Do you read romance novels? Love a good love story? Crave an escape to a story about 'happily ever after' relationships? Then you probably already know our Girlfriendology Podcast guest SUSAN MALLERY!
Susan is an amazing author of over 100 romance fiction books and she keeps going, and going! She's writes books for women that women want to read. In fact, romance novels is the largest genre of books and even surpasses Major League Baseball for revenue!!
What does 'chick lit' have to do with Girlfriendology and female friendship? well, once you hear Susan's interview, you'll realize that Susan's girlfriends are core to her success and prolific writing!
So, what lessons did I learn in our conversation with Susan? Here's just a few - but listen in to see what inspiration Susan can offer you too!
* FOLLOW YOUR PASSION - Susan just took an eight week class and knew that she HAD to write romance novels. She never looked back. Many times we lack the courage to share what we dream of doing, but like Susan, we should just go for it! As girlfriends we can support and encourage our friends to go after their dreams. That's what girlfriends do!
* FIND LIKE-MINDED GIRLFRIENDS - Susan has a girlfriend group with other authors and gets together with them (even though they live in different states) on a frequent basis. It's THAT important. Together they share ideas and dreams, help each other through questions and struggles, and celebrate each others successes. What a wonderful way to have 'co-workers' and friends around who get what you do and help each other out.
* FRIENDS ARE FAMILY YOU CHOOSE - In Susan's words, if the guy doesn't work out, you can boot him to the curb! You're born with your family but you get to pick your friends. My girlfriends are my sisters who believe in me, challenge me, cheer for me and make me a better person. There is a world of women out there and finding some who become sisters are worth all the effort!
Susan Mallery is obviously prolific and talented at writing. With 100+ romance novels, she's successful at what she loves. But, in this great conversation with her, I found out her passion doesn't come to life just on the pages of her romance fiction, but in her gratitude of her girlfriends and their impact on her life. Wow. Thanks Susan for your time to talk and for the inspiration you shared with our podcast listeners.
Thanks too for your gift of several copies of Sweet Talk, your new novel with the Bakery Sisters. To possibly win one of our 50 PRIZES in the July Girlfriendology Contest (including this new book by Susan Mallery), send your girlfriend story in to contest (@) girlfriendology (dot) com, fill out our form at Girlfriendology, leave a comment on our iTunes site or send us a photo of you in a Girlfriendology shirt. Lots of prizes! Lots of ways to win!!!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with SUSAN MALLERY, mega romance novelist
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
May Girlfriendology Contest Prizes are coming!
JOIN IN ON THE JUNE GIRLFRIENDOLOGY CONTEST for "Twenty Wishes" by Debbie Macomber, "Comfort Food" by Kate Jacobs, "Big BBQ Cookbook" by the BBQ Queens, "Attraction Action" by Jody England/BuzZen, "Trust Me" by, Brenda Novak, "Jumpstart the Art" by J.J. Virgin and our Starbucks and Girlfriendology Journal top prizes! Check out www.girlfriendology.com for more info.
Videos: http://www.youtube.com/girlfriendology
Podcasts: http://www.girlfriendology.libsyn.com/
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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with J. J. VIRGIN, fitness and nutrition expert
Fitness and nutrition can overwhelm me - do they you? I know I should eat and do certain things, but sometimes even if I do, nothing happens so I just go back to my previous eating and exercising habits. After years of low-fat/high-carb, low-carb/high-fat and every other diet in between, my body seems to do whatever it wants to do.
Okay, and even if you have the whole fitness/nutrition thing figured out (or you just got really, really good genes!), there still is the desire to be healthy and look young, right?
Our guest on the latest Girlfriendology Podcast has the answers! MENSA member, PhD in holistic and clinical nutrition with studies in bio-mechanics, sports medicine, exercise physiology, nutrition and aging, J.J. VIRGIN is an accomplished trainer, teacher and author. Her new book, "The Art of Losing It: Mastering Weight Loss in an Expanding World,"(with co-author, Dan O'Dowd) offers the help we need to get past diet resistant bodies and near-sleepless schedules, to find the healthy lifestyle that will give us balance in all areas of our lives.
J.J. has done post-graduate work in bio-mechanics, sports medicine, exercise physiology, nutrition and aging. She's a member of MENSA and appeared for several seasons as the fitness and nutrition expert on the Dr. Phil Show. She also was the "nutritional trainer for Superman" - how cool is that?!
We can all learn a lot from this smart, beautiful, amazingly-inspiring woman. Just a few of the lessons learned from J.J. Virgin:
* NO ONE SAID IT WOULD BE EASY - J.J. doesn't provide a quick 'magic' solution to weight issues, but she does simplify it and make it applicable to a realistic lifestyle. "The Art of Losing It" has taken her 25 years as a health care professional and celebrity nutritionist to the next level with her supercharged, clinically proven weight loss system.
* SLEEP! - We push ourselves too many hours every day, then so many of us struggle with getting a good night's sleep. J.J. has done the research and recommends sleep as one of the major factors in a healthy, long life. Her level of importance on this was impressive and impactful. Plus, that is one area of nutrition and fitness that is a good change in our life and has great results.
* YOU NEED YOUR GIRLFRIENDS - As J.J. says, "You HAVE to have a circle of support." She tells about girlfriends who met on a diet website and, through their friendship and support of each other, were successful in losing a lot of weight. Together we can accomplish our goals - with our girlfriends!
