The Girlfriend Generation

Expanding the social circle

2009-03-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to do that? Expand your social circle. I have fabulous girlfriends, but, I realized recently that their is an entirely different world out there with different options for interaction. But how, where and when?

I was invited to participate in a women's group tonight at church. One of the women invited me at the service today, and I decided why not try it.

There was about 20 women, discussing books, some bible passages they liked and celebrations and concerns. There was a camaraderie. A support, anecdotes giggles and heartwarming moments. I think everyone was "nourished" by this.

All in all, a nice evening with good people and intellectual stimulation. That's a good thing.

Not the girlfriends I am used to, but, girlfriends none the less.

A Young Girlfriend Story

2009-03-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

(Published exactly as written. No edits have been made.)

It goes back about 18 years ago when we all met each other.I knew Jenn first she was the girl that was always with me never a day without her we where some crazy little girls in Dance class together. We would always fight but 5 mins later wanted to play. Then I moved and saw less of Jenn but still she was in my heart. Then being the new girl in school There was Katie befriending me and helping me out. I got Jenn and Katie both to meet and we have all been friends since. We where the crazy bunch all so different but the same. We can sit there and have just the same crazy time as if we go out. At one time in our friendship I did feel it drift away only to make us need each other more in the up coming years. Jenn was the first to get Married and start a family and Katie was working just as hard to put her self threw nursing school so I felt a little left out but we where still all girlfriends. I went and did my own thing and did some stuff I should have never done but these two girls still loved me just has much. Then I found that man the one man I could not be with out He was always there I just never looked at him in that way. They both knew he was the one for me the one that made me happy. There was a problem he was getting ready to deployed to war with the USMC.They day he left I sat on my sofa thinking if I was ready for this and if I could do it crying my eyes out then out of no where a knock at the door I opened it and there was Jenn with pizza and wine coolers with out me having to ask she huged me and was there for me because she knew about having a husband and what a bond that was. Five years later with a husband and a son and one more baby on the way I got that phone call to come home it was my Mothers time to go. She found out she had Breast Cancer and she was very sick. Katie now a RN was there for me helping me take care of my mom and my family for she had gone threw this years ago with her Mom.She knew what to say to me and make me feel better. When mom finally passed I was so scared to say good bye to her I just could not do it. Then Jenn gave me her hand and walked up there with me to say bye to mom. This is just a small part of what these girls have been threw with me and what I have been threw with them. The point is bad,good,crazy,sad what ever kind of times they have always been there for me and I know that they will always be there for me no matter what. There is a saying we go bye A friend will help get you out of jail a true Friend would be sitting next to you in jail.I think my friendship with them is a gift and I never want to give that up

check me out on twitter.com under GirlfriendGener
visit my site for fabulous accessories at www.girlfriendgeneration.com
You can also get our book there. All proceeds from the book go to the American Cancer Society

Girlfriend Snippits

2009-03-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

1. "A woman with good shoes is never ugly" - Coco Chanel (go shoe shopping w/ a girlfriend!)

2. Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

3. "It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid w/ them" Ralph Wald

4. "Fate chooses your relations, you choose your friends." Jacques Delilleo Emerson (I love those kinds of friends!)

5. "We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson

More to come.

Refresh you Style

2009-03-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

A new update for "O" magazine. Her people always a the best updates, that are simple and easy to do. This is just the beginning of the season, so expect more but this is a great start.

I love the idea of a white shirt. My favorite tops are white, because they always look fresh, when taken care of, and make almost anything on the bottom look great. And it's EASY. Not just your every day white shirt though. Check this out.
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/200903_omag_spring_fashion/1

The Effortless Dress. I have a few of these. They are made from easy care comfortable materials. They are my go to, when I'm not sure what to put on. Here are some ideas. http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/200903_omag_spring_fashion/2

The Sleeveless Jacket. This is the new take on the sleeveless or cap sleeve sweaters of fall and winter. A little more tailored, but not formal. Great to pair with a t-shirt. http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/200903_omag_spring_fashion/3

