New Podcast Posted - Heather Hills, ChickVacations.com

As friendly and helpful as her photo looks(!), HEATHER HILLS is a genuinely nice person. So nice that she started a business just to help women plan special trips together with less stress and even less budget. (That's my kind of girlfriend!)

Heather started ChickVacations.com - a travel company dedicated to girlfriend getaways (aka: female friends and family fun!). Instead of lavish, expensive trips, Heather plans travel packages for domestic, nearby trips - which is perfect in today's $4+/gallon gas prices!

Listen in to Heather as she shares her travel wisdom and inspiring ideas on the new Girlfriendology Podcast. Then, start planning a trip (possibly with ChickVacations.com) with your favorite gal pals!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with JODI NELSON, founder of "Play It Forward Adventures"

In a small township in South Africa, we built homes, planted gardens and loved on children. A very smelly district of Cologne, Panama found us rebuilding a church. Both, no matter the hardships and fears (and, believe me, both had some scary moments) were challenging but experiences I will never forget and that will shape me for the rest of my life.

JODI NELSON had similar experiences. She traveled to remote locations to offer aid and assistance. The relationships were incredible but extremely emotional. She also has taken adventure travel trips to exotic destinations where she found the scenery and activities challenging and invigorating. Leave it to this creative, passionate traveler to combine the two for the ultimate travel experience.

PLAY It Forward Adventures was born from these travels to allow travelers to: "Volunteer. Explore. Connect." Combining the emotional yet equally rewarding experience of humanitarian efforts with the beauty and exhilaration of active excursions, travelers balance their emotions with the culture, climate and citizens of a foreign country in a memorable manner.

Listen in to the podcast with Jodi for more about Play It Forward Adventures. You'll pick up your own lessons like these I learned:

* JUST DO IT - Jodi recognized the exhilaration and emotional impact of traveling both for adventure and to help others. She took her project management skills and applied them to making a huge difference in her life and the lives of her travelers as well as the people they meet and help. She didn't sit by and just go on her own trip once or twice a year - she shares them with others!

* GET EMOTIONAL - Helping out a family in Guatemala who has no home, is great. Seeing all the other neighbors who also live in shacks, is overwhelming. Jodi knows the emotional weight of making difference to people whose lives are so much different than our own. She balances this with adventures like hiking or kayaking. These excursions lift spirits and balance the heaviness of witnessing people's struggles.

* BUILD A COMMUNITY - One person (like Jodi) can do amazing things. A group of people can accomplish life-changing results. And, when we bond into a community, we have others who share in our joy and emotions, who celebrate and cry with us, who care. These Play It Forward Adventures are forming a community of caring and adventurous travelers.

For me, memories of South Africa and Panama remind me to be thankful for all that I have - a home, friends and family who are relatively healthy and safe, opportunities to earn a living and anticipation of good things ahead. Interested in experiencing life and adventures in a foreign country? Want to go somewhere with your family or friends where you'll make a difference and experience an unforgettable adventure? Listen in to Jodi Nelson of Play It Forward Adventures. Just do it.

Helping a girlfriend through a transition - Chocolate helps!

My thoughtful girlfriend Jennifer (from my entrepreneurial group in blog below), gave me this wonderful orange daisy chocolate to celebrate my leaving a job and moving forward toward my dreams. (Recognize the flower in the Girlfriendology logo?!) She wasn't the only girlfriend who marked this change in my career and life with a gift or card. My friend Katie (who is so dang thoughtful!) gave me a bottle of wine, some girlfriend gifts, cards and a note that was so sweet - I'll save it forever. My girlfriends Carole, Becky, Barb, Dana and Cath all shared meals with me last week (and bought - you kind, generous girlfriends!).

Even on her girlfriend weekend, my sweet girlfriend Ellen called from FL to ask how my last day was. Numerous emails and calls came from girlfriends near and far to mark this new chapter of my life. Each one showed their support and love - which I do not know what I would do without!

Thanks to all of you! Thanks for your friendship, love and support. And, thanks for being the inspiration for Girlfriendology. We can make the world a better place - one friendship at a time. THANKS GIRLFRIENDS!

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Doing a favor for a girlfriend! (for traveling moms)

In a previous podcast we talked with Beth Whitman, author of Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo. Beth replaced any fear of traveling alone, with inspiration for actively exploring this great planet. (Listen in to the podcast for some of her adventures and you'll want to plan a trip soon!)

I'm fortunate to have developed a friendship with Beth. She has shared ideas with me for Girlfriendology and been very helpful - she's become a girlfriend. So, what do you do when a girlfriend asks a favor? Well, if at all possible, you do it - right?