J.J. provided her new audio book, "Jumpstart The Art!" (companion book to "The Art of Losing It: Mastering Weight Loss in an Expanding World") as a prize in our Girlfriendology Contest. It was obvious in talking with her about toxins, sweeteners, the chemicals our body needs/produces and more, she is knowledgeable and someone with the answers. I appreciate that she offered these answers to us in her podcast and book!
Listen in to J.J.'s interview with Girlfriendology on our latest podcast, check out her website/book and sign up for her newsletter for a free report on weight loss myths. I know you, like me, will learn life-changing information!
Stay healthy girlfriend!
Girlfriendology May Contest Winners Announced on new podcast!
From Paula in South Dakota to Jane in Missouri to Debbie in Florida to Cathy in Georgia to so many others ... the map of all our winners would be spotted all over the place! We had so many wonderful, inspiring, funny and touching stories about girlfriends (and sisters who are also great girlfriends!) who sent in and won in our May Girlfriendology Contest. Listen to the NEW podcast for these inspiring stories and the winners of the 30 books plus Starbucks gift cards (to take you and your girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology) and the Girlfriendology Journal.
We're in the midst of the June Girlfriendology Contest so send in your girlfriend stories (about any subject you'd like - any inspiring story about a female friend or a group of friends) to Girlfriendology. We have over 30 books to award for prizes in June. Winners will be established by a drawing of all contest responses. And, drumroll please! The PRIZES for the June Girlfriendology Contest are:
* Twenty Wishes - a wonderful, inspiring book by mega author DEBBIE MACOMBER.
* Comfort Food - a new novel by KATE JACOBS (author of The Friday Night Knitting Club) and a lovely story of a cooking channel chef and her adventures with food, family and friends.
* Trust Me - the new romantic thrilled by BRENDA NOVAK. First in 'The Last Stand' trilogy , follow these female friends though crimes, investigations and, of course, some romance.
* JumpStart the Art: The Art of Losing It - audio book by J.J. VIRGIN. Inspiration on The Art of Losing It! Mastering Weight Loss in an Expanding World.
* BBQ Cookbooks - A BIG and little (perfect size for a gift!) book so of Barbecue by the BBQ Queens themselves, KAREN ADLER and JUDITH FRETIG.
* BuzZen - The Law of Attraction meets Girls Night Out! Written by JODY ENGLAND, this book will bring your and your girlfriends, and you and your dreams, closer!
All these amazing authors have graciously given their time recently for podcast interviews! Listen in for wonderful women inspiration!
So, send in your girlfriend story NOW for one of our over-a-prize-a-day prizes!
And, if you'd like to tell this story yourself, please call 206-202-9005 and you can tape a message which will go on the contest podcast! We'd love to have your story in your voice on the podcast!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with JODY ENGLAND, BuzZen Co-founder
It's no 'secret,' the Law of Attraction caused quite a buzzzzz a few years ago. Where did that energy go? How did/can women use the Law of Attraction to make 'real' changes in their lives?
JODY ENGLAND, co-founder of BuzZen, joined us on the latest Girlfriendology podcast to help us put the Law of Attraction in action! Hear how BuzZen provides community, conscious gifts and coaching - all key elements in making the rest of your life radically different than had you not heard the 'buzz.'
Jody studied the Law of Attraction and, along with her girlfriend Kim Yardlay, decided to make the Law of Attraction a reality for all of us who aspire to living life to our potential. A successful entrepreneur and former therapist, counseling at-risk families, children, and individuals, Jody has transformed her unique blend of experience as a leading voice in both the business world and the nonprofit arena, to empowering women to grant themselves permission to unlock their personal power.
Together Jody and Kim founded BuzZen. BuzZen is a company founded on the principles of contribution and inclusion, designed to appeal to women of all backgrounds, religions and ethnicities and welcome one and all. They believe that through connecting at our deepest level of “sister,” we are all empowered and enriched.
Before we share any more, let's look at these 'lessons from a girlfriend' from our podcast interview with Jody England of BuzZen:
* REAL CHANGE HAPPENS WITH GIRLFRIENDS - As Jody mentioned in the podcast, we can make change on our own but often it doesn't make a difference since there is no one to hold us accountable, encourage us and help us through the process. Unless, of course, you make the change in your life WITH your girlfriends. BuzZen does this by creating a program for small groups of women to go through the process in the BuzZen box and make the transformation together. (The BuzZen Box was featured in the Academy Award Nominee bags!)
* HAVE FUN! - I'll just stereotype here ... when women get together, we almost always have FUN! Of course the same is true for women in "The Hive" (the BuzZen community). Not metaphysical or magical, they're really all about the friendships and fun (oh, and bee-ing transformed which is a wonderful change to accomplish with your girlfriends!). As they describe it, it is like the Law of Attraction meets Girls Night Out!
* PUT THE LAW OF ATTRACTION TO ACTION - The popularity of 'The Secret' was made hugely popular on Oprah. It wasn't just the celebrity endorsement, the Law of Attraction is powerful - that is, if it is actually put into practice. So many of us didn't quite grasp how to use this way of manifesting our dreams into a real, day-to-day practice. BuzZen is a practical guide to putting the Law of Attraction into action in our lives on a daily basis. Now that's powerful!
