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Thursday, July 30, 2020

13 Game-Changing Disability Activists to Follow on Social Media

Disability ActivistsI’ve really been enjoying talking about disabilities and disability representation this week, friends!! So today, I’d love to shout-out a few of my favorite disability activists on social media…

We’re so used to seeing downright vile behavior online and it’s what we’ve come to expect in 2020. I’ll admit that it can get so depressing sometimes, so we start to question humanity. I can’t tell you how many times a day I find myself asking “what is wrong with people??”

But this isn’t a depressing post. Because the more good I see, the more I want to shout it from the rooftops!! And the disability community on social media?? Ohhhhh, yes, they are a FORCE. And nowhere are they more of a force than on Instagram!! Y’all, they are truly taking over the social media platform in the best, most glorious way possible. They’re starting much-needed conversations around disability and sexuality, ableism, how you can be a disability ally and what it’s like living day-to-day as a disabled person.

In short, they’re getting real and honest…and you can bet I’m here for it!! So often, disabilities are left out of the conversation when we’re talking about marginalized groups and it’s super disappointing. See us. Include us. Talk about us. These disability movers and shakers are doing just that and SO MUCH MORE.

Honestly, one of the things I love most about social media is following so many disability activists!! I love how they’re literally painting a picture of disability in 2020 — the beauty, the pain and, YES, the pride!! It’s all there and I could spend hours just scrolling through my feed — umm, OK, maybe I already do that!! #SorryNotSorry

I’ve wanted to shout-out my favorites for awhile, so here you go!! Drop your faves in the comments too!!

Disability ActivistsLeft to right: Alex Dacy (aka Wheelchair Rapunzel), Denarii Grace, Jason Clymo

Disability ActivistsClockwise from top left: Carly Findlay, Emily Ladau, Wendy Lu, Cherie, Carson Tueller, Shane Burcaw, Hannah Aylward

Disability ActivistsLeft to right: Karin Hitselberger, Ariel Henley, Alaina Lavoie

The future is accessible, so get in because we’ve got places to go and barriers to break down!! Are you in?? xoxo

P.S. Here are more influential black women with disabilities to follow…

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4 Comments Filed Under: ADA 30, Disability, Entertainment and Media

Thursday, July 2, 2020

The Baby-Sitters Club: 5 Things I’d Love to See In the Netflix Reboot

Baby-Sitters ClubSay hello to your friends! The Baby-Sitters Club is back and they’re coming to a screen near you!

Netflix is bringing a reboot of everyone’s favorite group of babysitters to the streaming service Friday – a group that first found a rabid fan base in Ann M. Martin‘s book series of the same name. The series, which debuted in 1986 with Kristy’s Great Idea, follows seven best friends as they experience the ups and downs of running their own babysitting business.

This isn’t the first time the babysitters jumped from the books to the screen. Fans first got to know the babysitters outside of the books in the ‘90s thanks to a 13-episode TV show as well as a feature film a few years later.

Indeed, the enduring legacy of The Baby-Sitters Club is more than just a paperback series for young readers. It’s a world all its own that has built a cult following over more than 100 books. Dedicated fans have come to know the characters and backstory practically by heart. There’s Kristy, whose bossy leadership skills helped The Baby-Sitters Club become the go-to sitting service in fictional Stoneybrook, Connecticut. Through their nonstop adventures, readers saw themselves in the characters. Some were artistic like Claudia. Some were shy and reserved like Mary Anne, while others were more outgoing like cool, California-bred Dawn. And still others loved all things fashion like Stacey, books like Mallory or ballet like Jessi.

Growing up, I was a carbon copy of Mary Anne. I remember the colorful books with the iconic block lettering on the cover. The series meant a chance to bond with my mom every night, as I’d huddle under the covers and listen in wonder as she read each book aloud. It also meant a chance to bond with my father as he’d spend time with me at the library, helping me reach the Baby-Sitters Club books and listen as I carefully debated the merits of each one as I tried to decide which one to check out next.

Baby-Sitters ClubThese books weren’t just something fun to read to pass the time. They were fun, yes, but they also showed me a world I could immerse myself in. For the first time, I felt like I was part of something – a cool group of amazing, diverse young women who were making a difference, whose lives I felt invested in and who I aspired to be like. The characters may have been fiction, but it all felt very real to me.

