Tweens at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver

The Winter Olympics close today, and our tweens have enjoyed watching so much of it. Their favorites include Women's and Men's Snowboarding events, Ice Dancing, and the USA-Canada Hockey game going on right now. We have red-white-and-blue Jell-O stars chilling in the fridge now, and during the commercial breaks, we've been learning about how tweens have been involved in these Olympic games:

Sweeping up during Figure Skating: According to the Wall Street Journal, rarely has Vancouver seen such competition for litter collection: Vancouver chose 30 local children from among 135 who applied to be "flower sweepers." They dart onto the ice between performances, gracefully plucking up the debris in under two minutes, and then placing it into bags to hand over to the athletes.  Skaters competing here have been pelted with hundreds of items—plush hearts, framed photographs of fans and even plastic toy potatoes. In the audition, the kids had to prove they had sufficient speed, as well as the ability to stop on a dime. Most of the selected kids are tween-age, and it's not all hard work: the kids have witnessed the best skating in the world from an unparalleled vantage point: center ice - only judges and coaches have better seats. As an added benefit, they receive uniform/costumes with the Vancouver Olympics logo, and the girls outfits are bedazzled with over 8000 sequins.

Tween reporter covers the Games: Our tweens have been avidly following the Time For Kids reporter Brennan LaBrie's coverage of the Olympics. At eleven years of age, Brennan is the youngest reporter to cover the games. He's been working in news for several years before becoming a TFK reporter - he ran a kid newspaper in his hometown in Washington State. His updates on Twitter have been a lot of fun to read - you can follow him at www.twitter.com/kidreporter

Check out the wunderkid's interview with Gold Medalist Apolo Ohno:



Go USA!

Photo credit: European Pressphoto Agency

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American Tweens Send 1000+ Text Messages Every Month

We just read a study from NielsenWire that found that American tweens send 1,146 text messages every month. That's four SMS every hour that they are not in school. That's a lot than we would have thought, and our tweens have mobile phones. Hmm . . . better switch to that unlimited text plan.

Kajeet, a mobile phone service developed for kids (full disclosure: Verizon Wireless is our mobile phone service provider), recently published guidelines for responsible cell phone use for tweens. Among the strategies listed, we loved their tip about having the phones charge overnight in a location OTHER than their rooms to discourage unsupervised, late night texting).

Rules in our family regarding mobile phone use include the following:

• Phones are forbidden at the dining table (mind you, this rule is toughest for the parents to follow at times)
• Phones must be turned off during the school day
• The girls may not answer a call from a number they don't recognize; we screen
• Tweens are fully aware that mom reviews their texts on their phone at random

Do your tweens have mobile phones? Do they practice safe text-messaging? Certainly texting helps tweens stay in touch with their friends and family, but with cyber-bullying on the rise, are they aware of how to handle themselves using this medium?

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It's Time for the Annual Peeps Diorama Contest at the Washington Post!

Continuing our Easter theme from earlier this week, the Annual Peeps Diorama contest sponsored by the Washington Post is now open! Entries are due by March 1 (so you only have this weekend to do this project!), so get crafting.  On the Washington Post contest page you can see a gallery of past submission to get inspired, but we think a tween-theme should be easy: what about a Jonas Brothers concert scene (complete with adoring fans)? Or Justin Bieber serenading a lucky girl? What about the First Family at the White House (patriotic Peeps anyone?)?

Let your imagination go wild and send us pics of your entries! We'll post them all here, and we'll run our very first contest: readers can vote for their favorite Peeps entry. The winner shall receive a Peeps chocolate fountain party from Treats by Twixt! We'll follow the same rules as the Washington Post, but with one change: tweens only! All entries must be submitted by kids between the ages of 7 through 12. Parental help is okay, but this has to be YOUR work. Have fun!

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Tween Jams On Stage with John Mayer

Austin Christy carried a poster into the John Mayer concert in Philadelphia this week that said, "Can I play 'Belief' with you?"

