If we are living by the teenager motto that it’s not official until it’s Facebook official... then we are OFFICIALLY engaged!

And because I do not want GenPink to get hijacked by all things wedding I created wedding.genpink.com! Stay tuned there for updates, inspiration and any other pretty pink wedding things that come to my head. Or you can subscribe via email. I’m planning on doing the same contributor model on that blog so if you are currently wedding planning, or recently married and have tips you’d like to share let me know and I’ll get you details.

We are also accepting any wedding sponsor offers ;) preferably in the pink, black and white color scheme!

This guest post was submitted by a reader of GenPink. If you’d like to submit a topic or post idea you can do so here:

If you’re looking for a good relationship that is faithful and loving to your mind, body and soul, Zumba just might be just what the doctor ordered.  First of all you might be asking what is “Zumba” and how can he heal my broken heart?!

Trying something new and venturing outside of your self is a great place to start the healing process.  You may have had the worst date of your life or just be depressed from a bad relationship.  Zumba really is the perfect man to work out all the day’s problems or woes. 

First of all, Zumba does not judge.  

He is a hip and stylish lover of all curves and body types. He likes to have fun and adds some spice to your life by taking your feet on the trip of a lifetime. Forget the dating sites and head to the gym! 

You’ll be able to spot this Latin lover quite easily, just by the sound of his voice.  He combines smooth moves with a new and interesting flair for sexy salsa beats and classic ethnic rhythms.  Updated and sassy, he really is the perfect date for young swaggers who like to move and groove. 

This guy wants you to shake your booty in front of him for at least an hour!  In fact, he demands it.  If dancing is your forte, he will mosey up easily to you and turn on his charm.  He is kind and gentle and at the same time he can overlook footwork flaws as long as you keep the relationship moving.

Mr. Zumba will introduce you to a cross between a hot Mexican party and great workout sex.  Zumba will leave you sweating, panting and wanting more.  You will find he will even work muscles you didn’t even know you had. His closet is full of an endless array of sexy music and themed outfits for taking the dance floor by storm.   He treats every woman as a goddess and will transport you to another world.

He is a man that can be counted on. 

Trustworthy, he is there without fail three times a week and will not sacrifice your comfort level to tailor it to his own needs.   He even gives you the fle

Danae Matthews lives in San Francisco and writes for an on-line women’s health resource Women’s Health Base.

Hit the Brakes

There is a defining moment in every relationship. The first kiss that assures a mutual attraction. Meeting the parents. For all of the flowery displays of affection and exclusivity there are then the “red-flag” moments. Amidst the red-flags it can become hard for us to decipher what are speed-bumps and what are road-blocks. The deal breakers that should send us heading for the hills so frequently become the things that we think we can “work out” together. This is why you have so many girlfriends stuck in dead-end relationships lying to themselves that at the heart of it all, they are meant to be together.
So how do you decode a speed-bump from a road-block? Every relationship comes with its own set of rules of course, but some things to keep in mind…

1. Your significant other doesn’t like any of your friends
   Who you choose to surround yourself with is a direct reflection on you and your personality. If the person you’re dating takes issue with your best gaggle of girlfriends watch out. This could mean a number of different things, but two big ones could be: he is conditioning your relationship to be exclusively you+him by cutting out the competition, and/or there are things he doesn’t love about you that he sees illuminated in your friend group.
2. Major life decisions start being taken off the table
   If all of the sudden your boyfriend starts getting really adamant about the things he doesn’t want, listen to what he’s saying. If in the beginning of dating you managed to tip-toe around most of the serious subjects, but now he is making big proclamations about never wanting to get married, or having no desire to have children it could be the symptom of a much bigger problem. The last thing you want to do is think that if you stay together longer, he will change his mind.
3. You start getting calls and texts to see what you’re doing
   This is a fine line to walk. Some couples text all day long as a way to get through a tedious work-day or stay connected. But if you start getting more and more texts or calls just to “check-in” and see what you are doing it might be a good idea to hit the brakes and convene for a convo. You already have one father and if you allow what may seem like innocent behavior go on too long, you could end up with two.
4. Separate religions, but now you’re serious
   So this is a really hard one to navigate. Some people avoid this problem entirely by only dating people within their own belief system. But a major speed-bump turned road-block can be dating and then falling for someone of an opposite religion. If this happens you need to sit down and have a serious conversation about where you think your relationship is going and how serious you both are about your beliefs. The last thing you want to do is pass on an opportunity for love without having discussed things first. Just remember- definitely not a conversation for date number one or two!
5. You have to instigate all plans
   If in the beginning of your relationship/dating your guy made all the plans to go out and now it’s all on you, it could mean more than you think. It is natural for guys to get comfortable in a relationship and get lazy, especially if you live together. But if you are still in the early stages and you are always the one getting together plans this is a red-flag. You should still be the main focus a year, 5 years, heck- 20 years into a relationship!

