I'm not sure I have this totally correct but apparently my friend Kalli sent out a new holiday sentiment with her Christmas cards this season and I'd like to pass it along to my readers. It's not only priceless but echoes my feelings for the holidays:
Wishing you the freaking best holidays ever!
And to make the holidays even "sweeter" watch this video from JibJab. My kids had me play it over and over and over again (at least 5 times in a row). And while writing this post they're watching it yet again...
I admit it, I'm not an avid fan of the Twilight series. I read them all, yes, but groaned my way through New Moon and laughed my way through Breaking Dawn. I even waited until the Twilight movie was on DVD before watching it. That's why when I saw this video posted over on formerly phread I had to share it here. Enjoy!
When we started this blog it was simply an extension of georgie tees, a way for us to share news about our tees, tips about being mompreneurs and some of our favorite things, from fashion to food. And I still see this blog somewhat in that light, but as I've met other "mom bloggers," especially those who are making money from their sites, it's occurred to me that perhaps I too could make a little extra spending money for our family.
I actually have a URL purchased that I feel will make a wonderful blog and am currently planning just how I want that blog to work, the vibe I want it to have, etc. In the meantime I also want to learn everything I can about monetizing that blog if I feel it's a good fit. I am definitely NOT in it for the money but if it earns money, who am I to look a gift blog in the mouth?
If you too have been wondering how other moms are making money blogging then you need to check out my friend Vanessa's new site, MomsMakeMoneyBlogging. Vanessa is the woman behind such awesome sites as I Never Grew Up and Utah's Natural Kids and she is one of the most down-to-earth, wonderful, sincere women I know. If anyone can show you how to earn an income from your blog, Vanessa can. Heck, I'm happy to just sit back and watch her on video, she's that cute! And if I learn something in the process, that's even better!
So check out her new membership site, MomsMakeMoneyBlogging. Her intro video will have you hooked and I can guarantee the rest are definitely worth your time and membership. (And yes, she's really and truly that adorable in person!) --Emily
Though the Moms Who Make It conference took place over a week ago we are still hearing about it on Twitter, most of the tweets now from women excited about MWMI '10. (By the way, mark your calendars for around the middle of June...MWMI '10 will probably take place around June 17th and might even be two days next year!) But just last night we were able to catch KSL 5's coverage of the conference, which featured an interview with Cari Greer, one of our keynote speakers and a source of inspiration for MWMI attendees:
We were so excited when we heard KSL 5 would be on site to interview Quinn and a few of our speakers and couldn't wait to see if we would be newsworthy enough to feature. Of course WE knew we were newsworthy; it was a matter of convincing the local news station...and I think we managed to do so! Kudos to Quinn, who's idea for a conference all about empowering and inspiring women was such a success that women are already looking forward to next year's event. What can I say? Quinn totally rocks!
If you want to learn more about Quinn and CreatedByMom.com you can visit the site here. You can also view info about the recent Moms Who Make It conference, including our conference schedule, by clicking here. For more info about Cari Greer and Sole Desires shoe parties, visit SoleDesires.com.
Normally today would be a favorite recipe or foodie blog, but I'm scrapping all that in favor of my speech for the America's Next Top Blogger jury, which by the way is made up of seven super fabulous, super sexy, wonderful women!
It's down to the final two and I am here to plead my case to the aforementioned amazingly-beautiful-inside-and-out jury members. To show a little blog/link love, here are the jury members' names and sites. They all deserve a visit, a commentanda new subscriber. In no particular order because they're all #1 in my book:
So with the deadline in less than 10 hours I'm off with my Flip Mino (I would have never survived this competition without it!) to plead my case. And unless I want to self-tape using a mirror I have to do it now before Nathan goes to bed. I've decided to keep my vlog short and sweet. My strategy? A top 10 list as part of the vlog. Here's a preview!
Top 10 Reasons Why I Should be Voted America's Next Top Blogger
10. I'm a reality TV newbie who competed against reality TV junkies in a competition designed by a reality TV junkie and stood my ground.