The mega star responded by inviting the sixth grader on stage and handing him a guitar.

Check out the video below:



Austin said after the show, "I didn't believe it was happening." He left the concert with John Mayer's guitar personally inscribed: "To Austin, You rock. Keep playing. See you at your show."

How cool is that?!?!

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Love This! LeSportSac Newest Line is Called Snackville

We are loving this ADORABLE line of totes from LeSportSac called Snackville. It's designed by Artist in Residence Katharina Leuzinger and is sort of a cross between tokidoki (an earlier LeSportSac collaboration) and Hello Kitty - how cute is that?!? This collection is only around for a limited time, and once they're gone, they're gone - anyone need a new duffle bag for camp?

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Girl Scout Cookies and Business Savvy for Tweens

Girl Scout Cookie season is upon us as evidenced by cookie booths staffed with smiling faces in front of grocery stores, book stores, and neighborhood coffee shops throughout the country. (Full disclosure, MsTwixt leads three Girl Scout troops.) But Girl Scout Cookies are much more than tasty treats - the process of selling them teaches business skills to thousands of tweens - how to set goals, manage money, be courageous (when was the last time you went door to door to talk to a stranger about supporting an organization?), plan an event, and more.

Here's a great, quick (a minute and a half long) video about what a Girl Scout Cookie can do:



So while cookies are, to quote Cookie Monster, "a sometimes food", be sure to make room in your heart and wallet to support a girl the next time you see that cookie booth.

What's your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavor? Mine are the Samoas.

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World Premiere of Alice in Wonderland Today - You Can See It on Facebook!

Disney's newest film, Alice in Wonderland, has its World Premiere in London today. Even if you are stuck this side of the pond, you can still see the event and red carpet festivities via the movie's Facebook page at 12:30pm EST. (And while you're there, please become a fan of the Twixt Facebook page)

The movie opens State-side March 5th. We're not sure yet if it's appropriate for tweens - our friends at Common Sense Media say it'll be "more mature magic". It's rated PG, and the story line has been adapted from the original book to portray Alice as a strong, independent young woman. All good stuff, but we hear that some scenes may be a bit too intense for the younger set. But we are excited to see that one of our favorite actors, Anne Hathaway is in it!

Let us know what you think if you see it - post your comments below!

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Mrs Obama on Role-Modeling Fitness for Tweens

We're huge fans of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign to battle childhood obesity and marvel at her multi-faceted campaign (the White House Kitchen Garden and White House mentoring program to name just two). But what really made us smile this morning was reading this quote in the Washington Post:

"Because of my mother, I feel more comfortable saying, 'You're going to stay with Dad and I'm going to the gym.' " One woman's regret becomes a first lady's call for action.

Wow.

The entire article is about the emotions behind her Let's Move initiative, and she talks about her own childhood at length. The First Lady candidly shares that her own parents "sacrificed everything for their children" - to the point of her mother (Marian Robinson) not taking care of her own needs by investing in herself, going to the hairdresser, working out, etc. "But she will even tell me today that she wouldn't want me to do that for my girls," the first lady says. "Fortunately, I had a mother who taught me through her own failings and could admit, 'This is what I would have done differently.' And I think because of that honesty, her openness, I'm more -- I feel more confident about showing my girls now that you invest in yourself."

This initiative had all the right things going for it in the first place - but we parents of tween girls have yet another proof point to get our own bodies in gear and model good habits, self-preservation, life balance and healthy living for our own daughters.

All the right stuff. Now excuse me, I'm finally going on that walk.

(Photo by Marvin Joseph of the Washington Post)

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Kids Helping Kids: Project Haiti

The rebuilding and devastation in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti continues, and a youth volunteer organization, Kidz Helping Kids, is throwing a benefit called Project Haiti to help orphans in that country.