Big Bold Earrings. Now you're talkin' my language. I have a ton of them and I wear them when ever possible. The right earring makes the rest of your jewelry choices easy. Show your stuff and show your style! http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/200903_omag_spring_fashion/4

The Gentler Leather Jacket. For Spring/Summer?? You bet. Leave the dark harsh biker jacket for the bike. Try a white, cream or pastel colored leather jacket with a soft form.
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/200903_omag_spring_fashion/6

The Well Heeled Boat Shoe. Fun fun fun; what else can I say. A great look, with a free flowing spring/summer skirt or dress and a fun bag. I can't wait for spring. Skirts and dresses are still in. This a great addition to the look. http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/200903_omag_spring_fashion/7

Want a fun bag or wallet idea to go with all these new looks? Try www.girlfriendgeneration.com

Who knew..

2009-02-24T20:29:00.000-08:00

I have always liked the fact that I was so independent. It's a source of pride for me. Working for myself, being a stay at home mom; this all gave me the ability to make my own schedule, so that I could always be available for my family and friends.

In the early years with my husband, when he was just making his way and working a ton of hours, I could throw myself into my business and the business community around me, without feeling like he was being neglected.

When we got pregnant, I closed the store. First, 75 hours a week at work was no way to do a pregnancy. Secondly, everyone, and I do mean everyone, knew that I would not stop climbing on the ladders to get to top shelves, or stop moving furniture to redo displays in the store. For safety reasons, I needed to slow down. One week before the store closed for good, I had a mis-carriage. No one could tell me why.

I hadn't even known I wanted children up until I got pregnant. Now I knew I did. It took three more tries, two more mis-carriages, but I finally had my boy. He was ten (10) weeks early and weighted a little over 3 lbs, but he was here. You know how I knew he was mine? He was a fighter. He was healthy and just had to learn how to eat. Do you know how rare that is of a baby that small. He did not like the feeding tube and pulled it out several times. Yes....he was mine.

The day before we went home from the hospital, just 28 days later and weighing a little over 4 lbs, they ran a whole battery of test. The thing they do before any NICU baby goes home. A brain scan indicated a shadow. My baby had Cerebral Palsy. How was that possible. He looked completely normal. I went home having no idea what that meant. I pretended not to hear it......until we went to the doctors office 2 weeks later.

I have the best pediatrician. He works on my level. Just tell me. When I said the words Cerebral Palsy, I guess I looked terrified. He said I did. He proceeded to tell me how many versions of CP there are. Jeffrey had what was called spastic diaplagia. It would effect the muscles in his arms and legs. They would be very tight. We contacted Birth to 3 and started physical therapy and occupational therapy. Jeffrey would be fine. But, I decided I would be a stay at home mom.

I took care of my girlfriends daughter who was 2mths older than Jeffrey and they just grew up together. It was the best thing for him, and me. They spent just about every day together for 3 years. It was like having twins.

Our life was a little different than most. We had physical and occupational therapy once a week, every week until he was 3, through the Birth to 3 program. We saw a neurologist every 3 months during that time and an orthopedic about the same amount. In the mean time, he was happy, healthy and extremely smart. I know all moms say that, but, he was. He was speaking at 9 mths and by 18mths he was saying 10 word sentences. We joked and said the only reason I had to go to the doctor with him was to be a chauffeur. He had no trouble communicating with them.

Yes....he was mine. And this was just the beginning.

The Yukkie Handbag

2008-09-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

I recently received this as an email and thought it was so important, I decided to share it with everyone.

We carry anti-bacterial jell for our hands; wipes for our children; disposable place mats for public restaurant tables. So why is it that when it comes to our purse, unless it’s wet, we pay no attention to where it sits? We are constantly transferring “yuk” from one spot to another, and the worst yet is we bring it home.

The Yukkie Handbag
(author unknown)

Mom got so upset when guests came in the door and plopped their handbags down on the counter where she was cooking or setting up food. She always said that handbags are really dirty, because of where they have been. It's something just about every woman carries with them. While we may know what's inside our handbags, do you have any idea what's on the outside? Women carry handbags everywhere; from the office to public toilets to the floor of the car. Most women won't be caught without their handbags, but did you ever stop to think about where your handbag goes during the day.

