My Favorite Girlfriend Gift ...

For the November Girlfriendology Contest, we asked: What is your favorite gift to give to, or receive from, a girlfriend?

I started thinking about my favorite gifts for and from girlfriends ... scarfs Dana has knit for me, jewelry Terri gave me, a beautiful plant from Deana and a thoughtful 'dog angel' sculpture this year when our golden retriever died, how Barb let me live with her family for six months when we were moving ... lots of girlfriend gift memories hug me with love from my faithful and fabulous female friends. I am truly blessed.

Lots of inspiring stories came in for the contest. Several won prizes - like a Starbucks gift certificate to take their girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology. Not everyone could win prizes so we came up with the "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway" for December. These inspirational insights deserve to be heard and celebrated.

And heard they are ... the Podcast with all the great girlfriend stories is now online. Listen in for stories from Cherie, Beth, Rochelle and Unita. Get ideas from Robin, Christine, Jenny, Heather and Veronica. Inspired? I'm sure you will be, and hopefully you will be to the point that you share in our current Contest and "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway." This month, being a season of gratitude and love, we ask what girlfriends you're thankful for and why. Please share. You'll inspire someone else to be a better friend. Think of the ripple effect that could have! Thanks Girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #5 - What's your last minute holiday shopping tip?

Today is my husband's birthday. I don't think they should let women have babies in December - it is too hard to come up with presents for that and for the holidays! "I don't need anything," he tells me. Well, that sure helps make shopping easy!

In addition to him and other family members, I am blessed with great girlfriends and need to shop for (or make) gifts for them. With extremely limited budget and time, my stress level starts to rise.

I've mentioned this book before but it comes to mind ... In The Tending Instinct, by Shelley Taylor, stress tests done on women show that we respond with "tend and befriend." Shopping is getting stressful, so I'm looking to my girlfriends for HELP!

This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

"What shopping secrets do you have for hard-to-buy-for girlfriends and others?"

One of the best gifts of "girlfriendship" is that we learn so much from each other. Please, be a "Santa," and share your shopping secrets! Thanks girlfriends! Happy Shopping!!

p.s. Speaking of "gifts," this is the month of the Girlfriendology "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway." While you won't receive them in time to put them under the tree, you will have a nice gift for yourself or a friend in '08.

New Girlfriendology Podcast impacts you or one of your girlfriends!

I was amazed at the facts. 5-10% of young girls/women in the U.S. are challenged by food disorders. 3.5% of women struggle with Binge Eating Disorder. And a whole bunch of us deal with body image, self esteem and emotional eating. We need help - right?

Well, fortunately one of my girlfriends is ELLEN SHUMAN. She is the Director of the Acoria Eating Disorder Treatment Programs and A Weigh Out Life Coaching. She coaches clients from around the world, via phone, on emotional eating issues. Ellen has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and one of her coaching clients was featured in this past August’s issue of O Magazine in an article entitled “Stuffed.”

Ellen helped us see that, as girlfriends, we can and HAVE TO shift the diet and size-ism paradigm to a "healthy at any size" attitude. Listen to our podcast for the full information and check out Ellen's web site www.aweighout.com. She also offers regular free teleconferences on emotional eating (see her web site for info).

Girlfriends do make a difference in many, many lives. Share this podcast and Ellen's site with your girlfriends. Also, don't let the media impact our self esteem or body image. You love your girlfriend regardless of a number, right? Good! (Thanks Ellen - that was really fun!)

Contest Winner Poem - Does this remind you of your girlfriends?

You know that great feeling when you find the perfect gift for your best friend? And the joy you feel when you receive a present from your girlfriend that shows how special her friendship is to you! Girlfriends ARE gifts, and it is a wonderful thing when girlfriends GIVE thoughtful, special, memorable gifts!

Each month Girlfriendology has a contest for girlfriend stories. The theme changes every month and the November contest, in preparation for the holidays, was on 'gifts.' What gifts have you given to/received from a girlfriend that was special?

