with them? Can I eat a cupcake? Did you see the shoes on this one? They're really cool!

I believe awesome is the word you're looking for?

While I had some initial worry that as our young guests arrived that there would be controversy over who was able to play with a particular favorite doll, but it turned out that all of the girls loved all of the Groovy Girls, so there wasn't even a hint of tension or disappointment.

Instead, the girls immediately dove into playing with their new dolls and proceeded to incorporate them into all kinds of indoor and outdoor play!

The Groovy Girls, Royally Ritzy Bed and Totally Tentastic tent were part of numerous inventive, imaginative stories...

...the dolls came along when the girls paused to munch on snacks...

...the dolls had high-flying adventures jumping on our trampoline, as their soft bodies can be hugged close, tossed up high and more without worry of injury or breakage...

...and the dolls even took part in the fun of the Design Your Own creativity kits (although they tried to avoid as much of the glitter as they could).

Although none of our party guests could create quite as detailed jewelry as shown on the Groovy Girls Sparkletastic Jewelry box covers, they still had such a great time being creative with these kits! The shiny gems, the tubes of sparkly glitter and the there's-no-wrong-way-to-do-this instructions that I gave made the whole thing a blast (with more to take home and continue creating later)!

In all, we really couldn't have asked for more in putting together an unforgettably fun afternoon!

At the end of the party the girls each took home a Groovy Girls Sweet 16 swag bag of accessories, their Sparkletastic Jewelry as well as their own new Groovy Girls doll to continue the friendship at home. I love knowing that we not only got to treat our friends to a wonderful party, but that they now get to extend the originality, positivity and spirit of this line into their own house!

Whether you have a Groovy Girls fan in your life or this is the first that you've heard of this chic line, their Design Your Own kits, bright dolls and cute accessories would be perfect for any girl — whether for a full-on party, a much-appreciated gift or just to bring home a best friend that will last for years. Head over to The Manhattan Toy Company website today to see the full collection!

You can also connect with The Manhattan Toy Company on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date with everything that this innovative toy company has to offer.

Happy Birthday, Groovy Girls!

I was provided with Groovy Girls products and party supplies from The Manhattan Toy Company in order to facilitate our party, however, all thoughts and opinions are completely honest and my own.

Scholastic's Summer Reading Challenge Has Us Reading Under The Stars! {#SummerReading}

Last month I introduced my kids to the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and, without a doubt, they have been thrilled to participate!

Considering how much they already adore reading, the addition of fun, games, puzzles, rewards and more has resulted in a not-too-surprising increase in that love! Not familiar with the program? Read on!

Now in its 8th year, the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is a free, online/mobile reading program that helps prepare kids for back-to-school by encouraging them to read every day all summer long. As a way to stop the "Summer Slide," kids are encouraged to read during the summer months by taking part in all sorts of fun weekly challenges and the chance to earn digital rewards.

This year's Summer Reading Challenge theme is "Reading Under the Stars" and is powered by EVEREADY® to encourage families to discover new and fun ways to explore reading outside. Throughout the summer, kids have the chance to open their worlds and read around the galaxy and unlock star constellations as they log reading minutes.

My girls absolutely love (and never let me forget) to log onto Scholastic's site every day, add in their minutes and watch their totals climb!

As well as their own personal tallies, my kids have been loving seeing the total number of minutes read from kids around the world. The original goal had been just to beat the 2013 works record and that has already been shattered! As of right now, kids have read for 193,235,707 minutes, which equates to a whole lot of books!

Even though my kids didn't really need any encouragement to read this summer, we received a box containing everything we needed to have a Summer Reading Under the Stars party and it managed to bring the excitement to an entirely new level!

Not pictured: a ton more great EVEREADY® flashlights and batteries, posters, bookmarks and more!

How adorably fun is this?

In order to stay off of the grass and away from a few more of the mosquitoes that are plaguing our yard, we set up our blanket, pillows, EVEREADY® flashlights, books from Scholastic and more on our trampoline... plus, as the sun doesn't go down until after my kids are already in bed in the summer, we got a little creative with the "under the stars" theme and added a few of our own.

Besides, I wanted to head out early enough so that we could spend as much time relaxing and reading together as we could!

Although I knew that having a mini Summer Reading Under the Stars party was going to be a good time, it turned out to be a really great bonding-over-books experience for all three of us. I grabbed my current novel and laid down in between the girls and all three of us turned page after page — I love reading and am so glad that my kids do, too!

Of course we did take some breaks for snacks, trips to the bathroom, jumping on the trampoline to get the wiggles out, looking for constellations in the stars and more, but overall, the few hours ended up being a big success and the girls had a blast!

There is plenty of summer left to hold a Reading Under the Stars party at your house, too — the main thing that you need is a pile of good books! You can even get your extended family and friends involved by inviting them over for an outdoor party so that they can enjoy just how much fun reading outdoors can be.

Whether your kids are constantly reaching for a book or it is hard to keep them educationally-focused during the summer, Scholastic has made it easy and fun for all ages to stay interested and involved. Be sure to head over to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and amp up the excitement about reading!

Stay connected with everything Scholastic as well by liking Scholastic Parents on Facebook, following Scholastic on Twitter and Instagram, following the Summer Reading Challenge Pinterest Board and liking the Summer Reading Challenge YouTube Playlist. Happy reading!