9. At 3:00 a.m. in the morning I went through three sets of batteries, put my camera on self timer, posed in Victoria's Secret underwear, high-heel boots and false eyelashes all for an ANTB challenge...which I didn't even win! (I have to admit, I thought Miss Blondie's was the best entry--go, K-Fed!)
8. I've shown serious HOH challenge skills. No, they're not as cool as nunchuck skills but they're close! I am now an excellent page refresher and post commenter. I may even go pro.
7. You've seen my Hoover video (I hope) and the huge vacuum I use to clean up the small messes that happen all too frequently. Hoover. Stick. Vacuum. Enough said.
6. The last thing I won was...um...hmmm...I can't remember the last time I won something though I did win a treasure chest (i.e. flimsy cardboard box) full of games from a cereal box back in elementary school. 5. If I win I will put an end to world hunger, ensure world peace, reverse global warming and feature each of the juror's blogs in a separate post on my blog. Well, I'm pretty sure I can pull of the last one at least. 4. My husband is scarred for life after helping jam food into my mouth while I was gagging. He ought to get some reward, and my happiness is always his greatest reward!
3. My oldest daugher has followed ANTB and asks me every morning about the latest challenge and whether or not I won. I want to show her that yes, dreams really do come true!
2. When I thought I'd won the vacuum by winning this morning's challenge I jumped for joy with George and told him he had helped Mommy win. You should have seen his face--he was all smiles! Are you going to disappoint a blue-eyed, towheaded three-year-old?
And the #1 reason I should be named America's Next Top Blogger:
1. "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darnet, people like me!"
MomDot's America's Next Top Blogger is down to the final three, and today's challenge is to beg, grovel, whine--whatever it takes--to fabulous, wonderful Toni from The Mud Bug. The winner receives not only Toni's undying devotion (okay, that wasn't part of the rules but it sounds pretty good!) but the new Hoover Stick Vacuum. Here is my entry, and if you know my kids you know this video only scrapes the surface of the need for this vacuum in my home!
A few notes for you, Toni, since I didn't have time to edit this into the video:
George's preschool friends (unbeknownst to them) are helping me with this competition. They performed these special circus numbers this morning just for you!
In the first song they're telling you how many days a week I'll use this vacuum (it's more like hourly rather than daily).
In the second song they're telling me to NEVER GIVE UP!
In the third song George is jumping for joy that I found you and The Mud Bug!
In the fourth George is literally jumping through hoops to help his mom win this competition!
And the last part shows how my fate hangs in the "balance" depending on your decision.
The rest of the video is pretty self-explanatory! Don't let the 9-minute length scare you. I promise it will fly by--my kids are hilarious and they don't even try! Enjoy! --Emily
Or how to throw on layers and layers of clothes in record time to compete in the latest veto competition for MomDot's America's Next Top Blogger. I think my husband had more fun watching me take off the clothing though he did crack a smile watching me put everything on while my two youngest offered their "help" and ran around me in circles!
The challenge? To video ourselves putting on the following list of items and have the fastest time doing so:
6 shirts
6 pairs of socks
1 pair of shoes/heels
1 skirt
2 jackets/coats
At least 3 accessories (hat, scarf, gloves, etc)
I only did one trial run--after two run-throughs I had worked up enough sweat for another shower! Madison was my videographer, George and Livi were wardrobe and Robert Schneider ("Boom Boom" from Robbert Bobbert & The Bubble Machine) provided the fun background music. Here's my video, and though I didn't win (just couldn't beat that Dore--she had me by about 20 seconds) I had a really great time!
To watch all five videos (the winning one is Dore, fourth one down), click here. By the way, don't you think this is a perfect that's hot! thursday post? Nothing like watching five women getting dressed from start to finish!) --Emily
I may not be a makeup junkie like my good friend Becky (she needs a separate carry-on for her makeup bag) but I do love learning about the latest trends when it comes to skin care and makeup application.