Thankfully lots of women wrote in with AMAZING STORIES. From simple acts of kindness to creative gifts, from thoughtful expressions of friendship to personalized presents that recognized their special day - it was inspiring! (Just in time for holiday shopping!)

The only negative to this monthly contest is not being able to give EVERYONE a prize* because there were many, many wonderful stories!. It was really tough judging the monthly Girlfriendology Contest!

Listen to the podcast (that will be posted soon!) to hear all the stories - the winners and those who still are winners because they are/have great girlfriends!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the November Girlfriendology Contest! Winners are: Christine - for her Thanksgiving basket, Cherie - pregnancy pampering girlfriend story, Jenny - for her caffeinated and thoughtful friend, Robin - with her charming charm bracelet story and Beth - for her beautiful best friend poem. Each of these winners will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card (to take their girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology!) and Beth also receives the Girlfriendology Journal for her top entry girlfriend story:

Jackie's birthday was coming up and, being a best friend, Beth decided to write a poem and frame (with this picture of the two of them). This effort won her top prize (Starbucks gift card AND the Girlfriendology Journal) for the following poem she wrote for a valued friend ...

Once in a lifetime you'll find a friend you'll know you can never replace,
You'll feel it the moment you meet her - it's written all over her face.

Soon she begins to give of herself in ways you would never have known,
No friend you have been with before she appeared saved you so much from being alone.

She stands by your side through thick and through thin - through happiness, tears or regret,
You find yourself needing her more everyday, and all of her friendship you get.

She'd give her last dime to people in need, no matter if she needs it more,
You find yourself asking the Lord up above why He didn't give you her before.

If He had she'd have been there for birthdays forgotten by others you thought never would,
She'd have been there when others betrayed all your trust, convincing you life is still good.

She's the kind of a friend you can trust with your soul - you can trust her, in fact, with your life,
She's a sister, a mother, a co-worker too, a grandma and even a wife.

Yet she still finds the time on her busiest days to stop and check in just to say,
"I haven't been hearing from you in a while - please tell me friend, are you okay"?

There is nothing you know you can do for this friend to let her know how much you care,
For her friendship, her kindness, your constant belief that you know she will always be there.

How do you say to a friend such as this that you're thankful for all she has done?How do you show her the love that you have for a friendship, no doubt's, number one?

How do you put into words what you feel for this friend that you love, oh so much?
A woman who's hand on a shoulder in need clears up sadness with one little touch?

I guess you just feel it and she'll know it's true - she can read you right down to the core,
And you hope when she does that she'll see her own face staring out from your heart evermore.

This friend I call Jackie, the one that I love, who has been there for me all this time,
Is the greatest of friends that you ever can have - I'm so thankful to God that she's mine.

Thanks Beth for the poem and to Jackie for being poem-worthy! Thanks to everyone who submitted great girlfriend stories!

* And, since we're getting so many great stories AND it is the season for giving gifts, we've designated December as the Girlfriendology "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway"! Each day in December, everyone who submits a girlfriend story will go into a drawing for a free book/gift. In addition, the top five stories will win a $10 Starbucks gift card (to take you and a girlfriend out for coffee) and the top over all will win the Girlfriendology Journal. See Girlfriendology for the rules/information. Then write us! I'm sure you have a girlfriend who deserves to be recognized for her friendship (and you deserve a great girlfriend gift!).

Giving Great Girlfriend Gifts

Don't you love gifts from girlfriends who KNOW you and KNOW what you'd like? My friend Terri is that kind of girlfriend. Recently we were together (we live 750 miles apart) and, having November and December birthdays, we celebrated them in between. Neither of us have tons of money to purchase elaborate gifts, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that we KNOW each other - our likes, personalities and preferences.