'I drive a school bus, so my handbag has been on the floor of the bus a lot,' says one woman. 'On the floor of my car, and in toilets.' 'I put my handbag in grocery shopping carts and on the floor of the toilet,' says another woman 'and of course in my home which should be clean.'

We decided to find out if handbags harbor lots of bacteria. We learned how to test them at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake, UT and then we set out to test the average woman's handbag. Most women told us they didn't stop to think about what was on the bottom of their handbag. Most said at home they usually set their handbags on top of kitchen tables and counters where food is prepared. Most of the ladies we talked to told us they wouldn't be surprised if their handbags were at least a little bit dirty. It turns out handbags are so surprisingly dirty, even the microbiologist who tested them was shocked. Microbiologist Amy Karen of Nelson Labs says nearly all of the handbags tested were not only high in bacteria, but high in harmful kinds of bacteria. Pseudomonas can cause eye infections, staphylococcus aurous can cause serious skin infections, and salmonella and e-coli found on the handbags could make people very sick. In one sampling, four of five handbags tested positive for salmonella, and that's not the worst of it. 'There is fecal contamination on the handbags' says Amy. Leather or vinyl handbags tended to be cleaner than cloth handbags, and lifestyle seemed to play a role.

People with kids tended to have dirtier handbags than those without, with one exception. The handbag of one single woman who frequented nightclubs had one of the worst contaminations of all . 'Some type of feces, or possibly vomit' says Amy. So the moral of this story is that your handbag won't kill you, but it does have the potential to make you very sick if you keep it on places where you eat. Use hooks to hang your handbag at home and in toilets, and don't put it on your desk, a restaurant table, or on your kitchen countertop. Experts say you should think of your handbag the same way you would a pair of shoes. 'If you think about putting a pair of shoes onto your countertops, that's the same thing you're doing when you put your handbag on the countertops'. Your handbag has gone where individuals before you have sneezed, coughed, spat, urinated, emptied bowels. Do you really want to bring that home with you? The microbiologists at Nelson also said cleaning a handbag will help. Wash cloth handbags and use leather cleaner to clean the bottom of leather handbags. THIS IS WORTH SHARING!!! AND MEN PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR WIVES, GIRLFRIENDS AND DAUGHTERS!

Shared with you by Cindy Penkoff owner/author www.girlfriendgeneration.com

Inspiring 10 Year Old

2008-06-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

I’ve been wondering what I would do to truly celebrate my sons 10th birthday. I could sit down and list all the amazing things he has done in the past; tell everyone how smart he is or maybe brag about his ability to make friends with anyone while the entire time making them feel like they are the most important person in the room. Do I sound proud? I am. But that is not what this article is about.
Jeffrey has many passions. One of the most important is his commitment to the American Cancer Society. Last year he helped our team of walkers raise almost $8000. He stayed and walked all night with our team and instead of being tired and complaining about how much work it was, he was excited and proud and ready to do it again. If you are one of the few people that does NOT know Jeffrey then you must understand that he has CP and “walking” is one of the most exhausting things that he does every day. He has been asking for the past 5 mths how soon we can start raising money for the walk again. Talk about enthusiasm.
About 2 years ago, Jeffrey discovered Locks for Love. This is an organization that collects human hair from donors and makes beautiful wigs for patients that lose their hair due to treatment. He thought this was a great thing but wasn’t sure he could be patient enough to grow out his hair as it must be at least 10 inches long. He took a long time to think about it, discuss it and really search his soul. About 2 months ago he made his decision.
He sat down in the kitchen to get a haircut and said “just cut the bangs and around the ears mom”. This was unusual as this was about the time we started to give him a buzz cut for the warmer weather. “I decided to grow it out mom. I’m going to donate it.” How could I say no?
He understands that this involves time and patience. It won’t grow over night and it’s gonna be a long hot summer. He gets it. He also knows he has the ability to make someone’s life a little better with very little effort. All he has to do is grow his amazingly beautiful blonde hair. “I can do that mom. Not once but twice.”
Am I a proud mom? You bet I am, but look what I have to be proud of. Happy Birthday my boy. I am so proud of you.
Cindy Penkoff, mom of Jeffrey Penkoff