The event will be on February 28th in Hollywood, CA (sounds like an under-21 club event, kind of like the scene in Starstruck) and features a concert with Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock), David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place), Nathan Kress (iCarly), and Lindsay Taylor (School Gyrls). 100% of the proceeds are going to God's Littlest Angels Orphanage in Haiti, and the organization is seeking donations for the silent auction and raffle. Twixt has made a donation since we cannot be in L.A. for event, and we're so proud to support a tween-sponsored and organized event.

We are in awe of the amazing tween volunteer efforts that have sprung up in the wake of this tragedy: JONAS and Starstruck star Chelsea Staub organized Harmonies For Haiti, Nick created a website in record time that helps kids identify age-appropriate fundraising ideas, organizations to support, and ways to help the people of Haiti, and Selena Gomez is using her bully pulpit as UNICEF's Ambassador to raise awareness and raise funds. Go tweens!

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Really Cool Site to Help Tweens Organize a Volunteer Project

We stumbled upon this very cool site that helps kids to plan and run a book drive for kids in need. What makes this organization different is that everything is turn-key - the how-to's are spelled out on the site, the non-profit has already forged a relationship with Barnes and Noble to host such events, and everything is broken down into manageable tasks.

The organization is called Milk and Bookies (how cute is that name?!), and they've been at this since 2004. Their mission is to develop peer-based philanthropy projects to get kids involved in community service. We think they are the bomb!

Here's how it works: kids organize a milk and cookies event at a local bookstore and invite everyone to come. Guests are provided the opportunity to select, purchase and inscribe books that are then donated to their peers who do not have access to books of their own.
The fun-filled events feature music, story time and, of course, milk and cookies.


They have a program that is specially for older kids called the M+B Class Project that would be perfect for tweens. And with Disney's special incentive of a free day of park admission in exchange for a day of service, there's all the more reason to put on an event.

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Theme of the Day: Easter - Cadbury Egg Video - HYSTERICAL

The theme of today's posts seems to be Easter (given the White House Easter Egg Roll and Glee Cast announcement earlier today), so here's another tidbit for you to enjoy: a homespun video with a Rube Goldberg contraption using a Cadbury's chocolate egg. SO worth the 2.5 minutes of your time to watch - your tween will flip!

Things to Do with a Cadbury Cream Egg - watch more funny videos

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Cast of GLEE Will Be at the White House Easter Egg Roll!

Calling all Glee fans: the cast of Glee has just been confirmed as guests and performers at the Annual White House Easter Egg Roll! The event is one of the most coveted tickets in town. Tickets are available via lottery at www.recreation.gov, and registration opens at 12:01am on February 25th. Tickets are free. Lucky First Tweens Malia and Sasha Obama will get a private meet-and-greet with the stars.

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Pass the Syrup - It's Pancake Day!

Love this tee from our friends at Loyal Army. Must make breakfast for dinner tonight to celebrate!

What's your favorite - traditional with syrup? with fruit and whipped cream? or our tweens' fave - chocolate chip!



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Tweens and Fashion Week, Part Three - Self Esteem, Tweens and Fashion Week

We wrote earlier about tween fashion blogger Tavi and about the head of the Wilhelmina Kids & Tweens modeling agency hosting a live radio broadcast from Fashion Week, but another very important event was supposed to kick-off New York Fashion Week: the Girl Scouts/Dove Self Esteem Fund Panel on Tweens, the Media and the Fashion Industry. This panel was unfortunately post-poned due to the blizzard, and there's no word as yet on when it will be re-scheduled.

The panel was supposed to discuss the results of a recent study of tween girls and their attitudes towards the fashion industry. Here's a summary:

The Girl Scouts along with the Dove Self Esteem program just released study results about tween girls' attitudes towards the fashion industry. Really, really good food for thought:
"The increased scrutiny of the fashion industry and its use of ultrathin models isn't without validation, as nearly 9 in 10 American teenage girls say that the fashion industry is at least partially responsible for "girls' obsession with being skinny," according to a national survey released today by the Girl Scouts of the USA.