It does help that we have common likes. We both love coffee (and always laugh over a day we both spilled coffee down our shirts at a seminar!). We love music, jewelry, dogs and wine. Good things to have in common!

But we also have different likes ... She is a fabulous cook and my husband does all the cooking in my home. I love to craft and she would rather craft out a great menu. Together I think we make a great pair!

For my birthday I received a cool coffee candle and I gave her a coffee cup to remind her of me. She gave me fabulous crystal earrings and I made her some sparkly candle holders. (I think she got the bad end on that deal!) As our tradition, she gave me an annual musical selection CD (love that!) and I gave her a Girlfriendology BFF apron from the Girlfriendology Store. (There are even more girlfriend gifts on Girlfriendology.com!)

I love my gifts and I love giving gifts to my wonderful BFF. The meal, of course, was perfect and the wine was fine! However, the best gift was just her friendship and spending time together.

The holidays are here as well as the season of giving girlfriend gifts. Consider your friends' favorite things, hobbies, personality. Look for unique ways to show female friends how special their friendship is to you. Maybe even make her something (visit GirlfriendologyToo for some ideas!) and/or wrap your gifts creatively to fit the them of your present or her personal style. Show her how much you appreciate the gift of her friendship!

P.S. There is only one day left to enter the current Girlfriendology Contest that (this month) asks the question: "What is the best gift you've received from or given to a girlfriend?" Go for it! You could take your girlfriend to Starbucks on Girlfriendology!

TIP TUESDAY #4 - Share your shopping tips with girlfriends!

My friend Amy recently interviewed for a radio station's 'secret shopper' position. In the interview, they asked, "What is your shopping strategy?" That got me thinking that maybe I've shopped too many hours without a plan?! Help!

This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

"What is your shopping strategy for the holidays? What do you recommend for getting all the right presents in the limited time that you have?"

I'd like to recommend one way - shopping online. I know they say there is little time left but I'm confident Amazon and other online stores will get me my packages in time for giving. I need to make a list and plan some time to shop, wrap and give.

The wonderful gift of girlfriends is that we learn so much from each other. Please share your shopping strategy/tips - tis the season to need help! Thanks girlfriends! Happy Shopping!!

p.s. Just a shopping idea - if your girlfriend enjoys traveling, check out any books by MARYBETH BOND, the #1 women's travel expert. She recently talked with Girlfriendology on our podcast and has tons of travel tips, perfect for women on their own or traveling with their girlfriends!

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!

Giving Thanks for the wonderful women who have influenced my life

I've been working with Julie long distance. (She wrote the new "JULIE's Joy" line for Girlfriendology.) In getting to know each other, Julie asked, "So, do you have really good girlfriends? Did they inspire you to start Girlfriendology?"

It made me think about it. I have great girlfriends now but what made me start to really appreciate female friendship so much? My family moved around a lot when I was growing up. Perhaps it was that - we moved frequently and each time I missed my girlfriends.

College came and I met Barb, Shelley, Deana, Dana, Kleta, Rhonda, Laurie and so many other wonderful girlfriends. After college, I met girlfriends through work and life - like Cath, Amy*, another Amy (and her sister Kate), Patty, Terri, Barb, Carole, Katie, Lisa and Angie.

I joined an association of primarily women and met livelong friends like Lisa, Katie, Vicki, Julie, Jill, Tammy and Marie. Penny, Now I have neighbors, walking buddies, dinner club girlfriends and friends from entrepreneurial women's groups and church - Becky, Paula, Tina, Judy, Ruth Sara, Melody, Bridget, Joan, Anne, Karen, Ellen, Colleen, Allison, Amy, Lydia, Joyce and Cindi. And so many others! (Thanks Julie for asking me about my girlfriend inspiration!)

Each of us have similar stories and histories with girlfriends - and for that (for me and for you/all women) I am thankful. Each of these women have influenced me in so many many ways - from values I have to clothes I wear, from my creative hobbies to the books I read, to every aspect of my life. To each of you I say thanks. Thanks for the friendships you've given me and the lessons you've taught me. Thanks for the support and laughter, the shoulders and hands up, for believing in me and making me a better person.