Listen in to our wonderful conversation as we explore how the Law of Attraction is actually put into action to make a wonderful transformation in our lives. And, hear how having other women on the same journey can be part of 'The Hive' and inspire and challenge each other to reach greatness!
You can be part of the 'The Hive' too! Jody generously offered a free two month membership to 'The Hive' (the interactive online community of women BuzZen members!). So try it out and see what all the Buzzzz is about!
Thanks Jody! Check out BuzZen and I'll meet you at The Hive!
On our next podcast, the winners of the May Girlfriendology Contest share their inspiring stories! And, don't forget to enter the June Girlfriendology Contest! We have over 35 prizes and just ask for you to send a story about an amazing girlfriend or a friend who has gone out of her way for you to contest@girlfriendology.com or leave a message (with your email address spelled out) at 206-202-9005. Check out all the great prizes and send in your girlfriend story!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
June PRIZES - Lots! Like the May Girlfriendology Contest Prizes!
* CONTEST: Share a girlfriend story via email, leaving a message at 206-202-9005 (be sure to spell out your email address!) or on the Girlfriendology Contest Form.
* PRIZES: We have over 30 books to award for prizes in June, in addition to the five $10 Starbucks giftcards (to take you and your girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology) and the Girlfriendology Journal. Winners will be established by a drawing of all contest responses. And, drumroll please! The PRIZES are:
* Twenty Wishes - a wonderful, inspiring book by mega author DEBBIE MACOMBER. (I just read it and it was the reason the last newsletter took so long to get out to you - I had to finish the book first!)
* Comfort Food - a new novel by KATE JACOBS (author of The Friday Night Knitting Club) and a lovely story of a cooking channel chef and her adventures with food, family and friends.
* Trust Me - the new romantic thrilled by BRENDA NOVAK. First in 'The Last Stand' trilogy , follow these female friends though crimes, investigations and, of course, some romance.
* JumpStart the Art: The Art of Losing It - audio book by J.J. VIRGIN. Inspiration on The Art of Losing It! Mastering Weight Loss in an Expanding World.
* BBQ Cookbooks - A BIG and little (perfect size for a gift!) book so of Barbecue by the BBQ Queens themselves, KAREN ADLER and JUDITH FRETIG.
* BuzZen - The Law of Attraction meets Girls Night Out! Written by JODY ENGLAND, this book will bring your and your girlfriends, and you and your dreams, closer!
All these amazing authors have graciously given their time recently for podcast interviews! Listen in for wonderful women inspiration! Thanks Kate, Debbie, Brenda and upcoming interviews with J.J., Jody and Karen!
So, send in your girlfriend story NOW for one of our over-a-prize-a-day prizes!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Girlfriends ... Pursue Thy Dreams!
Just a little Friday bumper sticker wisdom. As girlfriends we are here to support each other in pursuing our dreams. What do your girlfriends dream of doing and how can you cheer them on? Have you called lately to check in on a friend and her wishes? (Like the wishes in the Twenty Wishes book in our June Girlfriendology Contest and recent podcast with author Debbie Macomber!)
What have you done lately to go after your dreams? Shared your goals with a girlfriend?
Forsake your inhibitions and pursue your dreams! And, encourage, support and celebrate your girlfriend's going after their dreams as well. Reaching for your dreams together can change your whole life! Dream BIG girlfriends!
p.s. And don't forget to check out my designer superstar girlfriend JILL MACKAY and her wonderful jewelry! And listen in to the podcast where Jill interviewed me and I turned it around and did a little interviewing as well!
Monday, June 02, 2008
VOTE for May Girlfriendology Contest Winners!
The May Girlfriendology Contest gave away more prizes than ever before - so we had more entries than ever before - which made it very difficult to decide. Which ones should be the top five to win the Starbucks giftcard (to take them and their girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology) and the top overall winner for the Girlfriendology Journal?!
So, we're going to let YOU decide! Remember, the guidelines are a great girlfriend story (that inspires, appreciates or celebrates girlfriends!). Please add a comment with your vote or send your selection in to ideas (at) girlfriendology (dot)com. (The non-spam version of our email!) Voting ends on June 10th at midnight, EST. Please only vote once per day. Any ties will be selected by a drawing. AND, don't forget to participate in the June Girlfriendology Contest. LOTS of PRIZES!!!
1. A couple of years ago, a very wonderful friend of mine made me my favorite Strawberry cake that my mother use to make for my birthdays. She died eight years ago and the Strawberry cake came to an end...until my friend heard the story, and decided to surprise me with my mother's cake recipe...and what a great surprise it was !!
2. My girlfriend and I go way back to 1960. We met on a train going to Los Angeles to join our husbands. We worked together for 15 years. We had our children a girl and a boy for both. Now we are widows and still good friends.
3. I was having a difficult time reading for my literature class because I found the writing very boring. When I told Becky that I thought I would like the stories better if I could hear them on tape, Becky offered to come to my house and read to me. "Whatever it takes to help you through this class," she said.
4. I have an e-friend who I talk to a lot. We met through common interests and the friendship has grown. We tend to get worried if we don't hear from each other fairly often so she got worried about me last year when I was in a accident. We finally got in touch with each other and had a long phone chat. I've never met her face to face but we laugh and cry with each other and pray for each other.