That’s exactly what made the series so beautiful and relatable: No one in the group was the same, and there was a character for every personality type. The girls were diverse, unique and true individuals, and they each brought something essential to the club and helped make it successful. They were all allowed to be different and those differences were celebrated; there wasn’t any pressure to conform and each book — and TV episode and movie — was a true celebration of being who you are and the joys of having a group of friends who accepted you and loved you unconditionally.

Baby-Sitters ClubMaybe that’s why the series has never felt old or dated. There’s a certain timeless quality that has always made it feel fresh, as if you could plop these characters in any time period and it would still be relevant. The books were such a defining part of my childhood and the lessons they teach — lessons in friendship, life and even entrepreneurship — are just as relevant in 2020. Not to mention, a series aimed at young women is needed now more than ever — young readers need these sorts of role models in their life.

SPOILER ALERT: Scroll down to see a throwback photo of me in the hospital with a BSC book in my hand. Naturally, I’m smiling!

After all, these are the characters my generation fell in love with and I’m so excited that a whole new generation will meet thanks to the reboot!

The upcoming 10-episode reboot is being billed as a live-action that will see the friends, presumably, as the same middle schoolers they were in the books, but in modern day. It’ll be interesting to see how the babysitters’ lives are different in the age of social media and iPhones. Will they take their business online? Will they have an app? Will fashionista Stacey have an Instagram following or blog?

Baby-Sitters ClubObviously, I’ve given this extensive thought (haven’t you??), so here are five things I’d like to see in the reboot…

The babysitters are also activists: Our world is imploding right now, but it’s the young people who are leading the charge for change. I think Kristy and friends would be right there with protesters and activists — maybe even organizing a fundraiser or livestream to raise awareness!

The show tackles modern issues: This one looks like it’s going to happen, seeing as how both Mary Anne and Dawn are played by actresses of color and Dawn’s father is gay. Also, look for a transgender storyline, which is incredibly important in 2020. One more hope I have? That they take on the patriarchy!

They club goes digital: I’d love to see the club optimize for the web — I’m thinking an app, website, maybe online scheduling so busy parents can book babysitters 24/7 instead of just during the club meeting. Although, those club meetings were legendary! Who can forget Dues Day??

Stacey has an Instagram, complete with #OOTD: That stands for Outfit of the Day for those not in the know. And we all know that Stacey is the resident fashionista of the group, so I can see her having a huge following and doing tones of cool street-style shoots!!

Claudia has an Etsy shop: Remember how Claudia is the artistic one? In the ’90s TV series, there was an entire episode all about the cool jewelry she made, so I can see her as a mini mogul with her very own online store. Wouldn’t that be cool??

The possibilities are endless, as is the potential to tackle even more issues real-life teens are facing today, like bullying and mental health. Because at its core, the series is a reflection of its readers. It’s a snapshot of who they are and where they’re going.

Perhaps my friend Rosemary captured the magic best, “I think at its core, the BSC books tell the story of a group of young women who are navigating a time that can be really hard. It tells the story of strong female friendships, being responsible, dealing with conflicts, and finding your place in the world.”

And that is something worth celebrating!

P.S. If you’re as pumped as I am, check out the awesome trailer!! It will certainly get you in the mood to binge-watch The Baby-Sitters Club reboot this weekend!

P.P.S. How cool is it that they recreated the cover of the first book on the series poster?!?!?

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3 Comments Filed Under: books, Entertainment and Media, TV

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

20 Years Later, Britney Spears Still Slays on “Oops!… I Did It Again”

Britney SpearsI wrote a pretty important post yesterday, so I thought I’d balance things out a bit with a fun pop culture post today!! And it’s a fun topic, that’s for sure, friends! Where were you 20 years ago this month?? Well, I can pretty much guarantee that I was jamming out to Britney Spears and her classic second album “Oops!… I Did It Again”!!!

Can you believe that the iconic album came out 20 years ago?? I say this a lot, but 1999 and 2000 were hands-down the VERY BEST years in pop culture. Ever. And ever. It’s just a fact. And who was leading the teen charge back then? Britney herself with her catchy, poppy lyrics! That lyrical prowess was on full display throughout her sophomore jaunt. She told us how she was stronger than yesterday. She warned us not to go knocking on her door. She desperately pleaded not to be the last to know. And she sang a semi-autobiographical tale of woe about not being the lucky person everyone thought she was.

