“Our Favorite Bloggers”: Interview with Jenn of Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog

jennifer12Our “favorite blogger” for May is Jenn of Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog! We have been working with Jenn for over a year now and are so happy with our partnership. Every project we have the opportunity to work on together is better than the last! We were so excited to have the chance to sit down and learn a little bit more about her!

What inspired you to start blogging?

It’s actually kind of funny.  When I started my blog I had no idea what a blog really was.  I know sounds crazy, but at the time I was selling Scentsy and wanted to get my website noticed online.  You know to show up on Google and all that jazz, I asked someone how to do that and they said start a blog.  Here I sit today, I don’t sale Scentsy anymore I just have my blog.  I’m actually really excited, last week was my last day as a store manager for a bank I used to work at.  I have recently left my job to be with my family and blog full-time.

How do you come up with ideas for your blog? Do collaborate with others often?

I just go with the flow, whatever is going on in my life is what goes on the blog.  There’s an ongoing joke in my house not to let mom know or it will go on the blog.  Of course I change it up, and have fun with it, but for the most part it’s always something that is going on my in my life and with my family.  On those days I cannot think of anything I turn to my kids, they normally remind me of something that I can turn into a blog post, lol.

What is your favorite part about writing Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog?

My readers, there is nothing more important to me than my readers when it comes to Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog.  From choosing items to write reviews on, to how I compose a post, I always think about my readers.  Without them there would be no blog, and I appreciate everything they do for me.

How has Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog changed since you first started blogging?

WOW, how has Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog changed since I first began my venture in the blogophere?  I really don’t even know where to start.  My blog has changed with me, the day that I began to look at my blog as a business was the day the changes began.  I first began, I knew nothing and when I say nothing I mean nothing.

Over the last year we have changed a lot, my blog along with me.  I started out on Blogger, moved to WordPress, had a basic theme, and added a custom theme.  You should have seen some of my generic graphics, and some photo’s I used to take with my old camera, lol.  I guess in the end you could say my blog has changed from a hobby to a career.  In my opinion it keeps getting better, I am consistently learning and updating everything from the kind of camera I use for my pictures to the programs I use to create graphics.  It’s been a fun venture and I’m looking forward to the next year.

 How does your life off line affect your blog?

I really think my life off line is what has inspired me since I have started, and gives Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog a little extra personality.  I have had several readers tell me they enjoy reading my blog because I’m real, it’s because of my off line life and that I’m able to bring that to my blog.

I’m all about my family, they are my number one, and my blog allows me to treat my family the way they deserve to be treated.  I also involve my family in my blog.  I have been asked to write reviews on products I received for my 14 year old daughter, I don’t write them she does.  My husband also writes for me now and again.  I never push my family aside for my blog, I don’t have to that’s what I like about it.  After having a demanding job where I had to spend time with my family around someone else’s schedule it’s a relief to be able to schedule my working hours around my family life.

Can’t get enough of Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog? Check out Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog at www.jennsblahblahblog.com . And don’t forget to follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, and like her Facebook page.

Thanks again Jenn!

Mother Knows Best – Especially when it comes to TV!

MomIn honor of Mother’s Day this weekend, why not take some time to celebrate the best TV moms. Clair Huxtable. Marion Cunningham.  Marge Simpson.  These are just a few of the iconic TV moms that we’ve welcomed into our homes over the past few decades.  But which of these lovely ladies is considered the best TV mom of all time?  To uncover the answer, TiVo recently conducted their first-ever Mother’s Day TV survey to see which TV moms ranked highest with viewers.

Here are some of the highlights from the inaugural survey celebrating the best TV moms!
Tivo_Mothers_day_Survey_long

So who do YOU think should have taken the crown for the funniest TV mom of all time?  And which TV mom do you miss seeing each and every week?

Join Us to Talk Breakfast at the #BreakfastRoutines Twitter Party!

Calling all Connecticut and Western Massachusetts residents!