5. I'm a member of an awesome book club. We've been together about 4-1/2 years. There are seven members of our group. At the time we started our club a few of us were casual acquaintances and a few didn't know each other at all. We have since bonded into a very loving, supportive group of women from all walks of life, ranging in age from 40 to 60! So we laughingly refer to this year being our hundredth birthday celebration. Occasionally we remember to discuss books at our meetings, but often we find ourselves talking about life, laughing, crying, and basically enjoying the brief respite from the stresses of our daily lives and losing ourselves in the joy of being with people with whom we can be honest and free spirited around.
Birthdays can be tough, especially when you're having a bad year, as I was the first year we were together. All the girls gathered around and we headed to a nearby city and had 'the works' at the local spa School. Manicures, pedicures and facials for all, followed by lunch at a great restaurant. It was like being held in this cocoon of warmth and loving strength like nothing I'd ever experienced before. To this day they probably don't realize what that day meant to me. It was like they just collectively knew what would make it a great day.
Great friends are a blessing at any age, but to find this group of women out of the blue like we all did was a gift beyond reasoning.
6. My best friend is a caring individual for all. She never is too busy to hear my problems. She does not judge me, and tries to comfort me when I am down. We enjoy exercising, lunching and shopping together. She is such a joy to be around.
7. My girlfriend Pat and I have been best friends for over 10 years. We know that nothing is more sacred than a best friend. We both know that any secrets, hopes or fears we share with each other will never go any further than the two of us. We see each other through tragedy and celebrate each other's victory. We are friends forever as when you find a friend you can trust with your heart you have found something to treasure and never betray
8. My girlfriend Charlotte and I have been friends since sophomore year of high school. We are now 55. She is a breast cancer survivor. We are signing up again this year for the Komen Race for the Cure. Even though we live about 6 hours apart we keep in touch. We have seen each other through many happy times and not happy times. I don't know what I would do without her.
9. My girlfriend took me out for my birthday last year. We had such a good time! I was really mad at my husband because he let her plan a party for me, instead of doing it himself. By the end of the night, I had forgiven him, because she did a much better job than he ever could have
10. Two years ago seven of my eight best friends from high school and I got together for the first time in 39 years. We had seen very little of each other through the years, but we made up for lost time by spending four glorious "girls only" days at the beach together. We talked, laughed, ate, talked and laugh some more, and even "danced in the streets" to a live band. We've stayed in touch and gotten together ever since. Next year we will all turn 60 and we plan to have a HUGE birthday celebration for ourselves. We are planning on another trip together...destination yet unknown, but you can be assured it will be something FABULOUS. And I can also assure you that even though our 60-year-old bodies may feel a few aches and pains, we can still "PARTY likes it's 1989"...or in our case 1967!
11. My sisters are also my girlfriends! When my oldest sister turned 60 she was living in California. Her family had a surprise party for her, part of the surprise was that our other two sisters, our mother, a brother, and myself, all flew to California to celebrate with her! I even carried a dozen of her favorite donuts across country for her! The following year I over-nighted 1-1/2 dozen of those donuts to her with a note saying since I could not be there with her, for her birthday I just sent the donuts!
My third sister passed away last year of cancer. We miss her so very much, but I think it has brought the three of us even closer! It is so important to spend time with your girlfriends--- whether they are sisters, aunts, cousins, nieces!! Cherish the time together!
12. The best thing a friend did for me on my birthday was when my oldest was little. I was so discouraged and lived away from family. I was expecting to spend my birthday alone. My husband told me were going shopping. When we got there, he said he had to stop by Margarita's, my best friend at the time, for a few moments. He went inside like he had to get something and then they came outside and said surprise. She had fixed fried chicken and special food for my birthday including a birthday cake. It was the best gift I could have gotten. Margarita is a person who does not like to write letters and has written me many letters she said are in her cabinet. Yet she will take a card, sign it and put it in the mail to me to just let me know she is thinking of me. She surprised me once by calling early in the morning. She is still a very, very special friend.
13. My best friend created a "Remember US" journal/photo book. She entered several of the funniest or embarrassing things we did or said. She included pictures with some of the journal entries. It's a treasure I will keep and add to forever.
14. My best friend and I had a misunderstanding three years ago. We work together, so needless to say it was uncomfortable. At last years Christmas party we were both tipsy...and she approached me with a question, and next thing we knew, we were hugging and catching up! I missed her, she missed me, but pride got in the way. Thank God for martinis!
15. My girlfriend is a source of continuous support. I suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and she understands that some days can get pretty rough for me. When she calls and realizes I'm having a bad day she immediately suggests a simple excursion that might help get my cluttered mind to focus on calmer things. It doesn't always work, but what makes her efforts worth trying is the fact that she cares enough to help make a long-time friend's tears turn into smiles.
16. Can a sister be a girlfriend??? Hmmmm, tough one especially when you're talking about mine - through the years it's been up & down (much more on the up now that we are old and wise - LOL) and coming from a pretty non-demonstrative family it's still air kisses from 2 feet. One memorable year Lise outdid herself (in a great way). I was turning 25, living in Washington, DC and she was in an apartment the size of a closet (albeit in a mansion cut up into flats) in Chicago. A package arrived full of the most wonderful, crazy items - all 25 of them. There is nothing better than opening millions of presents, all of which mean something be it silly, serious or a long standing private joke. There is a wonderful picture of me in a very strange cowboy hat with a huge grin on my face surrounded by "stuff". BLISS!!