I recently stumbled upon Kandee Johnson and her blog, kandee the make-up artist, from Tammy over at A Mom in Red High Heels. She featured one of her past YouTube videos in a post around Valentine's Day and I've been a subscriber to Kandee's blog ever since. She features everything from how to create specific looks (all natural, 80's glam rock, Audrey Hepburn, Angelina Jolie...the list goes on) and her favorite skin care products (St. Tropez Everyday Face self tanner is one of them) to her top choices in makeup lines and colors and even how to design your own off-the-shoulder t-shirt. She'll even let you see what's inside her purse!
I love her latest how-to video, "Teeth so white you gotta wear shades..." It gives a surprisingly simple technique for whitening your teeth without those annoying strips (I can never remember to wear mine more than a couple days) or paying the high price of custom trays from your dentist. I'm not going to spoil the fun--you'll have to watch and learn for yourself!
When it comes to makeup application some of us have two left hands. Kandee can give you a few tips and tricks to fix that problem all while helping you get a dazzling white smile! --Emily
I find I'm rather enjoying digressing from the typical posting schedule. Today would normally be a wonderful web wednesday but instead I give you a glimpse of daily life in the Hill home. (You'll probably get a few more glimpses here and there--it's just too much fun!)
I rarely have anything to smile about when it comes to doing laundry. It's right up there with scrubbing toilets, but I had to chuckle yesterday when my two youngest decided to lend a hand folding their clothes. Yes, the video is two and a half minutes long, but it's a great song! Anyone else have fabulous helpers in their midst? --Emily
What's hot for today's that's hot! thursday? It's the buzz about the recent interview with Vallese from the CPSC regarding the CPSIA. If you've been keeping an eye on the CPSIA issue via blog posts, news headlines or even Twitter than you've probably already heard about the "enlightening" WBAL TV interview with Vallese, (former) spokeswoman for the CPSC. If you haven't watched it yet, it's a must-see for even those not involved in the CPSIA issue.
After you've watched the video, perhaps you can tell me if I'm wrong when I say Vallese never really answered any of the questions asked during the interview. She talked and talked and talked but never said anything. She went from stating resellers of used children's products don't need to worry about testing to saying in not so many words (actually, many, many, many words) that testing may be the only way for a business owner to have the "level of confidence" she needs to sell those used products. By the way, the phrase for the day is "level of confidence" so wonderfully utilized throughout the second half of Vallese's interview.
I just wanted to say thank you to Vallese for clarifying the CPSIA for me. Now everything is crystal clear: The CPSC is just as confused as I am about the new legislation. Just as entertaining as the uncut interview are the various blog posts from those same "mommy bloggers" Vallese referred to so affectionately in her interview. You will find of my favorites listed below. Perhaps SNL should consider having Vallese host an upcoming show...
This is probably the first day in a long time I've smiled when talking about the CPSIA. Hopefully it won't be the last time. Better laughing than crying, right?!?! --Emily
It's time to pass around the neighbor plates filled with all things tempting, tasty and totally yummy. We usually do an assortment of treats like Mexican wedding cakes, chocolate crinkles and peanut butter cookies with a few Hershey's Kisses sprinkled around the plate for good measure, but this year I think we might try these really fun, though a bit time consuming, 3D Christmas tree cookies my hubby found on Instructables, a really cool site we first blogged about back in April.
If you're looking for something just as cute (maybe not quite as cool) but a little easier, then try the gingerbread cookie recipe we found on Allrecipes.com and tried this week in the Hill test kitchen. It uses butterscotch pudding instead of molasses and was easy enough for the kids to do. We never did get around to frosting them--we ate them way too quickly for that!
Easy Gingerbread Men 1 (3.5 ounce) package cook and serve butterscotch pudding mix 1/2 c butter 1/2 c packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon
In a medium bowl cream together the butterscotch pudding mix, butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon; stir into the pudding mixture. Cover and chill dough until firm, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease baking sheets. On a floured board, roll dough out about 1/8-inch thick and cut into shapes using a cookie cutter. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies are golden at the edges. Cool on wire racks. Frost and decorate!