'Tis the season to express your appreciation for all the good things in life - and shouldn't girlfriends be on the top of your list?! Call, write, email, just share with your girlfriends how much their friendship mean to you. And thanks to all the women who taught me about the really important things in life - like girlfriends.

*As I write this, I'm in Minnesota. So many years ago (probably 10 or 11!) my friend Amy invited us to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend (now husband) and his family. Well, today we were there again (as we have almost every Thanksgiving since!). Thanks Amy (and Charley - and his wonderful family - Peggy, Bill etc.!). Girlfriends who become family - that is what life is about!

TIP TUESDAY #3 - Girlfriend guide to surviving relatives and retail madness?!

Unbelievable! It is two days until Thanksgiving!! Last chance ladies, we need to bond together to help each other through the sometimes stressful, always hectic holidays. So ...

This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

"What is your secret for sanity during the holidays? What do you recommend for taking care of you when you have way too much on your 'to do' list?!"

Hmmm ... that gets me thinking, what do I do to preserve what little sanity I maintain?! That one is tough because I have a ridiculous tradition of making the world's most labor-intensive holiday card during the world's most labor-intensive holiday. I don't indulge in spa visits or massages (although those would be a great idea!). I rarely get enough sleep and challenge myself to keep multiple activities going simultaneously.

Again ... hmmm. One thing that does help me is listening to holiday music. I love it! (Well, most of it. I'm not a big fan of "Grandma got run over by a reindeer"!) And I do spend time each day in meditation and planning, which is a grounding time for me year 'round.

TIP TUESDAY was started because girlfriends always have great advice and tips for making life easier, better, more fun, cheaper, yummier, etc. Please share your girlfriend advice for this and other TIP TUESDAY blogs. Thanks girlfriends - it is fun sharing with you and learning from you! (And, HAPPY THANKSGIVING early!)

My girlfriends have changed me for good ...

My college roommate and best friend, Barb (aka: Suzie - the code name for her in a bar if we didn't want to give away her real name!), inspires me with her thoughtfulness. She's a great listener, gift-giver (in fact, she could be up for this Month's Girlfriendology Contest!) and always makes my birthdays, meals together and our conversations special. In true Barb fashion, last week she brought me the soundtrack to Wicked so I could listen to it before seeing the play this past Saturday in Chicago.

If you haven't seen Wicked yet, I'd highly recommend it. It really is a 'girlfriend story' about Glinda and Elphaba (the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch). They form an unexpected and deep friendship that deals with several twists and turns along the way in Oz. Without ruining it for you, they share a very special song at the end about being friends. It made me cry (both in the car listening to the CD Barb gave me and during the live performance) because it so wonderfully shares the sentiment of girlfriends:

GLINDA
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

I know Barb (and the other girlfriends who bless my life) came into my life for a reason and that because I knew them, I have been changed for good. This being Thanksgiving, it is a perfect time to be thankful for girlfriends. Thanks Barb for your lifelong friendship. Thanks to you for reading. Take time to thank your wonderful female friends for how they've changed your life. And, make an effort to make your girlfriends' lives better by your friendship. Together we're all changed for good.

p.s. Do you have a girlfriend who's changed your life for good? Share about it in our Monthly Girlfriendology Contest or by adding comments to this blog. Inspire others. That's another great benefit of girlfriends!

"Inspire, challenge and grow - with a girlfriends group," says life coach Debbie Lundberg

MBA, Author and Life Coach DEBBIE LUNDBERG talks with Girlfriendology on our most recent podcast regarding her philosophies on women. Starting out in a male oriented industry, she noticed women either supported each other to grow or held other women down. This initiated her life coaching (to primarily women, but also to men and organizations) as well as her active role in fostering growth in women.