I'm sure I don't have any of those items now but isn't it funny that this is the first memory that popped up when I saw this month's contest. This time my sister really was a girlfriend!!
17. I met my best friend in the 7th grade. Even when she moved across country, we remained best friends. Later when I married, I named my first child after my best friend. Now we are 43 year's old and still best friends. We may live in separate states, but we keep in touch.
Again, please leave a comment with your vote. Only one vote per person per day. Voting ends at midnight EST on June 10th. Winners will be announced on a Girlfriendology podcast on June 15th. And, enter the June Girlfriendology Contest!!!!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with DEBBIE MACOMBER, women's fiction author
DEBBIE MACOMBER is a mega-author. She has over 100 million books in print. Her new book, Twenty Wishes, is a wonderful, inspiring story of women who each make a list of their wishes and then together find the way to their dreams.
As welcoming and friendly as her books, Debbie spoke with Girlfriendology on our latest podcast. There is so much to learn from someone this gifted at understanding women, friendships, passionate hobbies and life. So, here are just a few of the lessons I learned in interviewing Debbie:
* LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH PASSION - Debbie is passionate about her knitting, writing, children and grandchildren (not necessarily in that order!). She loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends. She gets up at 4am each morning to start her day preparing and reading, then writing. (You have to be passionate about something to get up at that time each morning!) You can tell by talking with her that she loves life and loves sharing the lives of her characters with her millions of fans.
* LOVE YOUR FANS - Debbie is currently on tour to 20 cities (for the 20 wishes!). Her fans come out in swarms, in any weather and with a desire just to see her, talk with her, share their knitting or tell her about their girlfriends. She even shared how the initial idea for this book came from one of her fans. She obviously loves these women and finds such joy in getting to know them, hearing about their lives and sharing her hobbies and writings with them.
* MAKE TIME FOR YOUR GIRLFRIENDS - As she shared in the interview, Debbie has a group of girlfriends that she meets with weekly for breakfast. They help each other through life, share their joys and frustrations, and, after talking with Debbie, they must laugh a lot! Even with her busy schedule, she keeps them as a priority in her life. She's a good girlfriend!
* TAKE TIME FOR YOUR HOBBIES - It doesn't have to be knitting, but just find an activity that you love and allow yourself time to spend doing it. And, when you can, combine your hobbies! Debbie obviously loves to write and knit. So it was natural for her to combine them with a companion book to Twenty Wishes with knitting patterns from the book's characters. She even has designed a line of products for knitters (but versatile enough to be used for lots of other hobbies and 'stuff!).
So, what are your wishes? Dreams? Goals? Do you have them written down or perhaps represented on a vision board? Do your girlfriends know what your dreams are and do they cheer you on in reaching them?
Read Twenty Wishes then write out your own wishes. Share them with your friends. They'll help you achieve them! Visit Set Your Wish Free for information on a special contest to reward someone with $10,000 to set their wish free!
Thanks Debbie for making time for Girlfriendology in the midst of your national book tour! It was an honor to speak with you and to be able to share Twenty Wishes with your fans through the podcast and through our Girlfriendology Contest prizes. Thanks for your inspiration and for introducing us to so many girlfriends in your novels.
P.S. And send in your story for our monthly Girlfriendology Contest! You could win a copy of Debbie's fabulous new novel, Twenty Wishes - just send in a girlfriend story and you could get back a great girlfriend novel!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
TIP TUESDAY #24: Hey girlfriends - what's your favorite hobby/passion?
I've heard that if you look back to your childhood, before boys had an impact or peer pressure was in it's teen madness, you'll find the things that you genuinely love to do. Maybe it was acting, drawing, talking, cooking or even dressing up. When we were eight to ten years old, we did whatever we loved - and why not?!
My mother is an artist so it is no surprise that I grew up doing crafts, drawing people in church, making sand art (a long-lost talent!) or other creative exercises. I designed the cover of my Jr. High school year book and won an award for a paper mache dragon that I made with a girlfriend. Is it any wonder that several decades later, I ended up in the craft/hobby industry?!
Last week I interviewed CAROL DUVALL for the Girlfriendology podcast. On TV for 56 years, this 'Queen of Crafts' is an amazing woman. She is a living legacy of TV history as well as the inspiration and teacher to millions of us as we learned new crafts and laughed along with her and her guests. I had the honor of being on her show a dozen times so I really enjoyed just catching up with her and having a conversation about our girlfriends on the show. And, Carol just wrote a book with the help of one of the girlfriends from her show, Cherryl Greene - Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall.
Recently I was asked what my favorite craft/hobby is so I thought I put it to you. This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:
What is your favorite hobby? AND who inspires you?
Carol Duvall inspires me. (And she will you, when you hear her podcast that will be posted on Wednesday evening.) My creative girlfriends Katie Hacker, Jill MacKay, Vicki Schreiner and Linda Peterson inspire me, along with dozen of other wonderful, super-creative women I've met in the craft industry.How about you? Think back to your childhood and what hobbies you could spend hours doing. Remember the pure joy of playing music, baking, playing with clay - whatever made you happy! What hobby do you love with a passion and who inspired you? Share with us. You might just inspire someone else to find a new hobby/passion in their life!
p.s. And Carol's book as well as several others are in the monthly contest so send in your girlfriend story!