"A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand."~Anonymous
As in, who knew such a resource existed on the Internet? Who knew you could find your favorite TV shows, movies and media clips in one place and view them any time, all the time and for free? Sound too good to be true? I thought so too, and so I read and reread Hulu's About page looking to answer the all-time popular question, "So what's the catch?" I couldn't find one. (If you know of one, please share.)
Hulu's mission is to "help people find and enjoy the world's premium video content when, where and how they want it." I have to say I like their mission. Hulu is basically an online video service offering popular TV shows, movies and clips for free, anytime in the U.S. And these aren't popular-in-what-country shows. You'll find programming from over 100 content providers (FOX, NBC, MGM, Sony, Warner Bros.). You can choose from over 900--and that's no typo--current primetime TV shows, from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to Ugly Betty, and classics like The A Team and Airwolf (you must remember Airwolf!). I haven't even mentioned movies like Men in Black, The Karate Kid and even clips from Saturday Night Live.
Shows are either watched at Hulu.com or other online sites. Hulu's search feature lets you find any premium video online even if it is not directly available on Hulu.com. For example, I searched for Ugly Betty, and though the results showed on Hulu's site, I was redirected to ABC's website to watch the episode. Though that's where I watch it anyway, it's nice to click through directly to the episode page rather than working my way through ABC's site.
You can browse Hulu's collection by channel (Action & Adventure, Food & Leisure), popularity and most recently added. You can share full-length episodes and clips and Hulu even has a clipping feature that allows you to select the portion of a video you would like to share. Who knew you could do that so easily?
I could go on and on but by now you've probably already visited Hulu.com and asking, "Who knew I could get addicted so dang quickly?" I know...I asked the same question myself. I leave you with one of my favorite clips from Napoleon Dynamite. Enjoy!
Though many of us love to entertain all years long, the holidays are often the busiest time of the year when it comes to crowd-friendly finger foods. One of my favorite appetizers is deviled eggs, yet I don't make them nor do I see them very often. Why is that? My guess is because of the time involved in peeling those dang eggs, and if not hardboiled just right you end up with tired fingers and less-than-appetizing eggs.
But this holiday season you may see more platters of deviled eggs than in previous years, and it's all thanks to Timothy Ferriss' YouTube video "How to Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs Without Peeling." Yes, without peeling! The clip is only one minute long but it could very well change your life. Just watch:
Being women we have enough hot air to spare; we'll have a couple dozen eggs peeled in no time!
Now you need to use those freshly peeled hardboiled eggs so here are a couple deviled egg recipes from AllRecipes.com. I can't wait to try them! (If you use one before we do, please leave a comment letting us know what you thought. The same goes for Ferriss' super cool technique for peeling hardboiled eggs.)
Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs 12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled 1/2 c mayonnaise 4 slices bacon 2 T finely shredded Cheddar cheese 1 T mustard
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. (Alternatively, wrap bacon in paper towels and cook in the microwave for about 1 minute per slice.) Crumble and set aside.
Cut eggs in half lengthwise; remove yolks to a small bowl. Mash egg yolks with mayonnaise, crumbled bacon and cheese. Stir in mustard. Fill egg white halves with the yolk mixture and refrigerate until serving.
Spinach Deviled Eggs 12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled 1/4 C mayonnaise 2 T vinegar 2 T butter or margarine, softened 1 T sugar 1/2 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 c frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Slice eggs in half lengthwise; remove yolks and set whites aside. In a small bowl, mash yolks with a fork. Stir in the mayonnaise, vinegar, butter, sugar, pepper and salt. Add spinach and mix well. Stir in the bacon; spoon into egg whites. Serve immediately.
"Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold -- but so does a hard-boiled egg."