Beth asked me to share this with you, so here it is (and I hope you respond to her!):

I'm currently working on the third book in my Wanderlust and Lipstick series. This one is: For Women Traveling with Children and I am looking for women who would like to be interviewed for the book! If you have experience with traveling with your kid(s) domestically or abroad (even if the hubby/sig'o was with you), I'd love to hear from you to set up an interview.

If you have stories to tell, check out Beth's web site and leave your contact info. Thanks Girlfriends! (And listen in to the podcast to get some great travel inspiration!)

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!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with STELLA GRIZONT, from Ladies Who Launch

Each of us are 'wired differently.' Some women are moms, some are moms of dogs/cats. Some of us love to cook, others just love to have someone cook for them (me!). Some women are 'home-bodies' and others (like previous podcast guest and travel solo author Beth Whitman of Wunderlust and Lipstick) love to explore exotic destinations. And then there are those who love working in a corporate environment and women who thrive as an entrepreneur. I am one of those women!

Actually, those women (female entrepreneurs) are 11 million strong in the U.S. and are growing at three times the number of male entrepreneurs. So, where to do these women go when they need a 'push' in launching their creative projects/businesses? One great resource is Ladies Who Launch - an organization that helps women successfully plant and grow their ideas into thriving businesses. To tell us about it, STELLA GRIZONT, Director of Incubator Development for Ladies Who Launch, joined us on a recent podcast to share information and resources for women with an entrepreneurial spirit and dream. (FYI - there is also a book for Ladies Who Launch: How to live your dreams and love your life!)

I totally enjoyed talking with Stella about Ladies Who Launch and their successful programs and resources for female entrepreneurs. I learned a lot from her too, like:

* FOLLOW YOUR PASSION - You can have all the resources, money and time but if you're not passionate about what you want to do, you may be successful but it will be more of a challenge and not as rewarding. Stick with what you're completely passionate about! (Like for me - promoting female friendship! I think Girlfriendology can make the world better and I'm passionate about that!)

* LOOK FOR RESOURCES - There's no reason to go it alone when you've got girlfriends who can help! Ladies Who Launch offers great resources for female entrepreneurs like events and entrepreneurial incubators - plus they have a book for anyone who wants to venture into their own venture.

* SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO JUMP - At 24, Stella was a Senior Brand Strategist at Young & Rubicam, one of the world's largest ad agencies. This prestigious position wasn't enough for her - she needed (you guessed it!) to do something for which she had passion. So, in 2007 Stella joined Ladies Who Launch full time as Director of Strategic Development working to expand the Incubator program into a global platform for women launchers. She develops new programming for members, trains leaders and continues to grow and garner the Ladies Who Launch brand experience.

Listen in to Stella on the newest Girlfriendology Podcast. Entrepreneurial dreams or not, you'll be inspired. Maybe to start your own business or just to start a new creative project. Or maybe you'll just be more equipped to inspire another girlfriend who may have dreams of being an entrepreneur. Inspire each other. That's what girlfriends do! Thanks Stella! Thanks Ladies Who Launch!

Life from New York ... Girlfriendology!

It was a rocking Friday night in NYC and I wished my girlfriends were there with me! Here's a quick message and photo from Time Square. It's just not as fun without a friend to share it with! Wish you were there!!

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Where are YOUR favorite places for girlfriend trips? Big cities? Cruises? Spas? Share!

New Girlfriendology Podcast - Girlfriend's Travel Expert BETH WHITMAN

I love to travel. I mean it. I really LOVE to travel. However, I admittedly am hesitant to travel on my own which stops me from experiencing places that I dream about visiting. And, I think we women often miss out on travel adventures for the same reason - until now!

Meet travel addict BETH WHITMAN. Beth has traveled for over 20 years to countless countries and cultures. She's taught classes on solo travel for women, has written a book - WANDERLUST AND LIPSTICK: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo and has an active website and blog with a world of traveling tips.

Beth talked with Girlfriendology on our weekly podcast about her travel lifestyle, destinations and adventures and her advice for being a woman and traveling solo. Listen in for great travel tips and wonderful worldly wisdom. Thanks Beth for sharing and inspiring! Now let's get packing and go travel!

TIP TUESDAY #14 - Girlfriend Podcasting Advice?

The recent PodCamp that I attended (a seminar for Podcasters and people in "new media"), found me in the company of a bunch of techies - but I was happy to see more women than in previous technology events. Having a little experience in the technology world (I was on the USB initial marketing team and marketed computer audio equipment), it was overwhelming but also extremely invigorating. Through podcasting (and blogs and audiocasting) there are so many more ways to communicate with others which is an exciting time to be Girlfriendology and building community with women all over the world promoting female friendship!