New GIRLFRIENDOLOGY site - Experts Wanted!
Hi Girlfriends! Just wanted to share that thanks to YOU and your support and enthusiasm for 'girlfriendship,' GIRLFRIENDOLOGY IS GROWING! We've already expanded the podcasts to two/week* and we've added videos, as well as bunches of prizes in our May Girlfriendology Contest! We're busy updating the website and plan to launch it this summer.
Now, we're adding more of YOU! We're looking for 'experts' to be the girlfriends we want to talk with when we have a question or just need some advice. You'd be part of our network which would mean that we would publish your stories, advice, articles on your area of expertise as well as interviews on our podcasts, etc.
Specifically, we need the following experts: a Mom (or a couple, depending on age of your children, specialties and other factors), Crafts, Fashion, Food, Travel, Books, Small/Home Business and other general women's topics.
You must be friendly, fun, helpful, a good writer, an expert in your field and willing to provide blog articles and assist with podcasts on a regular basis. In exchange, Girlfriendology will promote you and your site/blog on Girlfriendology.com, podcasts and upcoming events and opportunities.
If you or a friend are qualified and interested, please contact debba @ girlfriendology (dot) com. (I guess that helps the spammers not find me!) Thanks girlfriends!
* And with two podcasts/week, we need more 'girlfriend authors and experts' to interview. Please send us your ideas! And listen in for our recent KATE JACOBS interview and coming conversations with CAROL DUVALL and DEBBIE MACOMBER!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with best-selling author KATE JACOBS
I'm not a perfect girlfriend, by far. I don't know it all and I don't pretend to. I just know that I honestly believe life is much better with female friendship (and there are books, like The Tending Instinct, to confirm that with research findings).
So in my daily pursuit of Girlfriendology as a growing online community of women, it is always a wonderful find when a woman (without prompting or payment from me!) shows me a new perspective of passion toward 'girlfriendship.' I recently had that wonderful experience during one of our Girlfriendology Podcast interviews. She didn't write a girlfriend book and I don't believe she officially does public speaking on female friendship, but she could!
After growing up in Canada, KATE JACOBS moved to NYC, leaving her friends and family behind. She soon developed a 'family of friends' in her new city. In our podcast interview she talks about the women whom she met and the friendships they forged. She shares about her childhood friends and how she remains close with so many of them. She 'gets' friendship. 
And, she also writes about friendship. Her debut novel, The Friday Night Knitting Club, was a New York Times best-selling book and celebrated friendship among knitters (and non-knitters). Her new book, Comfort Food, is about "the elegant host of a television cooking show, Augusta “Gus” Simpson, who is fending off an ambitious co-host while also dealing with personal issues with her two twenty-something daughters, Aimee and Sabrina. It’s a book about family, about friendships, about our frustrations in life and in work, and about the power of food to bring people together." (quote from Kate's blog)
So, there is much to learn from this young, friendly, warm, kind girlfriend, like these lessons I learned:
* NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE NEED FOR GIRLFRIENDS: Kate inspired me with her dedication to her friends. Even though she was on a national book tour, she had spoken with one of her childhood friends right before our podcast interview. She gets together with her NYC girlfriends. Even as a busy, successful author, she makes her friends a priority. (Kinda takes away the "I'm too busy" excuse, doesn't it? A phone call or email doesn't really take that long, does it?!)
* LEARN FROM OTHER WOMEN: Kate was an editor for several magazines (Redbook, Working Woman). Friendships grew with other women editors. They bonded together and helped each other out. No competition here, they learned from and leaned on each other. And, she continues to get together with them, even when she lives across the country.
* NOTICE WHAT WOMEN LIKE: No, this isn't advice for men, this is for us girls. Kate's books resonate with women because she understands female friendship and how women like to communicate, what we like to read, the hobbies that we love, etc. I'm sure she picked up more than just yarn/stitch advice when knitting with a group of women. Listen to not only what your friends say, but also what they mean and what they need from your friendship. Be the kind of friend that you'd like others to be to you.
Especially when it comes to the importance of 'girlfriendship,' Kate is wise beyond her years. We're fortunate to have her as a girlfriend author. Again, I'm not a perfect girlfriend, but hearing what Kate has to say about the importance of her friends, inspires me. She makes me want to be a better girlfriend!
** You can win a copy of Kate's new book, Comfort Food, in the Girlfriendology Contest. Just send in a girlfriend story and you're in the drawing for this great book. (Which would make a perfect prize - you can read, then pass along to a girlfriend!) Visit Girlfriendology for contest info. Thanks Girlfriends! And a BIG Thank You to Kate!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
TIP TUESDAY #23: What safety/health tip do you have for your girlfriends?
This weekend I listened to a podcast by my girlfriends over at TheDivaCast (podcast of five fabulous, fun, forty-something girlfriends) and they shared a great TIP:
Take your car keys to bed with you! If anything happens, just click on the panic button and your car alarm will go off. So, if you hear someone break-in or something happened like a fire or medical emergency, you can alert your neighbors that you need help. (They'd at least call the police if it didn't stop immediately!) Isn't that a great tip? It is also applicable for our parents who may be on their own but may fall (and, you know, couldn't get up!).
Just another example of how much we learn from our girlfriends! So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:
What's your favorite safety and/or health TIP?