What's really hot in the month of October is getting involved in breast cancer awareness. From direct donations to "pink" purchases you'll find many ways to support the search for a cure. And a cure is so desperately needed because every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
For today's that's hot! thursday I am excited to tell you about the Total Beauty blog community's month-long initiative called Total Beauty -- Total Cure, which "integrates breast cancer awareness, fundraising to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Fund (BCRF) and beauty giveaways to engage women in the quest for the cure." Tammy, our friend over at A Mom in Red High Heels, is a member of the Total Beauty blog community and has filled me in on the details:
'Total Beauty - Total Cure' is dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection, and arming women with the knowledge they need to take control of their health, bringing us one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Breast cancer information, screening guidelines, and links to available resources will be integrated throughout the campaign. And each participating blogger has pledged to raise funds for BCRF.
The Total Beauty blog community will engage its readership through daily giveaways (valued at more than $250) that require entrants to answer breast cancer trivia, making the contests both educational and fun. Giveaways will also be hosted on 'Total Beauty - Total Cure' pages on Facebook and MySpace; throughout the month of October, all visitors who become a 'friend' of the pages will be entered in a drawing to win a bounty of beauty products. Giveaway sponsors include Anastasia Beverly Hills, Benefit, Cargo, Clarisonic, Jurlique, L'Oreal Paris, NARS, Stila and Tarte.
Here is a wonderful 3-minute video from the campaign:
Breast cancer affects us all. Don't let another October go by without doing your part to support the search for a cure. Total Beauty --Total Cure is a great place to start.
Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.~Kahlil Gibran
Though the 2008 Summer Olympics officially ended Sunday night I could not wait until 2012 to share with you a special gymnastics demonstration performed by the famous (at least by YouTube standards) Paulette Huntinova. Though this beam routine originally took place in 1988 it is still generating smiles--and a few laughs--20 years later. Enjoy the video; it's wonderful web wednesday! --Emily
There are close to 11 million women entrepreneurs in America. Women are launching businesses at twice the rate of men, and they are doing it primarily for lifestyle reasons–they want more freedom, flexibility, and control over their lives. More than ever, women are going out on their own and defining success on their own terms. And where is the place women go to find opportunities and resources when they decide to launch? The multiplatform lifestyle company Ladies Who Launch, THE source for entrepreneurial-minded women who want to live their dreams and love their lives.
I couldn't have described Ladies Who Launch nearly as well so I didn't even try! The site is a truly wonderful resource for women business owners with articles, tools, documents, how-to's, featured "ladies" and even "launchscopes" (business-related horoscopes). I've enjoyed reading about Meredith Vieira (Meredith Vieira Dishes on Leadership, Family, and Her Career Blasts and Blunders) and Jen Groover, the woman behind the Butler Bag and other ventures. (Who knew she found her inspiration from her diswasher?)
Ladies Who Launch even offers regional incubators, groups consisting of "resourceful, inspiring women who each help one another take their projects, businesses, or ideas to a new place." Members meet with their group, complete "homework" and find an "uncommon bond that exists between women traveling down their own path." They say too much information can be a bad thing but not in the case of Ladies Who Launch. The site is a definite "do not miss" mompreneur monday resource. --Emily
One night my husband told me a coworker mentioned a way to use eBay to drive traffic to a website. After failed attempts to connect with this coworker to talk more about it I decided to try and Google my way to an answer.
Come to find out quite a few articles and blog posts have covered this unique--and affordable--method for increasing traffic to your site. I've read through quite a few and here are my three favorites so far. Keep in mind I haven't read them all!
Here is a YouTube video, "Using eBay to Drive Traffic," showing you how to drive traffic to your site solely using the About Me page. It has both dos and don'ts and I found it easy to follow and especially helpful for people who learn more by watching than by reading. I believe it even showed some great ways to spruce up your About Me page.
I'm currently in the process of setting up an eBay account for our business and will let you know how it goes! And feel free to do your own research. If you come across a fabulous and informative article, please include it in a comment below. Or if you've used this method or know of another one just as effective we'd love to hear about it!