Britney Spears Britney SpearsOf course, who can forget the title track? You know, the one where she dances around in that red catsuit in the music video and we all tried to memorize her expert choreography moves and grooves. What, you mean you didn’t do that? OK, well, maybe it was just me, but still…

Oh, yes, this was an album ripe with greatest hits for the ages — well, for my generation, at least. If you managed to miss Britney fever with “…Baby One More Time” and that iconic video and sound, then you certainly took notice when you couldn’t get the boppy songs on her second album out of your head. And trust me, I’ve got first-hand experience with this. “Oops!… I Did It Again” is the album that made me a Britney fan and it’s also the album that I listened to on repeat one October in 2001 when my mom and I drove to Alabama by ourselves after my grandmother had a stroke. Indeed, this album is one I hold very close to my heart. It’s become a symbol of my formative years, of a time gone by that I think about often.

So you know that I just had to celebrate with a selfie! I know, you’re probably surprised that I still own the actual CD — I mean, I know my mom is and she never misses an opportunity to tell me so! But you can’t part with greatness, can you? The fact is that this album, even two decades later, still holds up. It’s just as fresh and fun and fantastic as it was when I was 18. And for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Britney SpearsThank you, Britney!!! For the wonderful memories and bouncy songs. They made me smile then and they still make me smile today. Here’s to the album’s 20th anniversary and beyond… xoxo

P.S. Why Britney Spears will always be the Greatest Pop Queen on All Time and how she shaped a new generation of pop stars!

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1 Comment Filed Under: Entertainment and Media, inspiring women, music

Friday, March 6, 2020

Have a Restful Weekend

Restful WeekendCongratulations, friends!! We made it to Friday, which seems like a particularly amazing feat this week!! I’m still thinking a lot about Elizabeth Warren and have a follow-up post planned for next week — there’s so much to discuss, isn’t there? In the meantime, I’ll be making sure my mom has a very, very restful weekend. She’s been having horrible back pain ever since she got the flu — poor lady!! I hope you all get a chance to rest as well, and here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web…

13 romantic small towns in the United States.

Yes, I’m still thinking about how wonderful and grand Little Women was. Pure magic!

So cool: Writing prompts for every astrological sign. What sign are you??

I want ALL these stuffed animals, especially the unicorn ones!!! Aren’t they so cute??

Because I’m always up for an Etsy round-up.

Looking for some weekend reading? Check out these great pieces by women writers…

*”If Billie Eilish’s Brother Was An Immigrant Like Me, He Might Not Think That Shooting Your Shot Is ‘Overrated’

*”Taylor Swift and the Trap of Needing To Be Liked”

*”We Fell In Love Over the Phone, and It Gave Me the Confidence to Love Myself”

*”Emotional Support Animals Are Real”

*”Our Daughter Has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder — Here’s What It’s Like”

And as always, feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin! See you there, friends! And enjoy the restful weekend! xoxo

[Photo via Unsplash]

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: Entertainment and Media, link love, round-up

Friday, February 21, 2020

Have a Groovy Weekend

Groovy WeekendHappy Friday, friends!! I’m really feeling the retro vibe of “groovy weekend” in that title!! Doesn’t it just remind you of some late ‘60s hip party with cool music?? Anyway, what are your plans this weekend? I went to the dentist today and got a clean bill of teeth health! Whew! Looks like I’m safe for another six months, which I’m sure will just go flying by! Hope you all have a groovy weekend, and here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web…

Ummm, 1995 called and they want their scrunchies back!

How cool are these Golden Girls Halloween costumes??

IT’S ABOUT TIME: Mattel releases its first gender-neutral doll.

I sure wish I had these board games on bed sheets when I was in the hospital.

Because we could all use some body positivity moments right about now!

Plus, don’t forget to check out these awesome pieces by women writers…

*”No One Tells You How Hard It Is to Have Divorced Parents During the Holidays”

*”Our Emojis Need to Represent Everyone”

*”Savage Garden’s ‘Affirmation’ Shaped My Whole Life”

*”I Got Pregnant With Triplets But Could Only Keep One”

*”Forever 21 Is Now Bankrupt. Here’s What I Learned Shopping There.”

And as always, feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin! See you there, friends! And enjoy the cool weekend! xoxo

[Photo via Unsplash]

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: Entertainment and Media, link love, round-up

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So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...

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