McD's Logo

Are you crunched for time in the morning? Do you find it’s hard to eat breakfast at home before heading out the door? If so, don’t worry! Join Girls’ Lunch Out, McDonald’s CT/WMA and special guest Nancy Dell, Registered Dietitian in Western & Central MA, on Tuesday, May 14th at 9pm ET for a Twitter party talking about breakfast routines, and ways to “pick up and go” when you are short on time!

Plus, learn about McDonald’s new Egg White Delight McMuffin®, a new twist on the McDonald’s classic breakfast sandwich.  At 250 calories, this egg white sandwich is made with 100% freshly grilled egg whites, white cheddar, extra lean Canadian Bacon, and served on an English Muffin! Are you hungry yet?

#BreakfastRoutines Twitter Party

When: Tuesday, May 14th

Time: 9 to 10 pm ET

Where: #BreakfastRoutines

Hosts: @girlslunchout, @NancyDellRD and @McD_CTWMA 

TweetGrid Link: http://bit.ly/13YDCrn

 RSVP: You must RSVP to win http://bit.ly/YAkm5k

Tip: Your name is your @twitterhandle & your link is http://www.twitter.com/twitterhandle

The Prizes

{3 Winners}:  $25 Arch Card

{1Winner}: $50 Arch Card

{Grand Prize}: McDonald’s Grand Prize Pack valued at $100

Egg White Delight Prize Pack

Please complete the following requirements for a chance to win:

  1. FOLLOW @girlslunchout, @NancyDellRD, and @McD_CTWMA on Twitter. Send us a tweet saying hello & that you are following us!
  2. RSVP – You must RSVP to win.
  3. PARTICIPATE during the party hour using #BreakfastRoutines
  4. TWEET out a promotional tweet prior to party:

Let’s talk #BreakfastRoutines. Join @girlslunchout, @NancyDellRD & @McD_CTWMA on 5/14 @ 9PM ET. RSVP http://bit.ly/13mtskK to #win!

I’ll be joining @girlslunchout @NancyDellRD & @McD_CTWMA on 5/14  9PMET to talk #BreakfastRoutines. RSVP http://bit.ly/13mtskK to #win!

Eligibility

1. COMPLETION of the above requirements.
2. WINNERS participating in the Twitter party with #BreakfastRoutines will be chosen at random.
3. RESIDENTS from the US are eligible

About McDonald’s

The Connecticut and Western Massachusetts McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association is comprised of local McDonald’s restaurant owners who are community and industry leaders. They have a long-standing commitment to supporting educational initiatives and organizations in the communities they serve, including providing resources to promote balanced, active lifestyles to kids and nutritional information for families. For more information, visit moms.mcconnecticut.com or moms.mcmassachusetts.com or follow us on Twitter @McD_CTWMA.

Join Us At The Celebrating Moms Twitter Party #TiVoMoms

TiVoMother’s Day is right around the corner and no better time to celebrate Moms!

Join us, Girls’ Lunch Out, TiVo and Seana Norvell (spokesperson for TiVo) as we chat about all things “Mom.” We will be talking about best gift ideas, traveling, our favorite shows, and taking time to spoil ourselves, after all we deserve a little “me” time too!

Plus, we will be showering Moms with lots of goodies!

#TiVoMoms Twitter Party

When: Monday, April 29th

Time: 9 to 10 pm ET

Where: #TiVoMoms

Hosts: @girlslunchout, @TiVo@seananorvell

TweetGrid Link: http://bit.ly/ZAZmFO

RSVP: You must RSVP to win. RSVP By Clicking Here

Tip: Your name is your @twitterhandle & your link is http://www.twitter.com/twitterhandle

TiVo_Premiere

The Prizes

{3 Winners}:  TiVo Sherpa Blanket, TiVo t-shirt & $25 Amex Gift Card

{2 Grand Prize Winners}: TiVo Premiere, 1 year TiVo Service, TiVo Stream, MoCA Adapter, TiVo t-shirt, & TiVo swag bag (doll, chap-stick, reusable grocery bag, etc) – Each grand prize is valued at $540!

