Show 014 – Interview with “A Dozen Invisible Pieces” Author Kimmelin Hull

On Wednesday, July 2 at 11 am Pacific / 2 pm Eastern on the HerBigIdea Internet Radio Show, I will chat with “A Dozen Invisible Pieces and Other Confessions of Motherhood” author Kimmelin Hull.

The very eloquent Kimmelin grew up in the Seattle area, and now lives with her husband and three children in Montana where she teaches childbirth and parenting preparation classes She has an undergraduate degree in creative writing from the University of Puget Sound, a Physician Assistant certificate from Saint Francis University, as well as Lamaze Childbirth Educator. She is a freelance writer for Montana Parent magazine.

We will chat about: why she decided to write her book, “A Dozen Invisible Pieces and Other Confessions of Motherhood”, the themes covered in the book, about her internal struggle with balancing home commitments and career, her decision to leave the medical profession to become a mother, author and teacher to new mothers. We’ll also chat about what she has done to promote her new book and how she got her book deal.

Please visit Kimmelin’s website at: http://www.DozenInvisiblePieces.com and her blog at:  http://kimmelin.wordpress.com

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

[audio:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/HerBigIdea/2008/07/02/Show-014-Interview-with-Author-Kimmelin-Hull.mp3]

1 Comment

Elaine H., June 30th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Authors, Inspirational Women, Interviews, Podcast

Promote your Business with VistaPrint Must Haves

About a year ago I discovered VistaPrint and was impressed by its quality and service. I have picked out a few items that I believe are “must have” items to promote your business.

Business Cards

Make a great first impression with a quality business card.  From my experiences I have learned that it is best to purchase business cards in smaller quantities such as 100-250.  How tacky does that look when you cross out your old email address to write down a new one?  We’ve all experienced it.  It’s a fact, from time to time email, phone number, addresses and website URLs change.  Maybe you’ve been thinking about adding your LinkedIn address to your business card, now’s the perfect opportunity. Get 250 premium quality, color business cards FREE! Order today! Click here.

So you don’t have a blog or business, that’s okay, they make perfect mommy cards, play date cards, or personal cards to give out to your friends and family!

Self-Inking Rubber Stamps

FREE Rubber Stamps


This deal is perfect for just about anyone!  Avoid a mess with this convenient rubber stamps. Choose from 10 different designs and personalize up to 3 lines of text.

Car Door Magnets

Free Car Door Custom Magnet

Get this free custom car door magnet for your ride.  It’s a perfect way to brand your small to mid-size vehicle with a personal or business message.  Your logo and information is printed on a durable, high-strength 9”x12” magnet.

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

1 Comment

Elaine H., June 30th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business Tips, Must Have Mondays

The Jolie-Pitt Foundation Pledges $200,000 to “Women for Women International” Program in Iraq


Of the recently reported $1 million donated by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation to help those affected by war, I was happy to see a pledge of $200,000 going to the Women for Women International’s program in Iraq.  This money will benefit 300 women, and more than 1,000 children in Iraq.  The donation will allow women to invest in the health, education and nutrition of their children.We all remember when Angelina visited Iraq twice in the past year.  All the media was concerned about her going to a war zone and being possibly pregnant, and in fact she was.  On these trips  she learned that, “…educational support programs for children of conflict are the best way to help them heal,” said Ms. Jolie.

As a former teacher and an optimist, I know that with education anything is possible. Teaching children how to read can help them escape their harsh realities by immersing themselves in the fantasy world of a book.

Women for Women International was founded in 1993 to help women overcome the horrors of war and civil strife in ways that can help them rebuild their lives, families, and communities. Since 2003, its Iraq program has provided immediate and long term economic solutions to more than 4,000 women and works with organizations and governing bodies from the grassroots up to the highest levels of leadership to address the needs of Iraqi women and families.

According to a Women for Women International report on Iraq released earlier this year, over 70% of the 1,500 Iraqi women interviewed said their family cannot afford to pay for the necessities of daily life. One Iraqi mother said, “If I was the president of the country, I would make filling the stomachs of the people as my utmost priority.”

A Women for Women International-Iraq representative said, “This generous donation will help these women who suffered to get a better life for them and for their families and will ensure that their children will have a better future. We believe that stronger women build stronger nations. The support we are receiving from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will save lives and help us to build a strong future for the children of Iraq.”

The donation to Women for Women International is part of a $1 million commitment to support the education of 8,000 young people from both the United States and Iraq impacted by the recent conflict.

Learn more about Women for Women, please check out the video and for more information on how to help the women of Iraq please go to: http://www.WomenforWomen.org

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

2 Comments

Elaine H., June 27th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women, News, Video

Inspirational Book “Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned”

 

I came across this newly-release book called Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned (Wiley, $19.99, hardcover) by Cathy Scott.  This seems like an interesting summer read for the pet lover that’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking. 