She started a women's group - the Tampa VEGAs (for Vision, Experience, Growth and Appreciation) who encourage each other to grow, learn and be their best self. Their recent event, Choose to Inspire, inspired women to be empowered through organization of their home, meals, finances, life and spirit.

Come hear Debbie's advice for supporting other women, for starting a girlfriend's group and for making a difference in women's lives. Thanks Debbie!

TIP TUESDAY #2 - Share your Holiday Tips with Girlfriends

Wow - can you believe Thanksgiving is a week from Thursday?!?! How does it sneak up so fast? Leaves are still turning and falling here in the mid-west and we even have the windows open tonight on Nov. 12th!

But, nonetheless, the holidays are here.

What favorite holiday tip do you have?

Maybe it is a shopping hint for a week from Friday? Or advice for not overdoing it on mashed potatoes and rolls at family dinners? Perhaps you have guidelines for spending time with your girlfriends, even when the holidays get hectic?

My tip? Since I make my own holiday cards (you can see some of them on the other Girlfriendology blog - www.girlfriendologyToo.blogspot.com - for the creative side of girlfriends), I often find myself super stressed trying to get everything done on time. I usually take projects with me in the car when my husband drives. (I've taken things to read, put together or even cut out - even with a big paper cutter, in the car!) I know it is a whimpy idea, but it helps me multi-task when in transit.

Okay, another one? I usually buy a bunch of hostess gifts early in the season to share when we visit our friends. Wine, candles, coffee, cookies - whatever might be a good treat for them to have around during the holidays. It just saves me time from rushing out frequently to find a rush gift.

Okay your turn! Remember, one of the great things about girlfriends is how we learn so much from each other. Just click on "comment" below and share your advice. And, don't let the holidays stress you out. Make sure and spend time with your girlfriends. Together you'll laugh, reduce your stress levels, be healthier and even live longer - which means you'll have even more time to enjoy your girlfriends! Happy Holidays! (Now, leave a TIP!)

p.s. Coming around Thanksgiving - more shopping for your girlfriends at www.girlfriendology.com! Get your shopping done then go hang out with your girlfriends!

New Podcast with JULIE STEPHANI - girlfriend groups, crafting and Marie Osmond!

JULIE STEPHANI is a very busy woman. As editor of Home Arts magazine and The Creative Arts Club (with over 340,000 members!), you might wonder if this woman even has time to craft, much less talk with Girlfriendology. Thankfully for us, she does and she did! Check out our latest podcast as Julie inspires us to get together with our female friends (creative or who think they're not creative!) And, hear her insight into crafting given to her by Marie Osmond!

Thanks Julie for inspiring us to enjoy, appreciate and create with our girlfriends!

Remembering a Girlfriend ... Celebrating Anne-Marie

It was a strange week. High and low points hitting on the same day. An emotional roller coaster kind of week. (Thankfully I have my girlfriends to join me on this wild ride called 'life!')

On a high point, it was my birthday and I got lots of calls, cards and attention. I had a fun lunch with my gal pal Becky ("the kitchen goddess" and hopefully the next Food Network Star!). After an art gallery visit, we had a very nice dinner with my roommate from college, Barb, and her husband Steve. There were gifts, quality time with friends and time to celebrate life and friendships. It was a good day. Well sort of ...

Several years ago I decided to have my long hair (below my waist since about second grade) cut off. It was pretty drastic and deserved some support which Anne-Marie and Cath offered. Cath arranged the appointment and went with me. Anne-Marie showed up with a brown paper bag. In it was a party! Wine, cheese, snacks - we had quite an afternoon at the salon! It made it memorable and fun. (And I donated my hair to Locks of Love so it benefited someone else.) I love the memories of that day and smile thinking back to that hair-cutting party in the salon with Anne-Marie and Cath.