The nationwide survey, which included more than 1,000 girls ages 13 to 17, finds many girls consider the body image sold by the fashion industry unrealistic, creating an unattainable model of beauty. Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed say the fashion industry (89 percent) and/or the media (88 percent) place a lot of pressure on them to be thin. However, despite the criticism of this industry, 3 out of 4 girls say that fashion is "really important" to them.

A substantial majority of those surveyed say they would prefer that the fashion industry project more "real" images. Eighty-one percent of teen girls say they would prefer to see natural photos of models rather than digitally altered and enhanced images. Seventy-five percent say they would be more likely to buy clothes they see on real-size models than on women who are super skinny.

We reported more about the study results of the study here.

Self esteem and body image issues loom large at this age, but it's also the age at which many girls begin to form a real interest in and passion for fashion. We believe these results are a clarion call to the industry to use a wider variety of models if for no reason other than the fact that their own impressionable daughters are watching and learning. While we have our First Lady launching a campaign to fight the causes of childhood obesity, we must also be watchful of the very real dangers of too much focus on body image (eating disorders, self esteem issues and more) and strike the right balance for our daughters. We look forward to attending the panel when it is re-scheduled.


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It's National Chocolate Mint Day!

One of our favorite flavors of all-time is mint chocolate chip ice cream, and with today being National Chocolate Mint Day, we don't need to be told twice to go and get some. Given the frigid weather in Washington, we may opt for the yummy Peppermint Patty cupcake at one of our fave places, Hello Cupcake! in Dupont Circle.

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Tweens and Fashion Week, Part Two - An Inside Look Live From New York

Earlier we blogged about tween fashion blogger Tavi sitting in the front row of several runway shows, and tween girls are also the focus of a live report from New York Fashion Week. Marlene Wallach, President and Owner of the Wilhelmina Teens and Kids modeling agency, will be hosting a JAM session via online radio on February 22nd at 6:30 pm EST. She will talk with experienced models and fashion insiders about fashion trends, events, walking the runway and more. Ms. Wallach's show is geared specifically to tweens and will cover Fall 2010 Fashion Trends, "looks we love", "how to incorporate trends into your wardrobe, and walking the catwalk. Tweens and parents can listen in and ask questions about about modeling or fashion of her; the radio show is only 30 minutes, so tune in on time!

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Tweens and Fashion Week, Part One - Tween Fashion Blogger Tavi

Does your tween love fashion? Is she following New York Fashion Week? Well, one precocious tween has been. True fashionistas will know her name, and she's enjoyed massive press since her springing onto the scene with her very well-written blog, Style Rookie. Tavi Gevinson is all of 13 years old, and she has been invited to her SECOND New York Fashion Week already and has been featured in a myriad of fashion magazines. Designers love her, including Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Yohji Yamamoto, and many more, and place her in the front row. She is invited to the after parties, but famously makes a polite appearance at these only to quickly disappear explaining that she is only 13 and can't really be in bars.

Her parents have clearly done a beautiful job raising this young lady who has proved herself polite, bright, and fearless. There are many who have dismissed her, claiming that her blog must be written by others or saying that a 13-year old cannot possibly have a valid point of view on fashion, but Ms. Gevinson has taken the high road and not stooped to their level or backed down from writing her blog. This is not a new endeavor - she's been writing her blog for two years. I encourage you to read her blog for yourself - we were impressed by both the writing and the analogies she draws between the design influences, the clothes, and everyday life.

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Happy Birthday to Meaghan Martin!

Camp Rock star Meaghan Martin is 18 today. She just finished filming Camp Rock 2 in Canada and spoke about the movie during Chelsea Staub's Harmonies for Haiti fundraising event last week. Happy Birthday to Ms. Martin!

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D.C. Tweens Attend Ally Carter Book Event

Tween author Ally Carter was at the Bethesda Public Library last night for a book talk and signing for her new title, Heist Society. Ms Twixt and tweens were there and had a blast chatting with the author.