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina led to the largest animal rescue effort in history, with approximately 15,000 pets saved. Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned choronicles Katrina’s four-legged vicitims. 

Pet owners had to make the heart-wrenching choice to abandon their pets in the floodwaters and leave them behind to fend for themselves.  Cathy also follows the stories of many pets from rescue, to rehab, then reunited with their familes.  She also writes about selfless efforts of strangers and as well as inspirational pet adoptions.

Cathy, an accomplished writer, traveled to New Orleans at the request of Best Friends Animal Society Magazine to document the plight of pets displaced by Hurricane Katrina. She quickly became a rescuer as well as a reporter.

More than two years after the levees broke, the world is still drawn to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and its impact. This horrific event caused the people of New Orleans to lose everything imaginable, from family and friends to possessions and pets. However, in such dire times, the best in human nature often prevails.

Check out this inspirational read!

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

1 Comment

Elaine H., June 25th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Authors, Inspirational Women

Show 013 – Interview with My Plate-Mate Owners & Her Big Idea Social Network

platemate2.gif

Check out my interview with mothers, Paige and Michele, who are co-owners of My Plate-Mate spill guard feeding gear for toddlers, seniors and those with special needs. 

The mission of My Plate-Mate is to offer it customers a unique self-feeding product. As a learning tool, My Plate-Mate assists in promoting independence and self-confidence in all users no matter their age or limitation. Michele and Paige understand the importance and joy that comes from being able to share a meal with family and friends. My Plate-Mate will bring back this positive dining experience and eliminate the frustration and mess.

You can listen to the live Internet Radio Show hosted on BlogTalkRadio every Wednesday at 11 am PDT / 2 pm EDT.  If you missed the live show, you can access the show’s archives at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/herbigidea or right here at http://HerBigIdea.com/podcast-archives.   

Also, please check out my article on PoshMama Online Magazine and Social Network.  This week I wrote about the Entrecard and my experiences with this free advertising and networking site.

welcome_signup.gif

And speaking of networking site, I have created an online social network just for Her Big Idea listeners and readers. The network can be found at  http://herbigidea.ning.com/ or your can reach this new online community by linking through HerBigIdea.com. 

I have created a place where women bloggers and business owners network, promote their businesses, bounce ideas off each other and support each others’ ventures and adventures. This is a private network so only women who invited by another member or who are screened via a questionnaire are allowed to join.

Please sign up today to be one of our inaugural members and remember to invite your friends!

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

[audio:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/HerBigIdea/2008/06/25/Show-013-Interview-with-Paige-from-myplate-matecom.mp3]

2 Comments

Elaine H., June 23rd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women, Interviews, News, Podcast

Must Have Monday: Summer Gifts and Must Haves

Now that summer is officially here, I have compliled some great summer gifts and must haves to keep you accessorized till the fall.

For your next outdoor BBQ, check out this Chef’s Choice Custom Apron by Exposures (Miles Kimball Company)
They’ll transfer your Black and White, color or sepia photo directly onto a professional-quality apron as a 6″ x 8″ vignetted image.  Personalize up to 25 characters in black block or script font. The apron is machine-washable and features adjustable neck strap and two pockets to keep utensils within easy reach.

Chef’s Choice Custom Apron, regularly: $29.95 but now only $24.95. If you would like the apron personalized with one line of text add just $5.


The Modular Shoe Box Photo File : This summer I want to go through and organize my boxes and boxes of mixed up mementos from various years. Earlier this week I was doing some organizing and found a box that had pictures and medals from my high school track days mixed in with ticket stubs from my trip to Europe and a happy first Mother’s Day card from last year.  There is no way those memories should be in the same box! 

What better way to keep everything organized than these Shoe Box photo files, art files and magazine files from Exposures. You’ll never have a hard time keeping your newest summer memories organized in these great storage boxes.

The exclusive Shoe Box photo files, art files, and magazine files not only organize and protect, they also simplify your life while enhancing your home. The Library of Congress takes great care in preserving its artifacts…so should you. Exposures has been designing museum-quality storage for twenty years. The beautifully simple colors and textures really pull your home and office together.  These boxes are perfect for safekeeping important documents, memories, photos, magazines and precious children’s art.

These boxes range in price from $19.95 to $24.95.

Turn your those digital images from your latest vacation into a beautiful Travel Memories Book.

Make your vacation memories last a lifetime by creating a personalized book of travel photos and stories. Exposures has partnered with SharedBook to bring you this exclusive keepsake. Create your very own personalized Travel Memories Book ONLINE! Unlike other photo book products, here you can include all of your stories as well as your photos of your trip. You can even include stories and pictures from friends and family and select only the ones you want in your finished book. Professionally-printed book includes 20 full-color pages. Preview Sample of the Travel Memories Book – Black Hardcover
Now this is really cool part…Exposures can create your book for YOU!! It’s called their White Glove Service! Just upload your photos or mail them a digital photo CD and they will make your Travel Memories Book. This great service for an additional $19.95 fee.

