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Fashion executive to digital mom

July 11, 2011 By Tori 12 Comments

We enjoy following the evolving stories of our Grommet friends and love hearing how they are shaking things up, making a difference or following their dreams. In the case of our pal Audrey McClelland, it’s all three! Here to share her new book, we sat down for a little Q&A with Audrey (plus we have a giveaway, details at end of the post!).

Colleen Padilla and Audrey McClelland authors of The Digital Mom

The last time we spoke you were telling us about your fashion vlog and your 365 days of fashion project, tell us — what’s new with you?

Well, I’m excited to announce that my book (that I co-authored with Colleen Padilla) The Digital Mom Handbook is coming out July 26th! This has kind of taken over my life right now.  We started thinking about the idea of this book back in October of 2009… so to know that it’s almost ready to be released, it’s truly a dream come true.

How did you like the process of writing a book? Any surprises?

You know, it’s funny… I’ve written another book before, Preconception Plain & Simple, with my mom, but we self-published, we never actively looked for a publisher.  It was much, much different — we had to do everything (I mean, everything).  This time around with The Digital Mom Handbook was a DREAM.  It was hard work, yes… but it was good hard work.  Colleen and I knew what we wanted to share, so it was just a matter of making sure everything we wanted in the book, made it in the book.  Having an editor helped tremendously because we were guided through the whole process.  We each took a stab at different chapters, and then came together to make it work as one.  The biggest surprise for me throughout the process was seeing the amount of edits that went back and forth… everything is so thorough, and it was incredible to see that.  Not to mention, this is “our” baby, and it was amazing to see people care about it as much as we did.

What has surprised you most about your career transformation from Fashion Executive to Blogger to now published Author?

The journey has been amazing. You know, when I was working at Donna Karan, I always dreamed of doing something on my own.  When I started blogging, I remember actually thinking, “Oh… so this is what I’ve been wanting to do my whole life.” I just LOVED It! I felt like I finally figured it all out in terms of what I was supposed to be doing with my life.  So when the book came along, I just felt very excited.  It’s an extension of myself and I just really felt so much information about the digital mom world needed to be shared.  The digital mom community means so much to me, and I just wanted to be able to support it in the best way possible.

Is there a  book tour in the works? Anything else you want to share with us?

We have a few things in the works.  For anyone who orders our book before July 26th (the day our book will officially be released) we have a special offer for them.  You’ll have access to an exclusive online seminar with me and Colleen. We’ll discuss the book LIVE, share tips and advice and take questions from the readers during our webinar.  I’m very excited about this!!  And we’re going to be doing Digital Mom Handbook seminars throughout the country towards the end of 2011 and into 2012, so stay tuned for cities where we will be.

Audrey, thank you for sharing this update with us – the Daily Grommet gang is enjoying watching your (digital) story evolve!

Want to learn more about The Digital Mom Handbook? Read more and preorder your copy here. We are also giving one away right here on the Daily Grommet blog! Just leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.

For an extra entry, tweet (leave a comment here letting us know you tweeted):

” I entered to win a copy of  #DigitalMomHandbook on @DailyGrommet http://j.mp/mQuqCg “

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U.S. resident and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. Two entries per person. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 11 am PST July 11, 2011 to 10 pm PST July 13, 2011.

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Supper Club | Cookbook Giveaway

June 7, 2011 By Tori 40 Comments

Today, we tend to eat many meals on the run and find that we are forcing ourselves to “make time” to have a meal together. So when Debi Shawcross reached out to tell us about her new cookbook Friends at the Table: The Ultimate Supper Club Cookbook, we were really delighted.

supper club - cookbookWith a nostalgiac nod to a  supper club from the 1930s and 1940s, Friends at the Table will teach you how to plan your menu, organize the event, and get it all on the table at once. Seasonal menus, tips for table decorations, and music selections make this a book for novice and expert alike. With plan-ahead instructions and ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, Friends at the Table is the ultimate how-to guide and cookbook for a modern day supper club.

Debi’s cookbook is filled with fabulous recipes. She even shares several on her site like Southwestern Ceasar and Apple and Cranberry Crisp with Maple Whipped Cream (see them here).

Thinking about starting your own supper club, or just looking for new delicous recipes? You’re in luck, Debi is generously giving away a copy of her cookbook to one lucky reader!