Please complete the following requirements for a chance to win:

  1. FOLLOW @girlslunchout, @TiVo@seananorvell on Twitter. Feel free to send us a tweet saying hello!
  2. RSVP – You must RSVP to win. Click Here to RSVP
  3. PARTICIPATE during the party hour using #TiVoMoms
  4. TWEET out a promotional tweet prior to party:

Join @girlslunchout, @TiVo & @seananorvell to celebrate “Moms” on 4/29 9PM ET RSVP http://bit.ly/ZRPxHh for prizes #TiVoMoms

I’ll be celebrating “Moms” with @girlslunchout, @TiVo & @seananorvell on 4/29 9PM ET RSVP http://bit.ly/ZRPxHh to #WIN #TiVoMoms

Eligibility

1. COMPLETION of the above requirements.
2. WINNERS participating in the Twitter party with #TiVoMOms will be chosen at random.
3. RESIDENTS from the US are eligible only.

About TiVo: Founded in 1997, TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO) developed the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Today TiVo is a global leader in advanced television service for virtually any platform or device. TiVo offers its service directly to consumers, and also distributes its technology and services through solutions tailored for cable, satellite and broadcasting companies. Since its founding, TiVo has evolved into the ultimate single-solution media center by combining its patented DVR technologies and universal cable box capabilities with the ability to aggregate, search and deliver millions of pieces of broadband, cable and broadcast content directly to the television. TiVo also continues to weave itself into the fabric of the media industry by providing interactive advertising solutions and audience research and measurement ratings services to the television industry www.tivo.com.

“Our Favorite Bloggers”: Interview with Ellen of Love That Max

ellen-and-maxHappy spring readers! This month we are continuing our Favorite Blogger Series with Ellen of Love That Max blog. Ellen is a remarkable woman, mom and blogger, and if that is not enough, she just so happens to be one of Babble’s Top 100 Mom Blogs! We have been a fan and friend of Ellen’s for quite some time now, and we even had the opportunity to speak on a panel alongside of her, outlining the importance of social media and where it is headed, just a few years back! She is one smart woman and we are always excited to collaborate with her on new projects. We were so excited to have the opportunity to sit down and learn even more about Ellen, and share with you.

What was your inspiration to start blogging?

 When Max had a stroke at birth, I went through the hardest time of my life. I felt so alone, despondent, hopeless. Doctors hadn’t given us much hope for Max’s future—we didn’t think he’d walk, talk or be very functional. Blogs weren’t big back then, and so I found some comfort through an e-loop I found for parents of babies who had strokes. Cut to Max, age 5 years old—walking, saying some words, doing the things we never thought he would. I’d come a long way, too, in my journey as a special needs parent. And so I started Love That Max in hopes of inspiring other young moms, informing them and giving them plenty of hope. And laughs, too. You always need laughs! Ultimately, Max remains my inspiration to blog every single day. Besides helping other moms, I want the world to see how awesome he and other kids with special needs are–and how more alike they are to other kids than different.

In what ways have you seen your blog, Love That Max, grow and change since you first started your blogging journey?

Love That Max has grown from a small blog to one where thousands of moms connect every month, sharing tips, experiences—and, yes, laughs!

What would you say is your biggest blogging accomplishment?

Helping other parents. I know this not just from the comments I get but from the emails that pour into my in-box, from moms giving thanks for my blog to those asking questions or seeking advice.

What is your favorite feature that you’ve written for Love That Max? Why?

Oh, that’s like asking me to choose my favorite child. No can do! So I’m going to cheat and share several favorite posts:

On the road of special needs parenting

Top 20 reasons moms of kids with special needs rock

A word to new moms of kids with special needs

Where do you want to see Love That Max heading in the future?