As much as my girlfriend Cath didn't want to share the news with me on my birthday, she had to. I wanted to know. Our mutual friend Anne-Marie died on my birthday. Anne-Marie courageously fought Hodgkin's Lymphoma for six years. She was strong, sassy, friendly, funny and so caring.

Cath wins the great girlfriend award for being by her side for the final weeks of her life, as she had for the 18 previous years. She had some amazing conversations with both Anne-Marie and her family. She generously gave her time, love and support. In the end, there are sweet and sad memories to celebrate. But celebrate it is, because she was here to bless many, many lives.

I know with girlfriends, that generally the happy times far exceed the sad but I am thankful for and humbled by the gifts of love that girlfriends give each other. From spending time making something little like a haircut into a party, to holding onto each other during tough times. As shared in the most recent podcast (amazing stories of the winners of the recent Girlfriendology contest), girlfriends have been there for each other through loss of a spouse, moves and financial struggles, illness, etc. As challenging as life is, we really couldn't do it alone. We need our girlfriends.

If it is a birthday or a bad day, be there for your girlfriends. Happy or sad, healthy or not, loved or lonely - girlfriends make it much better. Try it. Share your life with a friend and allow her to share her 'real' life with you too. Hold onto the important things in life ... like the friend who is there for you no matter what. Celebrate your friendships and memories of wonderful people who bless your life. Thanks girlfriends. Thanks Anne-Marie and thanks Cath!

Girlfriend Tip Tuesday - new news, every Tuesday

Hang out with a group of girlfriends and you're sure to get some advice. It is our nature to share information among our friends and to help each other solve problems, have a better life and just share with each other. That is a great benefit of having girlfriends!

I've heard/shared information with my female friends on new restaurants, make-up tips, recipes (generally those my husband has tried!), crafting techniques, good books, sales and specials, etc. Just thought quick phone conversations, my girlfriends have helped me improve my life by offering web sites that might interest/educate me, TV shows I should check out and what stores have great greeting cards, and much, much more.

So, in an effort to solicit ideas from you and to see what all we can share together, I've created TIP TUESDAY. Each week I'll post a topic and question. I welcome (beg?!) you to participate and give your feedback so we can all learn from each other's experiences. So, here goes ...

This Girlfriendology TIP TUESDAY question: What make-up products do you swear by? What can you recommend or NOT recommend?

A few TIPS to get you started: My friend Laurie (hopefully will participate!) is a make-up addict lately. Not that she wears a lot of it, she just has founds some that she loves on the Internet and has even participated in their discussion boards. Laurie - please share!

My husband worked on the Bare Escentuals infomercial so he bought me some of that. I thought it worked well and after using it for a few months was told by a make-up person that my skin was much better than the previous time she did my make-up. I'm all about taking better care of my skin - it isn't getting any younger!

And, from my girlfriend JOAN KAUP* she shared: "

About products I can recommend: Sephora nail polish remover. This seems like a little thing, but to find a polish remover that works - easily without a smelly mess, is a good thing. Sephora has one choice. Buy it and try it. I'd recommend if even if it wasn't purple."

Share a TIP! Leave a comment. Give some girlfriend advice! Or just send on to a girlfriend who you knows has an opinion they'd like to share. And come back next Tuesday for more!

*JOAN is running for City Council and today is election day. So I'm hoping this perfect timing thing is a good omen!

Girlfriends are GIFTS - just in time for our NEW CONTEST!

My friend Jill, even when dealing with 'stuff,' always can make me laugh. Katie and Lisa, my mastermind buddies, give me great ideas and a new perspective on things. My neighbor Anne is always thoughtful and checks in if we haven't seen each other in a few days. And, my roommate from college Barb, always makes time for me even with a busy family. Each girlfriend is a gift and I am so blessed!

The October Girlfriendology Contest was about special girlfriends and we received several really inspiring stories. (Thanks to all of you!) Since today is November 1, we're off on a New CONTEST and a new way to take your girlfriend out for a Starbucks on Girlfriendology. So, drum roll please ...