Ms. Carter spoke about her latest novel, Heist Society, and the fourth in the Gallagher Girls series, Only the Good Spy Young, due out June 15, 2010. The crowd was nearly all tween girls and their moms, and the girls had some great questions about the characters, the story lines, how to become an author, how to handle deadlines, and more.

She spoke about her life as a full-time writer and that while she loves it, there are days when she can watch five episodes of Gilmore Girls on t.v. instead of writing. She was adamant that all it takes is a good manuscript to get published, saying that "I'm living, breathing proof that no connections are needed to make it in this business."

The girls asked what other books she had in development, and if the other characters, especially Bex and Macey, will get their own books. Ms. Carter said that she expects to write six books in the Gallagher Girl series, but might explore doing special vacation books with some of the characters (e.g. summer vacation in London with Bex).

Heist Society is a brand new series from the author and totally unrelated to the Gallagher Girl series. The main character is older, but the book is still appropriate for tweens. She's already begun work on the second title in the Heist Society series, but no word as yet on when to expect that book.

Ms. Carter was gracious and enthusiastic, encouraging questions and taking the time to chat with each girl. We are even bigger fans now.

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The Year of the Tiger with Tweens

"Gung Hay Fat Choi!" According to the Chinese Zodiac, this year which begins February 14, 2010 and is the Year of the Tiger. Chinese legend pegs the Year of the Tiger as a time of strength, determination, and persistence. It is to be a year of stability and growth (thank heavens!)

Ring in the Year of the Tiger with your tween with a few fun activities.

Ms. Twixt and family will be making paper fortune cookies, and of course, eating Chinese food. Because we tend to celebrate every little thing, our tweens will get a little red Chinese takeout box (from the Paper Source, $4 for 5 boxes) stuffed with a fun fortune-telling fish, a Magic-8 ball lipgloss, and real fortune cookies from our favorite local Chinese restaurant (City Lights in Dupont Circle).

Tiger cupcakes would be a cute dessert!

Some other super cute things we saw were these colorful cotton Chinese slippers (Item# FT03C-CNP from Pearl River Trading, $4.50/pair - yes, $4.50!), a Chinese takeout carton purse (this one is $14.95 from mables.com) or these adorable re-usable shopper totes from Dumpling Dynasty ($7.50 to $19.50 at Pearl River)

This year, the Chinese New Year Parade in Washington, DC (complete with Kung Fu demonstrations, traditional Chinese dragons, and cultural booths dotting the street) will be in our Chinatown downtown (at Gallery Place Metro) on Sunday, February 21. A five-story high firecracker that will be ignited at 3:45 p.m., and according to the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce’s website, more than 4,000 red packets with key chain or lucky money will be given away during the parade.

Do you have recommendations for where to go for dim sum in D.C.'s Chinatown? Please comment!

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ANOTHER Snow Day?!?! Best Things To Do With Tweens on a Snow Day

We have a 2 day reprieve until the next storm hits Washington on Monday, so stock up on groceries, rock salt, and movies now, and check out our list of the Best Things To Do With D.C. Tweens on a Snow Day:

Top Sledding Hills in D.C.:

• BREAKING NEWS: Capitol Hill is opening for sledding this weekend! Thanks to Senator Chris Dodd, the Architect of the Capitol has opened these grounds for sledding for this long Presidents' Day weekend - be sure to go and take pics! This is a very rare opportunity as the Hill has been closed since 9/11.
• In Georgetown, the hill at the very back of Montrose Park (R Street at 31st)
• In Cleveland Park, Rock Creek Park, down by Tilden and Park Streets
• In Foxhall, Battery Kemble Park
• Where do you go sledding in your neighborhood? 

