A Modern Mother

Brandi Chastain talks about girls and sports (and not the bra)

I met Brandi Chastain on the plane on my way to BlogHer11. At the time, I didn't know she was possibly the most well-known women's footballer in the world, and that upon kicking the winning goal for the US Team in the 1999 World Cup, she ripped off her shirt in exaltation. (Hey, she was wearing a sports bra, which covers a lot more than many bikini tops I've seen).  

We struck up a great conversation about girls and sports and the differences in perception in the US and UK. When she heard my daughter had stopped playing football because  "it's for boys" she invited us to join her on the football pitch.

What stands out about Brandi is her dedication and enthusiasm and support for girls. Her new venture, Reach Up! is all about helping young girls reach their full potential. Watch the video below, and you'll see what I mean.

After kicking the ball around with Brandi, all three of mine have vowed to take up football again. Thanks Brandi, you are a true inspiration (and I'll think of you on those freezing December morning practices.)

 

 

 

My 48 hours at #BlogHer11!

I've just had the most bizarre 48 hours.

It started with my flight to BlogHer11. I booked the first flight out, not really thinking about the ramifications (like having to get up at 4 am.)

I don't usually take photos of toilets, but I couldn't resist. Who is the brilliant person that thought of this? And why didn't they invent them when I needed them?

The fashion geek tribe

People on the train look at me differently.

I whip out my featherlight silver MacBook Air with tulip pink case and start typing away, using the left side of my brain. All sorts of thoughts pour into the keyboard. I try to stop but my fingers keep going. It's uncontrollable. I'm brilliant.

How does Apply do that?

My massive HP Windows machine just wasn't the same. I was pegged as some sort of 90s IT consultant with a blue shirt and tan trousers. I’m sure the Mac users would look over, shake their disheveled hair, and think you poor girl, if only you knew.

After 20 years of using PCs, I’ve switched. Mainly because I need to do lots of video for work (no, not THAT kind of video).

I am now officially part of the fashion geek tribe. Watch out!

Photo credit: gabrielle marche