Just tell us, who would you invite to your dinner table?

Comment below to enter  to win a copy of Friends at the Table!

Contest is now closed. Congratulations to Angie P.!

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U.S. resident and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. One entry per person. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 1pm PST June 6, 2011 to 10 pm PST June 10, 2011.

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How to organize your home | Tips from the Organization Junkie

January 24, 2011 By Angella 3 Comments

Organization tips with OrgJunkie

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by clutter and chaos or simply wanted to learn how to organize your home, this post is for you. Laura is a blogger and author who chronicles the life of an organizing junkie and attempts to get others “hooked” along with her. She has graciously stopped by our blog today for a little Q&A with us.

1. Your blog (orgjunkie.com) is quite popular and seems to be the go-to place for organization tips. How did you get started with blogging and did you ever anticipate that you would have such a
large readership?

I started my blog 5 years ago now, when my youngest was just six months old, for something to do and to connect with other moms. At the time I had no idea what a hot topic organizing was, I just knew how much I loved doing it and wanted to share that passion with others. My friends all thought my habit was a little strange so it was nice to find people out there that appreciated this love of mine and that I could help in some small way. I anticipated going back to work outside the home when my baby turned one but blogging turned out to be such a blessing in more ways than one when it became a part time job for me. This allowed me to stay home with my son, something I didn’t have the opportunity to do with my oldest two children. My blog has continued to grow over the years and I’m just so grateful for that. It’s really taken me by surprise to be honest.

2. Have you always been an “organizing junkie”?

Oh gosh no, just ask my mom! I was a very messy teenager. At the time it didn’t bother me though so it never occurred to me that there could be another way. It wasn’t until I lived in a 900 square foot rancher (no basement) with a husband, two kids and a dog that stuff really began to drive
me nuts. Stuff without “homes” turn into piles and piles turn into cluttered messes. I remember having to get very creative with space in that home. The day that I turned a coat closet into an office was a turning point for me. It was my a-ha moment when I realized that even though this wasn’t conventional it worked for me and that’s what mattered most. It wasn’t someone else’s idea of what an organized home should look like, it was how it worked for my family that counted. To see so much fit into such a tiny space was so rewarding and dare I say fun! It became quite the addiction for me, hence the name of my blog, I’m an Organizing Junkie.

How to organize your home | Clutter Rehab3. You’ve recently wrote a book (congrats!) – I remember reading a post where you said that writing a book wasn’t something you had ever planned. How did your book deal come about?

No writing a book was never something I dreamed of doing. In fact I still have trouble calling myself an author! My publisher found me through my blog and contacted me to find out if I’d be interested. I turned him down. Yes I really did. My husband had just lost his job and was relocating to another province for work leaving me at home to hold down the fort with the kids until school finished for the year. I knew my hands would be full. However my publisher persisted and proposed instead a simple easy to read organizing tip book rather than a full on wordy book. I liked the sound of that as it’s something I knew I would read myself and so I agreed.

4. How did you find the book writing process? Easy, hard, fun? Or a combination of a bunch of different feelings?

To be honest it was a lot harder than I had anticipated. Writing doesn’t come easy for me and it would literally take me hours to write one tip. There were days I wanted to just give up. I hung in there though, with the support of many people, and completed it right on my deadline. I’m very proud of that and I think it was a wonderful lesson for my kids to see. Pushing through our fears and what’s comfortable is possible with some perseverance, determination, deadlines and prayer.

5. Do you have any advice or encouragement for people who claim that being organized just isn’t in their blood?

Well I don’t really buy into the theory that it isn’t in our blood as I don’t think I have any special organizing gene or anything. Yes I have a passion for it that other’s may not but anyone can do it. They just have to learn the skills needed to do it and that’s what I teach in my book. The two key elements to organizing any space are knowing the process to follow and the ability to make decisions. This last one I think is where people get stuck most often but with practice it does get much easier.

6. Do you have a simple tip that you’d like to share with our readers?

Start small. It’s as simple as that. Feeling overwhelmed with all that needs to be done can be debilitating and lead to procrastination. Break your tasks down into bite size manageable steps. For instance, don’t keep reminding yourself that you need to organize your office. Instead make a list
of all the things that need to be done inside your office in order to reach your goal of an organized space. One drawer, closet, file and/or pile at a time.