• Art in the Snow: Snow people are classic, and snow forts are essential, but have you tried snow art? Flatten a section of snow and spatter/spray/fling food coloring on to it

Warming Up:

• Best hot chocolate in D.C.: bar none, the hot chocolate at Kafe Leopolds is pure liquid heaven

Preventing Cabin Fever Amongst Tweens:

• Try a spa day at home; it's easy to pull together with what you've already got in the house: 

• Set up a spa in her bathroom by bringing in a comfy chair and a step stool and drape towels over them, light scented candles (put a tea light in a glass with a little water in it), and playing her favorite tunes on the radio or iPod speaker
• Wear comfy robes and flip flops and wrap her up in a towel turban
• Fill a small bowl with warm soapy water and some marbles for her to soak her fingers in before the manicure; fill the tub part way with scented bubble bath and scatter any rose petals leftover from Valentines' Day on top for her to soak her feet in
• Since it's a long weekend, have fun painting each nail a different color; we love Zoya nail polishes as they are formaldehyde and toluene-free

• Cook! We recently posted recipes for confetti Jell-O and homemade marshmallows, and we are HUGE fans of Chef Spike Mendelsohn's Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake (from Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill)

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All the Scholar Ladies - Put An A on It!

We just cannot say enough about this adorable video of kids from the Hope Christian Schools in Milwaukee, WI. View it yourself; it's not so much a spoof as much as a tribute to Ms Sasha Fierce's "All the Single Ladies". Whether or not you believe in school vouchers or private schools or whatever, these kids (and their teachers!) have moxie! Link here as well: YouTube Hope Schools



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Celebrating the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics!

Well, February has been a busy month already! We have a lot to celebrate, and it's not even Valentines' Day as yet.

The Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics are today, and our tweens are getting into the Team U.S.A. spirit by making confetti Jell-O stars. This treat is SO EASY and a great recipe to make on a snow day (which here in Washington is going on now for our 5th straight day - can we say "cabin fever"?).

Basically, all one needs is:

• One box of red Jell-O
• One box of blue Jell-O
• One can of sweetened condensed milk, and 
• Two packets of unflavored gelatin (Knox is the brand I've seen most; we also use this for making homemade marshmallows)
• Two 8' square pans (disposable foil brownie or loaf pans work great for this)
• One 9"x13" pan

Here's how:

• Dissolve each of the boxes of Jell-O in one cup of boiling water and pour them into the 8" square pans; chill for about 3 hours
• After the red and blue Jell-O's have set, cut them up into small pieces (any shape or size, really) and scatter them in the 9"x13" pan. Chill the entire pan.
• In a separate mixing bowl, soften the unflavored gelatin packets with a half cup of cold water. Then pour in one and a half cups of boiling water and stir until dissolved. Then mix in the can of condensed milk. When this mixture has cooled, pour it over the red and blue Jell-O cubes in the large pan.
• Chill the entire pan until set (about 3 hours), and cut into squares or into shapes using cookie cutters.

This fun idea for confetti Jell-O comes from the Food Librarian. She has many more ideas on how to work with Jell-O - I definitely recommend her blog.

Go Team U.S.A.!

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Happy Birthday to Judy Blume!

Amazing author Judy Blume has a birthday today. I think that every tween and tween parent has read at LEAST one of her books (who can forget "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing", or "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret"). She has a wonderful website full of inspiration for the aspiring young writer - check it out here. Happy Birthday to Ms. Blume!

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Happy Birthday to Jennifer Stone!

Most famous for playing Harper Finkle on Wizards of Waverly Place, Jennifer Stone is 17 today. We hear that she also plays Harriet Welsch in the new Harriet the Spy movie due out later this year.  She posted via her Twitter account that she was "reading some Hamlet before she went to bed and woke up 17"
Happy Birthday to Ms. Stone!

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Percy Jackson Movie Party!

Our tweens are SO EXCITED for the Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief movie (opening tonight at midnight!) - are yours?

Here's our guide to the Ultimate Percy Jackson Party:

Blue food!

The tween demi-Gods in attendance can consult the Oracle to see which Greek God will claim her with a sorting quiz.

Make a laurel wreath to wear once she's completed her quest (you'll need a plain plastic headband, olive/dull green foam sheets, scissors, a hot glue gun, and a wreath cookie cutter (to use as pattern to cut out leaves). The girls can also have fun draping themselves in white sheets to create toga looks.