NOVEMBER CONTEST: Has a girlfriend ever given you a really special gift? Or, have you had the opportunity or a great creative idea to give your girlfriend something that she really, REALLY appreciated (and that you loved giving)?! Tell us about it!

The holidays are quickly approaching and what better time to think about gifts and girlfriends? We'll share your inspiring stories with each other just in time to give the perfect girlfriend gifts. And, if you're one of five top stories, you'll win a $10 gift certificate for Starbucks to take your girlfriend out for a coffee on Girlfriendology. Also, the top overall story wins a Girlfriendology Journal.

And, as you may know, the October Contest ended with a bang! Seal Press ("groundbreaking books by and for women!) was generous enough to provide five copies of Rosie Molinary's book, "Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image and Growing Up Latina" (featured on our recent podcast) for the next five girlfriends to share a story on their girlfriends.

Another drum roll please! This months winners are:

Our Monthly Contest Winners: Tammy, Carol, Michele, Brooke and Elizabeth* (All receive a $10 Starbucks card to take their girlfriend out for a coffee on Girlfriendology. * Also won the Girlfriendology journal.) Congratulations Girlfriends!

Our Special Prize for entries at the end of the month (they win a free copy of Hijas Americanas): Debbie, Rochelle, Jane, Michele and Brooke.

Want to hear their great girlfriend stories? Listen to our new podcast for their inspiring tales of appreciation of their fabulous female friends. Like the quote from As Good As it Gets, these stories make me want to be a better girlfriend. Thanks to all of you inspiring women!

Send in your story today, then think about it and send in another story tomorrow. What great gift has a girlfriend given you? Her time? Her friendship? A personalized present? A shoulder to cry or a reason to laugh? Share your story. Inspire other women. Then be the girlfriend that shows her female friends how much she appreciates and loves them. Thanks girlfriends!

Girlfriends, book club and conversation - always a great combination!

Last night was our neighborhood book club at my house. As Kris Radish said in her podcast recently, "most book clubs discuss the book for about ten minutes then they just drink wine, talk and laugh." Yep, that's our book club. And we're proud of it!

It is funny to sit back and watch this group of female friends. Some are closer friends than others, some only see each other at the monthly gathering of girlfriends. The age range varies, as does the book preference and appetizer/desert (homemade gourmet or local deli) contributions. We each have different opinions on books, city politics, grocery stores or favorite TV shows. It is the variety and differences that make us interesting and connects us.

I can tell when I've needed to talk or laugh, or when others need to. It seems to be predestined and perfect timing. We laugh, sometimes we cry, we share life. There is something so medicinal about spending time with female friends. Whatever stress is on your mind from the day, the realities of life disappear in the first glass of wine or diet pop. Shoulders release, guards drop and friendships grow just from a little 'girlfriend therapy.'

Do you have a girlfriend group? (Like the wonderful Kathy Cano-Murillo encouraged in her recent podcast?) Start a book club or a crafting group. Maybe just a lunch bunch that meets every last Friday of the month. Invite girlfriends over for brunch or watch a movie together. It isn't 'rocket surgery,'* just make a few calls and be the great girlfriend gathering instigator! Just do it!

* That was used in a movie once. Yep, a combo of 'rocket science' and 'brain surgery.' Not sure which movie but I love it!

Oprah's advice on Girlfriends, events, etc.

Across the couch from Oprah yesterday, she shared her thoughts for Girlfriendology and great ideas for girlfriend trips, events, website options, etc. I loved how she 'gets' Girlfriendology and how important it is for girlfriends to spend time together, support and encourage each other and celebrate our friendships.