Maybe it is something as simple as chewable vitamins and calcium/fiber supplements that don't upset your stomach (like I shared with my girlfriend Deana recently - they really do work!). Help make a girlfriend's quality of life better just by sharing a simple little tip! Thanks girlfriends!(And remember that we have lots of PRIZES to give away in the Girlfriendology Monthly Contest! Send in a girlfriend story and you very well may win one of our great prizes!)
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast interview with NOVEL DESTINATIONS authors, Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon
In any group of girlfriends, you're sure to find bibliophiles and travel lovers. Just by our inquisitive nature, we women long to read books that transport us to another place and time. And, given the opportunity, most of us would drop everything to travel - especially with our girlfriends!
Our podcast guests understand this desire to explore - whether it's between book covers or on a foreign adventure. JONI RENDON and SHANNON MCKENNA SCHMIDT met briefly before Joni moved from Shannon's neighborhood in New Jersey to London, England. Their transatlantic friendship grew as did their common passion for books and travel. Together they wrote NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West - a guide to over 500 literary locales (with wonderful stories on each!).
Joni and Shannon are extraordinary writers and girlfriends. Here's the lessons I learned: (listen in to see what lessons you learn from them!)
* BE A GOOD GIRLFRIEND: You know how you can 'read' girlfriends when you meet them together? Some dominate the conversation or share jokes, many have similar energy levels and common hobbies. Shannon and Joni were great to talk with! They allow the other to finish her thoughts and sentences, and you can tell that they respect each other's opinions and insights. And, to take on such a monumental task (over 500 literary landmarks!) and still want to collaborate on future projects makes them a wonderful example of 'girlfriendship.' (You can follow their continued travels on their blog too!)
* FRIENDSHIP KNOWS NO DISTANCE: Joni moved to London. Shannon stayed in NJ. Did being across the pond put an end to the friendship? Did five hours of time change deter them from working together? NO! Friends are worth the effort, right? Plus, with the internet, Skype, international news, etc. we can still share our experiences with our girlfriends no matter where we/they are!
* TAKE THE ADVENTURE: Life is short. Adventures happen when you venture out of your home, neighborhood, state or country. Read NOVEL DESTINATIONS and you'll no doubt find literary locations that enchant you. Grab a girlfriend and go on an adventure!
* ALLOW YOURSELF TO DREAM: Even if you can't go to all the destinations you'd love to visit, you can still experience the adventure through Joni and Shannon's wonderful guide. Time, money or logistics may be an issue but don't let it stop you. Explore local museums, artist homes, historic locations. Share it with a girlfriend, either in person or through phone calls and emails. An adventure is still 'an adventure' no matter how far you travel!
We're so lucky to have copies of NOVEL DESTINATIONS to give out in this month's Girlfriendology Contest. Just send us a girlfriend story and you'll be in the drawing for this month's prizes.
Thanks Shannon and Joni for talking with us and for bringing us along to 500+ wonderful, memorable literary locations!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Win a Girlfriend Birthday Gift in May Girlfriendology Contest!
This month is a BIG month here at Girlfriendology! We have more PRIZES than ever before to give out! Enter our May Girlfriendology Contest and just by telling a girlfriend story (about a Birthday - could be an event or gift you received/gave) you can win one of these great books:
REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda. Kaira spoke with us on a recent podcast about how YOU are the secret to a successful career and life.
THE ANGEL by Carla Neggers - a romantic suspense novel. We had the opportunity to interview Carla for our latest Girlfriendology video!
NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West by Joni Rendon and Shannon McKenna Schmidt who were our first two girlfriends AND guests from the U.S. and 'across the pond' to join us for a podcast interview this past week.
AND ... watch next month for free copies of:
COMFORT FOOD by Kate Jacobs (author of The Friday Night Knitting Club) - what a nice, sweet, caring girlfriend Kate is! She talked with us for an upcoming podcast about how much her girlfriends mean to her and how her girlfriends have supported and inspired her. (Plus "Comfort Food" bags!)
PAPER CRAFTING WITH CAROL DUVALL - We'll interview Carol for our podcast and hear the wit and wisdom from 'the queen of crafting!'
So, leave a comment with a girlfriend story (preferably this month on a 'birthday' theme), email us at ideas@girlfriendology.com or leave us a message at 206-202-9005 (make sure to leave your email address in your message). Thanks Girlfriends! We'd love to send you one of these PRIZES!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Girlfriendology Contest PRIZES - May (Kinda like gifts for my girlfriends!)
If I could, I'd give all my girlfriends gifts - all the time. I'd spoil them with surprises on their doorstep; thoughtful, fun cards with meaningful messages; gift certificates for mani/pedi pampering handmade presents to show how much they mean to me. Giving gifts to girlfriends is, in my opinion, even better than receiving gifts. We get to brighten her day and build into an important relationship. We can express our love and support and feel the joy that comes from making someone special feel special.
Each month on Girlfriendology we have a contest to ask YOU for YOUR girlfriend stories. This shameless begging for events and lessons from girlfriends is a great resource for then sharing your stories and motivating others (who hopefully share their story and the circle of 'great girlfriendship' expands making the world a better place for us all - seriously!).