My girlfriend Dana is a big podcast fan. She listens to podcasts nightly to put her to sleep or in the middle of the night if she wakes up. Another girlfriend, Carrie is one of the Diva Cast - a popular podcast of five, fun, fourty-something female friends who I met up with at PodCamp. (I was very lucky to have her there as well as her fellow Diva Sharon and their techie guru Robin - anything is better with a girlfriend along!)

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question:

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, how often? Why? Which ones? What podcasts would you recommend for your girlfriends?

Part of our goal at Girlfriendology is to, like a helpful girlfriend, share information with each other that makes our life better. Perhaps our podcast with ELLEN SHUMAN on emotional eating would help you or a friend. SHELLEY BALL-DANNENBERG recently did a podcast with us on dyslexia. BETH WHITMAN is about to do a podcast with us on traveling solo. All these are based on being a good girlfriend to you.

Let us know of any "girlfriend authors or experts" we should interview on our Girlfriendology Podcasts - email ideas@girlfriendology.com. And listen in to a few podcasts and let us know what you think. We're here for our girlfriends and we'd love to hear from you!

Adventures and Travels in Finding New Female Friends

My girlfriend Dana connected with several women on a diet website. Soon they were talking, emailing and sharing their struggles and successes together. After several months of their online friendship, they decided to 'take it offline' and meet for a weekend in Chicago. Dana arrived first and nervously knitted away time before her new 'friends' arrived. Would she enjoy them in person? Would they get along for the weekend or was this a weird idea to meet for a girlfriend group get-together with women she just knew online?

An older woman in the lobby made conversation with her and Dana explained that she was there waiting on a several friends that she had made over the internet. She admitted she was somewhat hesitant if this get-together was a good idea or not. Sensing her nervousness and unsure of the situation, the woman asked Dana, "They're women, aren't they?"

I met up with an internet 'girlfriend' this weekend. Carrie contacted me a few months ago because we both have podcasts for women. We shared our challenges and experiences and enjoyed getting to know each other. Carrie is one of "The Diva Cast" a popular podcast of five forty-something fun, fabulous friends. I met her and one of the other Divas (the fun and funny Sharon). They are so great and I'm thrilled to know them. (Plus, Robin was also very fun to meet you!) And, I love when successful women are so fun and nice! They generously shared their ideas with me and encouraged me to continue to grow Girlfriendology.

What's the lesson? The moral of the stories? The inspiration? Go for it. Make a new friend. It might be on the internet or over the phone, it could be a new neighbor or a coworker, perhaps it is just a woman you ended up talking with at the grocery store or in a yoga class. We women NEED girlfriends and you never know where you'll find them - but you know you're life will be much better with girlfriends!

p.s. And, Dana and her diet diva girlfriends had a blast in Chicago. (The diets, however, did not have a good weekend!)

Back to the 'real world' - but with my girlfriends!

Making it back from Paris in less time than a full day at work is pretty amazing. Actually, it is 'time travel' that invigorates me and gives me time to pause and think about life, places, adventures, God, people, the husband and puppy that await me, etc. The time difference plays tricks with me and my brain bounced around from ideas and dreams, to worries and fears. All in all, international travel is fascinating and surreal - and I love it.

Fortunately for me, I return home to a country of friends, a city of neighbors and a home with a cute, but bigger, puppy. Phone calls and emails check in on my safe travels and international adventures. Lunches are planned with girlfriends (Lisa and Becky - see you next week) to catch up on all the little details that make up our lives. Life is good. Being home is great.

The real world also brought back a sad reality of a friend with a very ill infant. I had prayed for Daniel while in the Atlantic sky and return to learn that there are more severe diagnoses and potential challenges ahead. I wish there was 'time travel' for my girlfriend and her husband. I wish they could travel to a place where Daniel was well and they are able to laugh together as a family. I'd transport them to a place where they're happy not sad, rested and relaxed not stressed and where answers and solutions would reveal themselves. If only I really had the power of time travel.

But back in the 'real world' with a real time difference and still a bit of jet lag, I'm blessed to have friends, health, a sweet puppy, a warm house and a good life. Thanks friends for caring about me and my travels. Thanks girlfriends for the gift of your friendship and for all the happy memories of times together. And, if you're the 'praying kind,' please say a special prayer for Daniel and his parents. Pray that time will be a friend and that they will share great moments together.


P.S. One of my Christmas gifts from a very dear, thoughtful friend (and a wonderful gift buyer!) was from my friend Terri who gave me "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. It was the perfect book to read while traveling and while pondering big life questions. For me, it was a very spiritual, uplifting book that made me look at people differently. Like on the Paris train with the gypsy accordion players, I noticed people's eyes and tried to see the beauty in every person. During my many sleepless nights I prayed for Daniel and my friends and to learn the lessons that I need. Thanks Terri! It was great to have something from you with me in Germany and France. It really made my trip much more meaningful and enjoyable!

