CHICs if you DREAM and BELIEVE you will ACHIEVE anything! This is my mantra to all girls and women. I love motivating and inspiring the best in others.

This month I want to update you on what I am doing to continue to grow, so I can give more to others. As some of you noticed, CHIC Chat is no longer going out monthly. We decided quarterly is more manageable. Some of you know that I am doing my Masters at the University of Victoria. I could not anticipate the demand this would place on my life, career, and family but it is well worth the challenge. I learned that I need to find balance. I hope my dedicated readers will appreciate the change and continue to engage in the quarterly CHIC Chat publications.

We continue to meet amazing women that want to give back to young girls. This helps bring fresh and expanding opportunities to our camps and workshops. In addition to the women that bring us expertise in yokara, guided meditation, cooking, and music we are excited to add jazzercise to the 2010 camps. We always seek other women that want to bring something to our girls. Contact me at angela@esteemedchics.com

Due to parent requests we are expanding our summer camps to include girls ages 9-10. We are extremely proud and excited to offer our CHIClette's camp in Cedar thanks to Kelly Fryer, Recreation Programmer, Regional District of Nanaimo, Recreation and Parks for making this happen! Girl Power.

Finally, I want to let you know, I am expanding my knowledge and research into the area of eating disorders and disordered eating. I am seeking out the opportunity to receive my Registered Clinical Counselling designation specializing in this area. In addition, my thesis work will focus on this topic. I see a vast shortage of resources in this province. As well as many opportunities to prevent the rise in 'disordered' thinking.

Something I get fueled up about is the double standard messages we receive in relation to beauty, weight, and self-worth. Taking on this journey, both personal and professional, helps me to advocate for greater awareness about how girls and woman are impacted by the messages they receive in our society. CHICs camps and this year's new addition, CHIClette's are the product of my preventative work with girls.