The May Girlfriendology Contest asks you for ideas, memories and gratitude for special girlfriend birthdays. Birthdays are our day for special attention and a great opportunity to show friends and family how much we love them. And, since we're often rushed for time or stressed with too much to do, these shared ideas can inspire us to do the little (or big) things that make your favorite gal pal overlook the age and just be happy for being born around the same time as YOU.
This month several publishers have provided their books and items as additional PRIZES. Each day a girlfriend story submitted with be selected at random and she will receive one of the following great books:
NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West by Joni Rendon and Shannon McKenna Schmidt. We'll interview Shannon and Joni on a podcast for next week about this book that invites readers to follow in the footsteps of much-loved authors, discover the scenes that sparked their imaginations, glimpse the lives they led, and share a bit of the experiences they transformed so eloquently into print. We'll find out their behind-the-scenes adventures of writing this amazing book together - as literary, and literally, girlfriends! 
THE ANGEL, by CARLA NEGGERS. Carla is the New York Times bestselling author of THE WIDOW, ABANDON, BREAKWATER and DARK SKY. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and earned her critical praise and the loyalty of readers. I had the honor of doing a video interview with Carla this week on her book tour (video to be up early next week - tune in!) - she's great and I know you'll love her new hardcover book!
REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda. Kaira is an author, popular speaker, wife, mother of four and President of Real Living real estate company. Her new book is an essential guide for women who have entrepreneurial dreams. (And, if you don't have those, wouldn't you love to give this to a girlfriend who does?! Enter the contest!!) Listen to the May 7th podcast interview with Kaira!
So girlfriends, while my budget and time allocation prohibit me from being the generous gift-giving girlfriend that I'd love to be, I am thrilled to be able to show my appreciation for your sharing of girlfriend stories with Girlfriendology with the above prizes. I look forward to your stories and to sending you something special. Thanks for being great girlfriends and for sharing your girlfriend birthdays with Girlfriendology!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Girlfriendology interview of NYT best-selling author CARLA NEGGERS
Tonight, at our local Joseph-Beth Booksellers store, I had the privilege of interviewing a New York Times best-selling author of romance suspence books. CARLA NEGGERS was in town for her national book tour. We were thrilled to interview her on the actual date of the release of her new book "The Angel."
Come back and watch our video interview with this wonderful author and inspiring woman. And, check out her site for her "Live Your Adventure" contest. Share your adventure dreams and you may be the lucky one to receive $1000 to live your adventure. Go for it! Thanks Carla! (And Barb and Kathy!) And thanks to you for visiting the Girlfriendology blog.
NOTE: Join in the May Girlfriendology Contest for a chance to win CARLA NEGGER's new book "The Angel" and stop by QUICKLY for the April contest. We have more prizes this month - send in your stories NOW! (Thanks Girlfriends!)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
New Prizes for April Girlfriendology Contest!
Wow - how can it be April 16th already?!?! Spring fortunately has sprung and, like the tulips and daffodils, the Girlfriendology monthly contest is popping up - with prizes! Yes, we always reward the top five girlfriend stories with Starbucks gift cards (so you can take you and your girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology) and the Girlfriendology Journal. NOW you also have an opportunity to win more prizes. 
Thanks to Emily and Allison at National Geographic, Girlfriendology is also giving away five copies for
NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West by Shannon Mckenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon - who we'll talk to on an upcoming podcast! Thanks National Geographic Books!
Be adventurous! Write a story and possibly win some cool prizes! Not only will we give out the five Starbucks gift cards and the Girlfriendology Journal, but we'll also give away five copies of NOVEL DESTINATIONS from future podcast guests - the authors!
Remember, the April Girlfriendology contest is 'going green.' Earth Day is coming up and we're asking you to do a little 'recycling!' This month's contest asks YOU for YOUR stories of girlfriends who have made an impact on you in the past - perhaps school friends or girls you knew growing up, maybe it is women you've worked with or neighbors you've known for a long time. Just share your story and you could win a prize. And send in your 'recycled' girlfriend stories TODAY! (Visit April Girlfriendology contest for rules and contact info.) Thanks Girlfriends!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Want some creative girlfriend gift ideas? Listen in!
I've said it before, I'll say it again. One of the best benefits to girlfriends is how much we all learn from each other. From little things like celebrity trivia (like ... who got kicked off Dancing With The Stars!?), to big things like how to take care of our health and our loved ones.
Each month we ask YOU for YOUR thoughts and stories on girlfriends in our monthly Girlfriendology Contest. In March, since it was National Craft Month, we asked for your comments on thoughtful, creative girlfriend gifts you've given or received. We received a bunch of entries and some fabulous female friend stories. Thanks for sharing!
Check out the newest podcast for the stories and the winners. You're sure to get some great ideas for being the girlfriend with the PERFECT gift. After all, if you can't get inspired by your girlfriends, you can't get inspired!
Alas, it is the ides of April (ooh - tax day!), and we're half way through the month and another contest is happening. This month, in honor of Earth Day and our awareness of all things green, we're asking YOU to 'recycle' your girlfriend stories! Share a story of a girlfriend who meant a lot to you as a child or teenager. Tell us about an amazing woman whose friendship has followed you through different periods of your life - and been there for you no matter what! Just enter the contest - there are prizes! And, if you're selected, we may call you to interview you for our podcast next month. (Tell us a great story and we'll HAVE to talk with you!) Thanks Girlfriends!