Imagine if the book took you 3 hours to create (we all know it would take longer), that’s only$6.65 per hour that they charge for creating the book. It is SO worth it to pay that additional fee on top of the reasonable $39.95 they charge for the beautifully bound book.

Please stay cool in this Summer heat! 

And go Fresno State Bulldogs!  Good luck in the NCAA’s College World Series.  Since Cal State Fullerton was knocked out earlier in the tourney, I’m rooting for my local team.

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

No Comments

Elaine H., June 23rd 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, Must Have Mondays

What is BlogTalkRadio?

So I have an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.  I know that many of you are like, “What’s BlogTalk What?” 

Here’s a short interview of the CEO Alan Levy on Fox Money describing BTR.

Enjoy!

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

2 Comments

Elaine H., June 20th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fun Stuff, News, Video

Mom Invents Eco-Friendly Learning Cards to Enhance Early Childhood Literacy

As a former teacher I know that each child has a different learning style.  Some students can look at a word and memorize it, others need to hear and see the word and while others need to look, hear and write the word a few times and maybe even draw a picture before a word is learned. 

I was excited to see the eco-friendly product, Write Way To Learn Learning Cards, which are basically “flash cards.”   This product was created by mother after her four-year old son began learning the sounds of the alphabet.  He eagerly wanted to read bedtime stories to his little sister. To encourage her son’s enthusiasm, his mother began searching for a teaching product that was interactive, fun, and creative. There was no individual product available that provided the comprehensive and exciting learning experience she wanted for her son, so she began creating learning cards using family photos and recycled paper.

Modeling social responsibility for the next generation, the company’s learning card sets are eco-friendly.  All the card sets and supporting materials are printed on recycled paper. The learning cards are then heavily laminated to create a  reusable product. Also, to reduce the environmental impact of product shipping, all of the card sets are available in an optional web-download format.

While the company’s innovative learning tools are primarily developed for children ages 3-8, older children can also benefit from advanced sets, and sets that teach American Sign Language. Foreign language learning cards are currently under development. 

Write Way to Learn also offers an online tool called “Design Your Own” that will allow customers to easily create customized learning cards featuring their own pictures and text.  These custom cards teach family names or just make your child feel special! The “My Family” and “My World” learning card sets are completely customizable and created for you using your pictures and text. It is so simple and fun!

To get a sample of a card visit www.writewaytolearn.com and click on the “email us” link.

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

No Comments

Elaine H., June 20th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women

Mom Inventor Overcomes Fear of Flying to Invent The Worlds Easiest Luggage ID

Like 99.9% of the traveling population (I made this stat up…I’m exaggerating) I own a large black suitcase. There is nothing on it to differentiate it from the next classic yet generic suitcase.

Then along comes the Luggage Hugger, a stretchy luggage tag that wraps around your suitcase. What a great idea this mom had! It makes me think wish I had thought of it myself.

Travel isn’t getting any easier except for one bright spot called a Luggage Hugger. Divorced and left with nothng but optimism, Lucia Burns, inventor and mother of two sons, spotted an opportunity when planning a trip. After buying new black luggage she realized if it was the only bag on the carousel she still wouldn’t recognize it as her own.

Then the inspiration for a wide, colorful, spandex ID band was conceived. Now Luggage Huggers offer the travel world a little bit of fun back and the effortless ability to ID your bags from way across the airport or cruise ship with this innovative new product.

Made from Spandex, Luggage Huggers stretch around your suitcase to add style and function. Luggage Huggers unify group travelers and offer unique advertising opportunities with embroidery or custom print for eye catching world wide repeat visibility! Luggage Huggers are available in ever changing colors and styles.

Developed after overcoming a fear of flying this cheerful product puts a spot of happy back in travel. Lucia Burns and Luggage Huggers were featured on CNBC’s The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch (click the link to watch the video).

For more about Luggage Huggers, please visit www.myluggagehugger.com.

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

1 Comment

Elaine H., June 19th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured Fridays, Fun Stuff, Inspirational Women, Video

Show 012 – Interview with Author Chamein Canton

close-up-with-necklace.jpg  down-that-aisle-in-style-jacket.jpg

This week’s live interview on my Internet Radio podcast show is author and inspirational woman Chamein Canton.  Chamein has lived her life as a single mother to twins, battled cancer and diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She has written books titled: “Not His Type” and “Down That Aisle In Style: A Wedding Guide For Full Figured Women” and her newest book “Bliss Inc.”

An interview not to be missed! Archives of this interview will be available on BlogTalkRadio or here on Her Big Idea after the show.

Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.

[audio:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/HerBigIdea/2008/06/18/Show-012-Interview-with-Author-Chamein-Canton.mp3]

1 Comment

Elaine H., June 17th 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspirational Women, Interviews, Podcast
« Older Posts