Quiet Too Long....lol

2008-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Feeling better, of course I have all my doctors appointments within the next 2 weeks. Isn't that just the way? Like your car. Acts up until you take it to the garage. Oh well. The problem is the visuals. I have all my "stuff" under such great control, my Rheumy doesn't quite believe I have the Psoriasis that goes along with the arthritis. But, I'm a little too vain to let it go and "prove it" to him. I think I have enough spots to show without letting the world in on it.

Anyway, onto business. Girlfriend Generation the book just went global!!! Yeah, the ISBN number was approved and Lulu unleashed it to the world. You can now access it on all your favorite sites like Amazon. That was a little exciting and wierd all at the same time seeing that. Local sales are still going well. I have it in a couple of little places for local expossure.

The website, http://www.girlfriendgeneration.com/ is being updated daily with new merchandise. I LOVE the new wallets. No need for a purse if you are just running out. They are perfect and so much fun. And, I have just launched, testing really, the home party market. I have put together a fairly decent hostess and guest program. Have done one party and have a couple more booked. Things are looking good.

Add that to the PTA end of year dinner I am planning, the fundraiser for cubscouts, the campout for cubscouts and Jeffreys 10TH! birthday party, which is also a campout and life is busy. Jeffrey will be in 3 different camps this summer and hopefully a family vacation before he has knee surgery and then back to school. And we wonder why time flies. Mommy car service will be in full swing again this summer.

Such is life and yes it does go on, whether you contribute or not so have fun with it.

We all have something

2008-04-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 5 years ago. Although I have lived with it for about 9 years. My psoriasis (the skin condition) flared up visually for the first time when my son was about 2 mths old. It wasn't a small thing either. Out of the blue my hands were like "hamburger meat", as my husband so nicely put it, and my face wasn't much better. I refused to leave the house. It was not long after that that I started having joint pain, stiffness and sore muscles. There are days when I can barely function, but, I try. Since psoriatic arthritis doesn't only effect your joints, but your muscles and internal organs, it confused many of my doctors as they were unfamiliar with the disease. I have had just about every test under the sun, in an attempt to diagnos my condition.
About a year and a half ago I had a muscle spasm that encompassed my entire mid-section and lasted about 30 minutes. When it was done I had to spend 2 days in bed, because I was so sore, and had pain that lasted in the area of my kidneys, for 3 months. That pain comes back on and off and last several weeks each time. I have been to all kinds of doctors to make sure that there is nothing wrong with my kidneys and have been told no. It is your arthritis attacking the muscles in that area. I have mixed feelings about that. The devil know vs the devil unknown sort of thing.
Many days I get up in the morning and the heel of my foot hurts almost too much to walk. Many days I feel like I got beat up. I get ear infections due to this an my nails are effected in big ways. I have lost numerous toe nails and my finger nails are extremely dry. Since appearance is very important to me, I have my nails done every 2 weeks. I have found after years of searching, products that I can use on my skin so that most people don't even know I have psoriasis. I have also managed to avoid medication, for I know once I start, I will never come off of them.
NO ONE knows I am sick unless I tell them. I like it that way.
Today is one of those days. I was on my feet all day yesterday outside, and today I am having a difficult time funtioning. EVERYTHING hurts.
The good news is, I still go out dancing with the girls, in 4 inch heels and go about my life. I refuse to give in. I can't yet. I just can't.
This is my life. I need to make it work.