Pinterest

This is a tribute to the nice guys. The nice guys that finish last, that never become more than friends, that endure hours of whining and bitching about what assholes guys are, while disproving the very point. This is dedicated to those guys who always provide a shoulder to lean on but restrain themselves to tentative hugs, those guys who hold open doors and give reassuring pats on the back and sit patiently outside the changing room at department stores. This is in honor of the guys that obligingly reiterate how cute/beautiful/smart/funny/sexy their female friends are at the appropriate moment, because they know most girls need that litany of support. This is in honor of the guys with open minds, with laid-back attitudes, with honest concern. This is in honor of the guys who respect a girl’s every facet, from her privacy to her theology to her clothing style.

…

But one thing I can do, is say that the nice-guy-finishes-last phenomenon doesn’t last forever. There are definitely many girls who grow out of that train of thought and realize they should be dating the nice guys, not taking them for granted. The tricky part is finding those girls, and even trickier, finding the ones that are single.

So, until those girls are found, I propose a toast to all the nice guys. You know who you are, and I know you’re sick of hearing yourself described as ubiquitously nice. But the truth of the matter is, the world needs your patience in the department store, your holding open of doors, your party escorting services, your propensity to be a sucker for a pretty smile. For all the crazy, inane, absurd things you tolerate, for all the situations where you are the faceless, nameless hero, my accolades, my acknowledgement, and my gratitude go out to you. You do have credibility in this society, and your well deserved vindication is coming.

- This rant was written for the Wharton Undergraduate Journal 

I did not write this, I’m just passing along a buried internet find… the full post (worth reading) can be found here.

As I passed my 4 year anniversary writing and researching topics for GenPink, I’ve sought out and received unsolicited guest posts. And although I do review every entry I receive, I do not opt to publish all of the submitted posts. The following guest post was such an interesting topic, with a diverse perspective, I decided I wanted to share, if for no other reason than to spark a discussion. If you’d like to contribute a guest post, or a series to GenPink… fill out this form and I’ll get back with you.

This guest post was written by Allie Gamble (her bio appears at the end of the post): *disclaimer: these views are those of the editor or other contributors of GenPink.*

In our society, and in most societies around the world, it is pretty much expected that young women want to form partnerships with young men, and that children will be the result of those unions. Early on girls are given dolls to play with, and they are taught to play “house” and “dress up.” As they get a bit older, they play with Barbie dolls, pretending all sorts of scenarios, most of which include Barbie having a boyfriend, going on dates, getting married and eventually ending up with a baby. It doesn’t take a psychology degree to see that nurturing is simply expected of girls and is ingrained in them all through their growing up years. While raising children does not have to be a woman’s only option, those who chose to focus on their careers instead of “mommying” often face several psychological challenges.

These days there are a variety of reasons why a woman might choose to remain single and childless. Perhaps she likes her freedom and does not want to be obligated to or responsible to anyone other than herself. Similarly, these days many women are taking advantage of their early 20’s and 30’s to focus on their careers. In fact, given the current trends it’s not unusual for young women to out-earn their male counterparts. Or woman’s decision not have children could be based on the fact that she simply doesn’t care for children. Whatever the reason, it is a choice for her to make.

However, when women reach their later twenties, they are often made very aware of their “biological clock” and its incessant ticking away of their childbearing years. Not only that, but women also experience social pressure to have kids. Marrying or forming some sort of domestic partnership, and then having children are considered the norm in our society. This ideology is oftentimes magnified by peers, friends, co-workers and parents who have taken this path and attempt to convince other women that is necessary for them to have kids in order to be considered healthy and happy.

As such, when a woman does not seek this lifestyle for herself, she is viewed as somehow abnormal. People look at her and may wonder why she isn’t in a relationship or isn’t having children. Seldom does it occur to onlookers that a woman might choose to remain independent as well as childfree. The reality is people are more apt to look at her with sympathy, and say to themselves “poor girl can’t seem to catch a man,” than to see her as valuing the advantages she sees in her choice.

Thus, if you are one of the women who choose to remain single or choose not to have children, you may wonder does my lifestyle choice really mean I’m not “normal”? What is “normal” anyway? Or you may wonder if you will regret your choice in the future. In both cases it is important to remember that you are the only one that can answer these questions for yourself. Your friends, whom you see marrying and having babies, your co-workers off on maternity leave and your parents who want grandchildren cannot choose for you.

It’s up to you to understand the pros and cons of your choice and then to choose the lifestyle you want for yourself. There are challenges in whatever lifestyle you choose, whether they are the psychological challenges of not mommying or the challenges of parenthood. Facing any challenge requires strength and courage. Remember it takes just as much strength and courage to be a parent as it does to choose not to be one.

Taken using Instagram

I have a nightly habit of checking various Daily Deal sites. I don’t usually end up buying any of the items but I think it’s one part curiosity and one part fear of being left out. I mean YOU never know!

How are you about discount sites and daily deal apps? Do you have websites you check randomly, are you an email subscriber so you don’t miss any of them, a deal app user, or perhaps a hybrid like me?