A little bag of chocolate gold coins (drachmas) would make a sweet party favor.





We also found another Percy Jackson party on Make It Do's blog check out the great ideas she had for her son's party.



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Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato Concert Tonight for Disney's Celebration of Volunteerism Event

Tween stars Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato will perform at a private concert for winners of Radio Disney's Celebrate the Spirit of Volunteering contest. The concert is tonight at Epcot Center, and the stars are slated to perform a duet of their new song, "Make a Wave". Here's a photo that Mr. Jonas shared from his Twitter account.

And Ms. Lovato is tweeting too! Here's her photo from the Italian section of Epcot:

And another photo of the pair and Mickey Mouse (posted by Joe Jonas via Twitter):

 

This is also the weekend of the big Disney Social Media Moms conference. Sadly we were not on the invite list this year (hint, hint, WDW), but attendees of this conference will also get to see this concert.

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Happy Birthday Taylor Lautner!

The Twilight star turns 18 today - Happy Birthday to Mr. Lautner!

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New Show For Tweens, Big Time Rush, Hosting a Tweet-Up Friday, Feb. 12

Nickelodeon's newest show for tweens, Big Time Rush, is hosting a tweet-up tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 12, at 8pm EST. A tweet-up is basically a dedicated chat time, and all four stars of the show will be on Twitter chatting with fans and answering questions. The show debuted last month and is a lot of fun - think "JONAS" but on Nick - it follows four best friends from Minnesota as they try to break into the music business in L.A. Big Time Rush airs Fridays on Nick at 830pm EST.

You can participate by tuning into to their Twitter account at www.twitter.com/bigtimerush at 8pm EST tomorrow. You can also follow all of the Big Time Rush stars on our Twitter account at @MsTwixt.

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Totally Cool New Lip Gloss - Fortune Gloss!

We LOVED this new lip gloss idea from Hard Candy.  A magic 8 ball is in the lid and answers all of her girls-night-out questions (Does this lip gloss match my outfit? Will I have a math quiz on Monday?)

Available at Wal-Mart for $6

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Happy Birthday to Emma Roberts!

The niece of Julia Roberts played one of our favorite tween protagonists, Nancy Drew. While no longer a tween (the star will be 19 today), we wish Ms. Roberts a very happy birthday!

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New Book Series for Tween Girls: Galaxy Girls

Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls debut today at FAO Schwarz in New York today. It's the newest book series for tween girls and features girls in a "celesitial sorority" based on the planets of our solar system. Each girl has features and personalities that mirror an astronomical, mythological or astrological aspect of her respective planet. The first book is “Milky Way & the Galaxy Girls: What Planet Are You From?”, which explores the personalities and interests of each of the Milky Way characters.

The author is Lauren Faust, and her vision is to "create an empowering, unique alternative" to the other tween brands in the market today. She created a a line that encourages creative play and individuality and de-emphasizes physical conformity. We have not yet read the book, but we're interested in this new concept. Let us know if you've read it!

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Tips For Visting Science Museums With Tweens

While cruising around the SciGirls site on PBS, we stumbled upon their list of tips for visting science museums and exhibits with tweens. This list is worth sharing - please pass it along!

Tips for Visiting Science Centers with Tweens:

• Every exhibit may not be age appropriate for tween audiences. Prevent boredom by planning your visit ahead of time. Most museum websites offer exhibit descriptions. Have kids decide what looks interesting online before arriving at the science center. Then guide them to their choices.
• Schedule your visit when the science museum is least busy, which is often weekdays after school tour hours. (If you're not sure when a museum is the busiest, call them first.)
• Bring friends. Sharing the experience is more fun for kids, and grownups learn a lot about their kids by watching the interactions!
• As soon as you arrive, check your coats. It's hard to have fun if you're lugging around a jacket or sweltering! Then decide on a meeting point with benches and in good view of a clock. Make everyone say out loud the name of the area (floor or level) and meeting time.
• Pay attention to your children's learning styles. Let them approach museum exhibits on their own terms. Some kids may want to focus on a particular science topic or area of the museum. Others may take a more open approach, trying out all the museum has to offer. Either way, encourage you child to enjoy the science.
• If your tweens are visiting a science center with younger kids, have the older kids act as mentors or explainers. Older kids can help their younger siblings and friends by reading exhibit text, helping with hands-on experiments, and modeling that science is fun!
• On the way home, ask the kids what exhibits they'd recommend to other kids, or what they'd like to come back to see, and why.
• Extend your visit when you are back home by utilizing the science center's website. Many sites have games and activities developed especially for kids.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/