Hello from Paris!

Hi Girlfriends! Bonjour from PARIS! (Not KY!) Can I just tell you that even in this wild country, all I really want is my girlfriends to hang out with?! Tonight I snuck away from my coworkers and just went to the Eiffel Tower on my own and it was wonderful! (Aside from wishing you all were there!) Funny how being in a distant place will make you miss those people who are closest to your heart. (Like you girlfriends!) Nothing like being in a foreign country to make you appreciate those who you feel closest to!

So, BONJOUR my Amis! (Hello by Friends! - Actually check out our new products on Cafepress for a French/Friend design!) Can I just tell you how much I miss my girlfriends?! Cath, Becky, Deana, Terri, Paula, Tina, Judy, Bridget, Anne, etc. - I miss you and wish you were here!

TIP TUESDAY #11 - Girlfriend Packing Tips

It's a little late for me, I leave tonight for Frankfurt, but we got some great comments to our travel tip request last Tuesday. So, let's stay on this little travel journey together. This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What packing tips do you have for traveling? Maybe it's traveling alone or with the family - what do you do to make it easier, tighter, better - with everything you need??

Again, a little late for me, I'm taking too much I'm sure to Frankfurt and Paris, plus I need to have some room for things we'll buy there. (We get to spend a day in Paris just 'trend shopping'!) I'm just concerned I have the right shoes and warm enough clothing without taking my HUGE coat!

I'll check in from the road but please share tips among yourselves!

P.S. Again, I'd highly recommend any travel books by Marybeth Bond. Listen to her podcast for great girlfriend or personal travel tips. Check out her web site for the "Gutsy Traveler" and her travel books for women!

TIP TUESDAY #10 - Girlfriend Airport Travel Tips

Monday and Tuesday this week found me in Atlanta (and airports in between). Next Tuesday I head for Germany and France which means more airports and an even "longer time to hang in the sky." (Sorry, some old John Denver line!)
So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What tips do you have for airports and flying?

Don't get me wrong, I generally LOVE airports. The energy, the people watching, the movement of people on a mission going somewhere with a whole bunch of strangers, the interaction and conversations, the anticipation of 'time travel' to a different destination ... it is a luxury that I recognize and appreciate for the opportunity.

However, there are also the long security lines, even longer transports to terminals, super tight seats, waiting on the tarmack, delays, unexpected changes in plans ... the spectrum of life's ups and downs (literally) all in the space of a few hours between destinations.

My tip is to walk. I walked from Check-in at Delta in Atlanta through the underground tunnel and back and forth on Terminals A, B and C yesterday. It helped me occupy my time, gave me lots of people watching opportunities and helps me feel better for the snacks I consume (in lieu of a real meal!). I get energized from airports, inspired by the different people who's path I cross and sometimes even blessed by smiles and random acts of kindness along the way.

Share your airport travel tip. Selfishly, I can use it before next week's international flights. Hopefully others can share and benefit from tips so we help each other have safe and enjoyable journeys, or as my Dad called it 'traveling mercies.'

P.S. For great girlfriend or personal travel tips, check out the podcast with Marybeth Bond. She is the "Gutsy Traveler," and the #1 Women's Travel Expert. From places to visit to how to pack, shop, dress, etc. Marybeth's the expert. Check out her and her great travel books for women!

Travel alone or with your girlfriends ... just make sure you travel with MARYBETH BOND, the Gutsy Traveler!

I love to travel. I just got back from being in Indianapolis, Chicago and Minneapolis for the past week. I'd still be on the road if it wasn't for having to work to afford more travel!

While on the road, I arranged an interview with the #1 Women's Travel Expert in the World - MARYBETH BOND, the "Gutsy Traveler." Marybeth is the author of nine books (and more coming!) including: 50 Best Girlfriend Getaways in North America, A Woman's World and Gutsy Women. She's been on Oprah, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, etc. and has won awards for her travel writing.

In our podcast interview Marybeth shared great tips for traveling alone or with your girlfriends. She shared wonderful ideas from her most recent book (50 Best Girlfriend Getaways, published this year by National Geographic) - like the best cities to visit for girlfriend trips to shop, what destinations are best for bonding with your female friends or where to go to heal (from a relationship, from losing a job, etc.). Great info for women travelers!

Take your own girl's night out to listen to Marybeth's podcast or read one of her helpful, insightful books. Then email us at Girlfriendology with any questions, comments or podcast interviewee recommendations. Or just tell us about a special trip you've taken with your girlfriends.

Enjoy time and travels with your girlfriends! Have wonderful adventures - all over the world! And, thanks Marybeth!