I’m not sure if it’s because I have a February birthday so I attract February people, or it’s just that Aquarians or awesome but I have a LOT of friends/family with birthdays from the last week in January to mid February.

I am currently sitting in my favorite nail bar getting some crazy teal tips while one of my besties, Tanja, gets a mani/pedi at 50% off because it’s her birthday!

I think being pampered is a perfect way to celebrate the day you were born. AND don’t you worry we will also have an evening of steaks (well not me), cigars, music and definitely laughing.

*crossing my fingers this works* Checkout this video of Tanja getting serenaded (is that the right word?) with a saxophone! Talk about royal treatment.

How do you like to pamper yourself, birthday or not?

Sent from my iPhone

Happy Valentine’s Day. Here’s a cute video that is bound to make you smile.

Every year when Christmas comes around, I begin to look forward to the many traditions that I keep with my family and friends. Over the years my sisters and I have enjoyed traditions that begin as early as late November and continue into the days following the holiday and involve everyone from school classmates to, of course, family.

The past few years have seen us ‘retire’ some or our Christmas traditions, some by necessity as we are no longer involved in certain activities, some because we have grown out of them, and others because of lifestyle changes. This year marks the first year that our Christmas celebrations will include a new generation in our family, and next year at least two more children will join my niece Hailey as part of the next generation of our extended family. Including children in our traditions makes them even more special – and who knows, maybe we will soon be bringing some of our ‘retired’ Christmas traditions back for them!

In no particular order, here are the Top 10 Xmas/Christmas Traditions of the Five Blondes:

1.    Picking out a Christmas tree

Our tree never came from a ‘tree farm’ or from someone in a parking lot – rather, it came from the bush behind our house! Our farm encompasses a few hundred acres of land including a small forest (or bush, as we call it). We chose many of our trees from the bush, helping mom and dad cut it down with a handsaw and then pull it back to our house on a sled. This tradition has been retired due to the ease-of-use and general uniformity of fake trees – and the fact that there are no more kids at home to help mom and dad with this task!

2.    Christmas Concerts

Four of the Blondes attended music school, studying vocal music as well as playing a string instrument. In addition, we all took piano lessons, and Kate was part of a well-regarded local children’s choir! This added up to a multitude of Christmas concerts every year spread out all over the city. Here’s to hoping that the next generation will enjoy music just as much as we do.

3.    Helping Dad shop for Mom

Running the farm kept Dad too busy to shop, so inevitably he would end up with one or two of us at the mall on Christmas eve. Micaela remembers asking him one December 23^rd what he had gotten mom for Christmas – his answer? “Nothing – she said she doesn’t want anything!” It’s a good thing us girls are around to help him out when he needs it!

4.    Sister Secret Santa

Years ago, mom and dad suggested that rather than us buying a gift for each of the other 4, we should pick names and buy a gift for just one sister. The gifts are always thoughtful and meaningful. This is surely a tradition that we will continue for a long time!

5.    Family gift exchange

This is a fairly new tradition for our mom’s side of the family – a mystery gift exchange among nearly 25 participants! Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and significant others take part. Will you go home with a 6-pack of beer, a new DVD, or a pair of mittens? Who knows!

6.    Handmade gifts

Between mom, each of our Omas, and the rest of our creative family, we always receive (and give!) a few handmade items. Knit socks, tree ornaments, or pajamas, we’re always excited to receive something made just for us and treasure it.

7.    Puzzles

The holidays can be pretty overwhelming sometimes, so it’s always nice to find some down time. Our way of unwinding is to open up a puzzle near the Christmas tree and try to finish it in between celebrations. Favorite puzzles include “Beers of the World” and “Flying Pigs”.

8.    Christmas outfits

Mom is a great seamstress/fashion designer and often made us matching outfits. Here’s an example of the early ‘nineties style she dressed us in over the holidays.

Thankfully her taste has improved over the years! I think these dresses have since been recycled into gift bags.

9.    The Best Christmas Stockings Ever

Many of our friends and family would tell us about jumping out of bed in the morning and attacking the pile of gifts under the tree with a vengeance! Our tradition, however, was to patiently wait for mom and dad to finish up in the barn (hey, those pigs paid for the presents!), get cleaned up, eat breakfast, and THEN allow us to open gifts. To keep us satiated, mom Santa put together what we consider to be the ultimate Christmas stockings. Chocolate and candy, of course, followed by small toys, puzzle books, a book or magazine, socks (I love getting socks for Christmas!), and all kinds of awesome goodies. They could keep us entertained for hours. Good job, Santa!

10.    Being together

2010 marks the first year in 4 years that all five of us girls are living in the same province – and therefore will be spending lots of time together! The second member of the next generation of the Blondes will be born shortly after Christmas, making this year especially exciting. Kate’s daughter Hailey will be fun to watch as she experiences her first Christmas and starts participating in our traditions, and as Kate and Scott start their own traditions for her.

There you have it – Xmas traditions of the Five Blondes! I’m sure you have similar traditions – what are your favorites?