Press Release

2008-03-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

"Girlfriend Generation" A Positive Read

Bridgeport, CT (PressExposure) March 21, 2008 -- Cindy Penkoff, local mom, wife and business owner, has just released her first book; Girlfriend Generation. It's a little book that packs a huge punch. A local resident who grew up in Milford, Ct, she now resides in Trumbull with her husband and 9 year old son. She graduated from Joseph A Foran High School in 1981 and since has alternated between working for others and working for herself. In addition to authoring Girlfriend Generation, she is the owner/buyer/designer of the retail website of the same name; www.girlfriendgeneration.com Since she believes there is a reason for everything, we asked why now? Cindy indicated that this past year another friend had to endure the horrors of breast cancer. Although this is not the first time she and her family and friends had been exposed to cancer, it just seemed like the last straw. For years they had supported the American Cancer Society. Talking the talk and making donations when prompted. This time she said "let's really do something". They all agreed it was the right thing to do not just because it was their friend, but, because it made them feel useful instead of helpless. It was an expression of love and support that went to the next level. They ran fundraisers, made t-shirts, and became "The Girlfriends for Life" team. This experience culminated in and all day/night walk for the American Cancer Society and raised nearly $8000 in about 2 months. It was an amazing experience, and had stirred a tremendous amount of emotions and thoughts. Writing was her outlet. When asked to describe the book and what she hoped to accomplish she had no problem answering. "This book is an expression of love. Love for all the women in your life that you would consider a "Girlfriend". For me it is always important to personalized a gift as much as possible so I gave this book that ability. There are small appropriate areas where you can "fill in the blank" so to speak, which are meant to spark a memory, create a smile or make you laugh out loud. You also have a page in the front already designated to addressing it to that person. The recipient can also add her touch. I have included 50 pages of journal space in the back for notes and thoughts, whatever she wants. She can literally add to the book. It doesn't get more personal than that. The accomplishment part is easy. Making sure that the Girlfriends in your life know how important they are to you. I think if I had had this when I got married, each of my bridesmaids would have received one. I have already given one to each of my Girlfriends near and far." A self proclaimed control freak, Cindy also did the photo that appears on the front and back cover. You will not find an author bio, "This book isn't about me", and the dedication is in the back of the book instead of the front. "The dedication was very serious for me. I didn't want to start the book that way. I do think the dedication is beautiful and meaningful and just as important as everything else in the book. Trust me, when you read it, the placement will make sense." "Girlfriends are the charms of your life. We collect them for their meaning and beauty and create and heirloom uniquely our own." This book can currently be purchased by going to http://www.girlfriendgeneration.com or http://www.lulu.com item #2155279.

GFG Newsletter Update

2008-02-28T22:51:00.000-08:00

What Do Oprah's Guru's Say You Must Have In Your Wardrobe?
I have to tell you...I LOVE The "O". She's someone I can relate to on so many levels and she says it like it is. Just had to tell you that. That is not however what this is about. I was watching her show though when I got this from one of her stylist.
These are the things that should be in every womans closet. Yes they make them in all sizes to look good on every woman. Please don't be married to sizes ladies. Be married to looking and feeling good. Don't like to look at that number? Cut the damn tag out!!!!
A Trench Coat - get the best you can afford and go for a pop of color.
A Turtle neck - A couple actually; black and a white
A pair of black trousers - fit is everything. Invest in a great pair. They're worth it.
A Tunic Top - Turn any out fit up a notch. You will feel fabulous and comfy.
2 Pairs of Jeans - 1 White...YES WHITE that fit properly and a DARK denim. Skip the faded ones.
A black dress....notice I didn't say little black dress. Get the one that works for you.
Back to denim. This time a jacket, same as above. A white denim jacket is clean and crisp. Great look.
A black skirt. Again get the one that works for you. The one that works with your body type.
Invest in a nice cashmere sweater. They come in all kinds of weights now and are not that expensive anymore. Layer.
A stylish pair of flats. Skip the tennis shows for running errands and dress up your feet.
Lastly, a BIG bag. As I have said before, they are back in a big way. Check out our sellection. http://www.girlfriendgeneration.com/category/670939
What's Black and white and color all over?
Just about everything. Black and white will never go out of style and should always be a staple, but throw alot of color and you got it all covered. Red is smokin' this year.m Not just any red; THE RED. That perfect shade, either bright and beautiful or faded like your favorite jeans. Pink is here and not going anywhere any time soon. Tons of shades of pink. But really it's all good. Check out what we have going on in our handbag department and you will see what I mean. http://www.girlfriendgeneration.com/category/670939
Size Does Matter
TOTES....you have to have a tote. (What did you think I was talking about?) They hold lots of stuff, are easy to carry and a godsend if you have children. This is not your grandmothers tote. They are fashion fabulous. Every designer on the face of the earth is showing totes, like 3 to 1 on the rest of their bags. And trust me the other bags are not that small. Reality check time. We want to be able to function through our daily lives and look good doing it. http://www.girlfriendgeneration.com/category/670939
Sleek New Design
No it's not a car. But something that desperately needed a make-over. The wallet. The thing in our handbag that we all seem to hate. It never closes right, it's bulky and when you pull it out to pay for something you feel like your mother. Introducing the new metro-wallet. Slim, sleek, beautiful colors and textures and FUNCTIONAL. Holds pretty much everything you need for a normal day and if you want to just carry that and no handbag, it works. Perfect for drinks with the Girlfriends or movies with the kids. http://www.girlfriendgeneration.com/category/670943