I’d love to see the blog continue to reach new parents. And win the first Pulitzer for a blog! There should be one, right?

Want to stay up to date with Love That Max? Check out Ellen’s blog www.lovethatmax.com . And don’t forget to follow her on Twitter and Pinterest, and like her Facebook page. You can also check out some great dance moves on her MaxTube channel.

Thanks again Ellen!

April 15th Is Right Around The Corner. Have You Filed Your Taxes Yet?

MyFreeTaxesFiling taxes can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. To help ease the financial burden of the tax preparation process and ensure individuals and families receive their full tax refund, the Walmart Foundation has partnered with leading nonprofits Goodwill®, National Disability Institute and United Way Worldwide to offer MyFreeTaxes.

MyFreeTaxes is a free tool that provides the experience of a paid tax preparer without the cost – putting you in control of your own money. MyFreeTaxes also provides eligibility information about the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits to help you keep more of what you earn. They’re on a mission to help educate taxpayers of their rights and options. Did you know 1 in 5 Americans eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit is unaware they qualify and never file for it? Be sure to claim what’s yours!

MyFreeTaxes offers eligible consumers two main ways to file:

  • Online at www.MyFreeTaxes.com, powered by H&R Block®, if you make $57,000 or less.
  • In Person with an IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Preparer, if you make $50,000 or less. Call 2-1-1 or visit MyFreeTaxes.com to find a free tax site near you.

Get answers to your tax questions by tax experts! Explore MyFreeTaxes.com today and discover helpful tips to get you organized and on your way to filing your own taxes for free.

Youth Volunteers Honored by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Prudential LogoWe can’t help but be inspired when we hear about young people making a difference. All across the country, students are bringing joy to others – and a few of them have been honored as their states’ top youth volunteers of 2013 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

As the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have honored more than 100,000 young Americans over the past 18 years. Each year, the program’s judges select two State Honorees and a handful of Distinguished Finalists in each state and the District of Columbia. The 102 State Honorees earn awards including an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. where, on Monday, May 6th, 10 of this year’s State Honorees will be named America’s top youth volunteers of 2013.

To show your support and see those 10 young heroes receive their awards live, tune into the webcast event on May 6th to show your support! Register for the webcast here: http://bit.ly/YN1OLU

More information on the remarkable youth service projects can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com.

TN-32706_Prudential_Spirit_Community_Award_Medals_LargeYou can also head on over to Facebook and “like” the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, follow the program on Twitter, and visit its YouTube page to hear former honorees talk about volunteering in their own words.

Together, let’s promote helping others, and the impact volunteering can have on us all!

Protect Your Loved Ones from Prescription Drug Abuse During the DEA Take-Back Day

AWAReX Logo-BlackHow many times have you been prescribed a medication, didn’t finish it, and put the left overs in your medicine cabinet never to be thought of again? What happens if the wrong hands discover that old bottle deep in a cabinet without you knowing? National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Foundation (NABP) and their AWARxE Consumer Protection Program want to inform you of the April 27th DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

TakeBackDay

Did you know that more than 50% of prescription drug abusers 12 and older obtain those prescription drugs from family and friends? In fact, three in five teens say it would be easy to get prescription medications from their parent’s medicine cabinet. The good news is that proper disposal of unused drugs is one of the most effective ways to protect your loved ones from misuse. To provide a convenient means of safe drug disposal and help curb abuse, the DEA is hosting a Take-Back Day on April 27, 2013. Consumers can safely and legally dispose of any unneeded medications, anonymously and for free. Held from 10 AM to 2 PM on April 27, 2013, the event is one of the few days of the year where residents can drop off expired or unused prescription medications without having to wonder whether they will be accepted—even controlled substances, such as ADHD drugs and certain prescription pain medications, are collected.

For more information, please visit: www.AWARERX.ORG, check out this Public Service Announcement and don’t forget to follow AWARxE on Facebook.