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First Lady Partners with Disney Channel to Stop Childhood Obesity

The major news story of today (other than the snowstorm hitting D.C.) is First Lady Michelle Obama's announcement of her initiative to end childhood obesity. She's come under fire in recent days for speaking about diet and exercise concerns raised by the family's pediatrician with many saying she divulged too much about First Tweens Malia and Sasha Obama's health and body image issues. Regardless of your views on how Mrs. Obama handled her personal account with the subject, the topic of childhood obesity concerns every parent of a tween.

Mrs. Obama has found a powerful media partner to promote her issue: Disney announced today that they will develop a program in collaboration with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” campaign, which is about creating a a healthier generation.

Disney will create a series of public service announcements (PSAs) featuring the First Lady and leading Disney Channel stars (including, we assume, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and Selena Gomez among others) to inspire healthier eating habits, physical activity and more. The messages will be featured across Disney’s kid and family targeted media platforms, including Disney Channel, Disney XD, Radio Disney and Disney.com, and will begin airing later this year.

From Disney Channel:

“Having been at the forefront of making healthier lifestyle choices appealing to kids and families, Disney is delighted to work with the First Lady to promote exercise, nutrition and healthy living,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company.

Disney’s participation in “Let’s Move” complements its long-standing commitment to kids’ health and nutrition. In 2006 Disney pioneered groundbreaking nutritional guidelines aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Disney food policies limit the use of the company name and its characters to only those kid-focused products that meet specific guidelines, including limits on calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar.

Disney made nutritionally-beneficial changes in the meals served to children at all Disney-operated restaurants in the Disney Parks and Resorts. Today more than 85% of Disney’s licensed food portfolio consists of healthier options, including produce and low-fat dairy, with more than one billion servings of fruits and vegetables sold in 2009 alone. Disney Channels Worldwide is committed to programming that reflects and recognizes that everyone shares a responsibility to encourage kids and families to adopt healthy lifestyles. Guidelines are employed to model behavior that demonstrates good nutrition and physical activity.

At least one episode of each series currently in production — including “Hannah Montana,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Sonny With A Chance,” “Zeke and Luther,” “Phineas and Ferb” and “The Suite Life on Deck” — centers on a healthy lifestyle theme. In addition, over 100 program "interstitials" have been dedicated to encouraging healthier lifestyles. They include ‘Pass the Plate,’ a global effort to both inform and empower viewers, showing them how kids just like them around the world enjoy and benefit from healthy foods, and “Get’cha Head in the Game,” an interstitial series that inspires kids to follow their dreams through physical activity.

Photo from the First Lady's Sesame Street appearance.

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It's Pizza Pie Day!

And how cute is this little tee from one of our favorite designers, Loyal Army!



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A Tween Super Bowl Sunday

Ms Twixt and tweens are celebrating this Super Bowl Sunday by making football cake truffles (idea and recipe courtesy of Bakerella) and rooting on the Saints. Geaux Saints!

This AMAZING image was created by glitternsparkle.com

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Tween Book Series to Continue

The Canterwood Crest series by Jessica Burkhart has just been approved for four new titles, so Ms. Burkhart will continue to pen books 13 through 16 in the series. Have you checked them out yet? The series chronicles the lives of five tween girls at the equestrian Canterwood Crest School. Your horse-crazed tween will especially love these books.

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