This post is part of a collaboration with Scholastic. All thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

Join Auntie Anne's and Alex's Lemonade Stand in the Mighty Fight Against Childhood Cancer

With all of the advancements and inventions that have occurred during this past decade (and those that came before) there is no denying that mankind as a whole has come a long way.

But is creating smaller phones and faster computers what truly matters?

For me (and parents everywhere), nothing is as important as the health and safety of my children. Therefore, even though I enjoy seeing what new gadgets and devices debut year after year, I would much rather hear about the eradication of diseases and illnesses that threaten children and the organizations that are doing everything they can to help prevent kids from getting sick (or helping cure those that are).

Which is just one of the reasons that I was thrilled to hear that my favorite pretzel company, Auntie Anne's, has once again partnered with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to help fight childhood cancer!

Unfamiliar with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation? Where have you been?

This incredible foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope.

To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised more than $75 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 375 research projects nationally.

I can't help but tear up every time I have the chance to promote ALSF and the research and children that they have helped support over the years. Would the possibility of a cure for childhood cancer be where it is today without ALSF? Probably not. And would incredibly brave kids like Jordan Vincent be able to inspire all of us as a Mini But Mighty Hero?

Jordan, a 15-year-old living in California, was diagnosed with cancer in January of 2003 when she was only 4. So, while today she may appear as a typical teenager that loves her iPad, fashion and the color purple, this "cancer slayer" is in fact fighting a daily battle against a rare brain cancer and has spent over half of her life in cancer treatment.

I can't even begin to fathom what Jordan and her family has been through (and continues to deal with), but I love being able to find out about her incredible strength and passion and the optimism that she brings to each and every day. You're amazing, Jordan!

You can find more information about Jordan and the stories of many other Childhood Cancer Heroes on the ALSF website, where you will no doubt be moved by the strength, courage and bravery that these children portray.

It's time for all of us to come together and follow in Alex Scott's vision to find a cure for all children with cancer. Head over to ALSF to find out more and, even better, take part next week in the amazing Mighty Fight Against Childhood Cancer campaign to raise even more money and attention.

Mark your calendar, set your alarm or tell Siri to remind you — from July 28 to September 15, you've GOT to visit and take part in this campaign!

Auntie Anne's is donating money in my name to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for sharing this information, but all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Prep For Summer Road Trips with State Farm {Summer Trunk Safety Makeover Kit Giveaway!}

Although summer is already halfway over (what?!), there are still numerous vacations planned for families looking to get away together for a little relaxation and fun before the whirl of back to school planning gets underway.

But as well as making sure you've packed enough sunscreen, haven't forgotten your child's beloved stuffed animal, and have enough clean underwear to get everyone through the trip, have you ensured that your vehicle is prepared for your road trip in the heat?

We all work to make sure that our car can keep us safe through the cold of winter, but it's important to know that there are steps to take before logging all of the summer road trip miles on it as well. Thanks to State Farm, you can easily check items off of your vehicle's checkup list and rest easy that your vacation will be hassle-free (car-related, at least)!

Before your family road trip this summer, remember to:

• Inspect the radiator, pressure cap, belts, and hoses to make sure they are in good shape with no signs of blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber.

• Check fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant. Make sure each reservoir is full and if you see any sign of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.

• Check the air pressure in all tires, including the spare.

• Make sure the wiper blades are functioning properly.

• Check battery life and inspect batteries and battery cables.

• Inspect brake pads and linings for wear; change the oil and filter according to manufacturer’s service interval specifications.

• Test the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights.

Even if you've thoroughly checked your car, there is no way to be 100% confident that you won't need an emergency kit. So, even though your trunk may be packed with suitcases and beach umbrellas, State Farm suggests you don't leave home without jumper cables; flashlight; emergency flat tire repair; gloves, blankets and towels; hazard triangle, road flares, brightly colored distress sign, or "Help" or "Call Police" flag; screwdrivers and wrenches; first aid kit; cell phone and charger; water for both the car radiator and your family; and high-calorie, non-perishable food.

Your bags are packed, your car has been inspected and your emergency kit is filled and stowed... time to hit the road for vacation, right?

Hold on! Before you take to social media to say goodbye and head out the door, keep in mind a few more great tips that will help keep your home, children and pets safe, secure and happy while you're gone.

For the remainder of the summer (and for all road trip vacations to come), be cautious, be safe and be prepared. Along with having the important supplies in your car, take the time to regularly check that all of your vehicle's equipment is working properly. Your family just might be depending on it!

Head over to the State Farm website to find many more tips, ideas, information and more that can help keep all aspects of your life prepared and ready for anything. Plus, connect with them on Facebook and Twitter so that you won't miss the great articles this good neighbor company has to share.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be prepared for their next road trip even more than usual, because...

One lucky person will win a Summer Trunk Safety Makeover Kit*
from State Farm (ARV $50)!

*Kit includes: State Farm cross-body bag, travel mug, first aid kit, mini flashlight, Rand McNally Road Atlas, jumper cables, windshield scraper, tire pressure gauge, 9-piece ratchet set and hand driver, pliers, (2) screwdrivers, electrical tape, automotive fuses, insulated ring and spade terminals, work gloves, triangular hazard sign carrying case.

Entry-Form

A big thank you to State Farm for providing a prize pack for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.