Twitter Party Invite: Join Us, the NFCC and GLO and Get to #KnowYourMoney this April!

MP900438810

April is “Financial Literacy Month,” so let’s talk money! In just a few weeks tax season will officially be over, so we want to give you the tools you need to save and spend wisely in 2013.

Please join Us, Girls’ Lunch Out and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling on Tuesday, April 16th at 9PM ET for a Twitter Party all about being smart with your money!

nfcc

As the nation’s largest non-profit financial counseling organization, the NFCC provides counseling and education on all things money, like ways to spend your tax refund wisely, tips on creating a monthly budget, and calculators to help you buy a home or pay off debt. During the party we’ll discuss different ways in which you can increase your financial literacy, including budgeting, creating a rainy day emergency fund, keeping track of your credit score, and the best ways to save for retirement.

Plus, RSVP to win!

The Details

When: Tuesday, April 16th

Time: 9 to 10 pm ET

Where: #KnowYourMoney

Hosts: @girlslunchout and @NFCCDebtAdvice

TweetGrid Link: http://bit.ly/ZddR1N

RSVP: You must RSVP to win! RSVP By Clicking Here

Tip: Your name is your @twitterhandle & your link is http://www.twitter.com/twitterhandle

The Prizes

{Two} Winners will win $25 American Express Gift Cards and a 1 hour financial counseling session from @NFCCDebtAdvice

{Two} Winners will win $50 American Express Gift Cards

{One} Winner will win a $100 American Express Gift Card

Please complete the following requirements for the chance to win:

  1. FOLLOW @girlslunchout & @NFCCDebtAdvice on Twitter. Send us a tweet saying hello & that you are following us!
  2. RSVP – You must RSVP to win. Click Here to RSVP
  3. PARTICIPATE during the party hour using #KnowYourMoney
  4. TWEET out a promotional tweet prior to party:

Let’s talk money! Join @girlslunchout & @NFCCDebtAdvice on 4/16 @ 9pPM ET to #KnowYourMoney. RSVP http://bit.ly/16fD7sN to #win!

Eligibility

1. COMPLETION of the above requirements.
2. WINNERS participating in the Twitter party with #KnowYourMoney will be chosen at random.
3. RESIDENTS from the US are eligible.

About NFCC: Founded in 1951, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, Inc.® (NFCC®) promotes the national agenda for financially responsible behavior, and builds capacity for its members to deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services. As the nation’s largest and longest-serving nonprofit credit counseling organization, the NFCC has played the key role in providing financial counseling and education to consumers for 60 years. With 90 member agencies and more than 750 offices throughout the US and Puerto Rico, the NFCC is the national voice for its members, which are nonprofit, mission-driven, community-based agencies. NFCC Members, often known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) or by other names, represents accredited agencies with high standards, ethical practices, certified counselors, and policies and practices which help consumers achieve financial stability. For more information, visit www.DebtAdvice.org.

Disclosure: NFCC is sponsoring this Girls’ Lunch Out Twitter party. During the party, the brand sponsor provides tips, techniques, expert advice, and information on party topics.

 

Create Forever Families with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

???????There are more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting to be adopted and nearly 81.5 million Americans have considered adopting a child. If just one in 500 of these adults adopted, every waiting child in foster care would have a permanent family. But foster care adoption is often misunderstood, preventing children from finding their forever families. No child should linger in foster care or leave the system at age 18 without a permanent family of his or her own. We must educate one another to make a difference in the lives of children in this country.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption:

  • Finds homes for children who are waiting to be adopted from foster care in North America.
  • Educates adults who may have misperceptions about foster care adoption.
  • Provides free educational resources, promotes awareness, and assists policymakers and employers.
  • Supports adoption professionals and agencies throughout the United States and Canada to ensure that every child finds a forever home.

No matter the age, every child deserves a family!

 

Please visit davethomasfoundation.org for further information and stay up to date with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube

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