That is it for the moment, but check back often and see what's going on with GFG.

1st Interview

2008-02-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

As promised, my first interview. I hope you like it.

http://ladyinthespotlight.8m.net/whats_new_29.html

Who do you miss.

2008-02-17T22:01:00.000-08:00

I recently was sent one of those e-mails that ask you a bunch of questions and you must send it on to the people that you know so that they get to know you better, and they are suppose to do the same.

I always seem to do them, as I hate to be the one to break the chain. This one had an interesting question, simple really, but it stuck with me. It simply said "Who do you miss?". It caught me off guard a little, as I tend to be very sentimental (most people wouldn't believe that), so I try not to dwell on those things. Of course now I'm stuck with it in my head and in my heart.

Not really a bad thing I guess, as with those thoughts come memories and smiles and giggles and yes some tears.So I put this to you. Who do you miss? Think about them, send love to them and if at all possible, let them know.You may discover exactly who is missing you. :)

Friday...Here already?

2008-02-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's Friday. I know most people like Friday, I'm not really one of them. This Friday is especially not great. See the kids are off of school ALL next week. Today is pretty much the end of what sanity I have left for 10 days.

No one ever told me that doing what I wanted to do, write a book, would be so stressful. It's suppose to reduce your stress isn't it? I just want everyone to like it. I put so much work into all of it, and it's important to me that women get it. So far those I have let read the finished copy do. It's not a big book, just one of those "gift" books but not mushy. It will also have a nice journal attached at the end.

Journalling.....why don't people do that for themselves any more. Blogging is cool, but, you don't neccessarily want to share everything with the world. I love the idea of a journal, where in 50 years my son can go back and read my thoughts, but mostly see my handwriting. There is something comforting about that. I know I always get a warm feeling when I see the handwriting of someone that I love.

For me my journal is like my digital camera. I have to have it with me all the time. When I have a thought/idea that needs to be remembered, I write it. If I don't forget it. My mind is a siv these days. My camera, absolutely neccessary. I get some of the coolest pictures when I least expect it. It is all about getting the moment from both of them. You should try it.

I'll be back. I have a great restarant for you all in NY.

We Are Here X

2008-02-14T07:19:00.001-08:00

Welcome, I am so glad you stopped in. I hope you will do so on a regular basis. Sharing is what we do. Being a good girlfriend depends on it. We are also respectful of ourselves and one another.

Girlfriends inthis day and age are so different from when I was younger. They mean so much more as well. I want to hear your thoughts on that, and anything else you think would be of interest to the girlfriends.

Need a little help with something, ask and see what we come up with. Visiting a new place and want to know where to eat, changing careers, relationships or locations and what some support. We might just be able to do that too.

My philosophy has always been, you never know until you try. So try us.

We're glad you came.

Cindy owner/buyer/writer for
www.girlfriendgeneration.com