While looking for more info on using eBay for traffic generation I found a ton of other articles and YouTube videos covering other ways to increase your site's traffic, so perhaps we'll feature a few others in a future mompreneur monday. Have a great week! --Emily
Today's wonderful web wednesday comes from one of those few forwarded emails I actually read. I get a lot of forwarded jokes, videos, and urban legends and often delete them before ever opening them, but this one stood out and I'm glad I took the time to learn more about The Gratitude Campaign.What is The Gratitude Campaign? It is a simple way for you and I to say thank you to the soldiers serving our country:
For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching soldiers in the airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. ... But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.
I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using. Is this limited to the military? Not at all. ...
The email I received had a link to a short yet moving video about The Gratitude Campaign and its "thank you" sign. You can view a short or full-length movie about The Gratitude Campaign or read detailed instructions on how to make the sign. I found it interesting that American Sign Language's current sign for "thank you" is actually a modified version of the one you will see in The Gratitude Campaign. I have to say, I like the original version best--a thank-you should always come from the heart. --Emily
It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation. --Roberto Benigni, Newsweek
Today's mompreneur monday highlights an up-and-coming blog, Now What Baby. Started by a mom eager to share "ideas for what to buy, organize, entertain now that you have a child in your life," Now What Baby offers a refreshing take on the typical product review (and I'm not just saying that because Melissa recently reviewed our "sharp shooter" onesie).
Whenever possible Melissa includes a video of her or one of her kids reviewing a product. For example, her "Have You Visited Studio Cherie?" review includes a video of her using Studio Cherie's compact travel bag/pad. And her fabulous review of georgie tees includes a fun slide show of her son striking poses in his new "sharp shooter" tee. Though not all of her reviews include a slide show or video they all make for an enjoyable read. If you love product reviews, add Now What Baby to your required reading list--along with Boutique Cafe's Daily Dish, of course!
And now for an important update! The girls from Whatever Hollywood have made it to YouTube's Top 10! YAY! We originally posted about these beautiful and talented women back in March when they were still in YouTube's Sketchies2 Top 20. Now they're in the Top 10 and We need our vote once again! This time around the girls were required to do a sketch themed around "living the dream," which incorporated the word "indubitably."
I think they did a fabulous job, but you can check it out for yourself by following their easy-to-vote instructions on their homepage. You can vote once a day, so take a minute and support your fellow female entrepreneurs. For some of us, this may be the only vote that counts this year! LOL --Emily
You're going to love today's wonderful web wednesday. Thanks to Hungry Girl I've discovered Whatever Hollywood, a compilation of fantastically entertaining shorts all produced, directed, and starring three wonderfully talented girls:
WhateverHollywood.com is the collaboration of three creative friends, Suri, Apple and Shiloh. Though the respective TV host, actress, and singer have each enjoyed considerable success, they deplored the slow and political prototype that they call 'Hollywood 1.0.' Simply said, these girls were bad... at waiting. So Whatever Hollywood! They'd upgrade and do it themselves in their studio apartment with the help of Final Cut Pro, sparkly fabrics, low-carb pizzas and lots of enthusiasm.
Though they no longer have the help of their low-carb pizzas (find out why in Love at First Bite) the girls from Whatever Hollywood work magic in front of a green screen (aka "the green sheet" from Joanne Fabrics). With spring around the corner and thoughts of Mystic Tan in the air, enjoy Whatever Hollywood's Spray Tan Rap (and be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes short...you'll definitely laugh out loud). --Emily
*** The Girlsneed your vote! They are in YouTube's Sketchies2Top 20, the biggest sketchcomedy of the year. Check out their homepage for how you can help them make the Top 10 for a chance to win some serious cash. (Think of all the low-carb pizzas they'll be able to buy on the black market!) You can vote once a day so once you've got the voting system down make it a part of your daily routine through Wednesday, March 19th. ***
professional experience: business, marketing & sales, communications, freelance writing, website design, professional ballet, and arena-football cheerleading
personal experience: event planning, nursing, child psychology, crisis & hazardous materials management, sleep deprivation studies, stress management, and the joys of family life
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