No, I wasn't dreaming. I was just at a Halloween party and my friend Ellen was dressed as our favorite TV show host. Ellen, who actually has been on Oprah and was recently featured in O magazine (the issue shown above) for her emotional-eating coaching business, does share Oprah's commitment to the value of female friendships. We all know about Oprah and her best friend, Gayle. I know that Oprah and Gayle 'get' girlfriendology too. (I'll just patiently wait for the call from Harpo Productions, but it will come!)

At the party Ellen, Lydia, Colleen and Amy all asked about how things are going for Girlfriendology. I shared how the podcasts and web/blog traffic are growing and some of the exciting things that are coming. Then, out of their wonderful, caring friendships, they all offered ideas and support. I love when women 'get it' and are so supportive. It felt like being wrapped in hugs. Very comforting and warm on a chilly Fall evening.

Thanks Oprah (Ellen), Annie Oakley (Lydia), Maxwell Smart (Amy) and Shopping Charge Card (Colleen) for caring and sharing. I look forward to a lot of great ideas in '08 and having you along side as we adventure toward all of our dreams!

Talking Girlfriends with the Crafty Chica (aka: how to start a girlfriend group. Join in!)

Take seven crafty, creative, fun chicas and what do you get?! The Phoenix Fridas! That is the girlfriend group that "the Crafty Chica" KATHY CANO-MURILLO started with six other creative, Latina friends (who all just happen to admire Frida Kahlo and dig being creative!). They were even awarded the Best Latina Art Collective by the Phoenix New Times earlier this year - they're award-winning, crafty, cool, creative chicas!

Kathy talked with Girlfriendology today about her fun, creative girlfriend group on our weekly podcast. You have to listen! I was smiling during the whole conversation! Her creativity is contagious. Her enthusiasm for her girlfriends is gregarious. Her sweet, kind, encouraging spirit is just what a girlfriend longs to hear. She rocks!

Just to share a bit about Kathy, she really doesn't have time to talk with Girlfriendology - but of course she did! She was in CA working on her upcoming line of craft products (which I'm sure will be fabulous!). She recently wrote her first novel and has several creative/crafty books which inspire people all over the globe. She has designed home goods for Lowe's and has fun, funky jewelry on Target.com.

But she did. And, she is fabulous. Listen. Enjoy. Then get inspired and start your own girlfriend group. And, share your stories with Girlfriendology. Muchas Gracias Kathy! You're a real girlfriend!

Connecting with Girlfriends ... no matter the distance, time, changes

I've been MIA this week due to a quick trip to northern WI. Surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves, a calm but chilly Lake Superior and a lot of wildlife (including a wolf that my girlfriend Cara saw!), friends from OH, MI, MN and CO convened to connect after months up to five years of not seeing each other. It was a glorious gathering!

Isn't it funny how you can not see a girlfriend for literally years and you feel like you just saw her yesterday? I feel that way with my girlfriends on the trip, especially Lindy who is a dog lover and felt our pain through losing our sweet golden, Stella, two months ago. We cried together, laughed together, ate a lot together, just enjoyed being in the same room or on the same hiking trail together.

What is it about true friendship that bonds us to each other? Is it our commonalities? Or do we seek diversity and a different point of view? It isn't necessarily our ages - we had a 40 year range in our baker's dozen of friends on this trip and conversations were never limited to regional, age or other demographics. We don't all come from the same backgrounds - two teachers, several creatives, many entrepreneurs and a host of other characteristics. Our interests vary from sports to cultural events, crafts to reading, hiking to dancing. No one would have eHarmony'd us all to be great friends through years of change!

The Nigerian proverb tells us to "Hold a dear friend with both hands." Over time, distance, changes, differences ... friendships, especially between females, deserve to be cherished and celebrated. What a joy to experience beautiful friendships in such breath-taking surroundings. How sweet to walk beside a friend and learn from them, laugh with them, hold their hand and receive love and understanding from them.

Thanks Amy, Kate, Cara, Chondra, Jo, Aimee and Lindy for your love, support and friendship. May we have many more times in the future laughing, crying, sharing and just being ... together.