7. What’s next for you and orgjunkie.com?

This year I’ve introduced a new challenge on my blog that will help readers with their own organizational journeys over the course of the entire year. It’s called 52 Weeks of Organizing and it is designed to have you accomplish
one small organizing task per week. Bite size portions, one week at a time. However, from the feedback I’m already getting, what seems to be happening is that once people get started (and let’s face it that can be the hardest part sometimes) and experience that sense of order and calm that
comes with an organized space, they want to keep going and end up doing more! My goal is to get everyone “hooked” on organizing right along with me!

Laura, thank you for chatting with us about your new book: Clutter Rehab: 101 Tips and Tricks to Become an Organization Junkie and Love It!      and for giving us a bit of a behind-the-scenes look at your blog.

Thanks so much for having me here today!

Laura is a wife and mother to three great kids, lives in Alberta, Canada and is an addict of all things organizing, especially containers. She is addicted to the “high” that comes with living a life of order and simplicity and is always looking for her next “fix”. You can find her blogging regularly and sharing her passion over at I’m an Organizing Junkie, and her organizing book, Clutter Rehab: 101 Organizing Tips & Tricks to Become an Organization Junkie and Love It!

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Do Witches Make Fishes?

October 25, 2010 By Angella Leave a Comment

 

Angella Dykstra

Angella Dykstra

I have a pretty varied group of Internet friends, all of whom are interesting and dynamic and unique. Jason Mayo is one of them. He’s got a great wit, a great perspective on women (he has a house full of them) and a big heart. It’s that heart that led him to write a book for which all proceeds go to charity. I sent Jason a Q&A about his book, “Do Witches Make Fishes?”

Do Witches Make Fishes1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself. Who are you and why exactly are you on the Internet? (I jest. Who isn’t on the Internet, other than my Grandma?) Where can our readers find you if they want to get to know you better?

Well, my name is Jason and I’m gonna be 40 years old in a couple of months. This means that I’m too young to retire and too old for chicks to think I’m hot anymore. I’m losing the hair on my head but it’s growing back on my ears, my back and the top of my shoulders. Luckily I have a wife that still thinks I’m handsome and two daughters that are too young to know any better. I also write a Dad blog called Out-Numbered where I make some pretty bad decisions a couple of times a week and my first children’s book just came out about a month ago. I need a nap.

2. So. You wrote a book called. “Do Witches Make Fishes?” What is the book about?

Well, the book is about a young boy who favors candy over his Mom’s healthy but really weird looking dishes. Eventually he’s faced with an ultimatum from his Mother and he has to make a choice. What ensues is a series of extraordinary and fantastical events. I used to love Dr. Seuss as a kid but I’m also a huge horror buff, so it was only natural for me to try and introduce a little bit of the two into the story. I think the combination makes it pretty unique. It’s like a cross between Dr. Seuss and Clive Barker. Aside from being fun to read and filled with tons of cool illustrations, it has a really important message for kids about making healthy choices and listening to your parents. That was something I really wanted to work into the story because I haven’t seen that many good new children’s books dealing with eating healthy and it’s a real problem with kids in our country today.

3. How was the process of creating the book? Was it as hard as we’ve heard, or what is easier than expected?

I’m the kind of person that likes to have things done perfect and fast. Not one or the other. So it was a really difficult exercise in patience for me. In all honesty, the first draft of the story took me about 2 or 3 hours to write and then it took about 8 months to finish fine tuning the story and perfecting the drawings with my illustrator. I really enjoyed that collaboration. It was amazing for me to see my story come to life through the eyes of another human being. I’m just happy he didn’t kill me for annoying him with my changes day in and day out. There was a lot of back and forth on multiple levels. My editor was really helpful with the story arc as well as, phrasing and what not but I think some of the most valuable feedback, came from the multitude of teachers, school administrators and parents alike that took the time to read and comment on the book. I didn’t think it was going to be that arduous a process but then again, I’m usually wrong about most things.

4. Now that you’re on the other side and on the published side of things, is it what you envisioned it to be?

The truth is, I never envisioned anything. I never even envisioned writing a blog, let alone have people that read it. I’m just really happy that I actually followed through with it because it feels good to have accomplished something. I think my wife and kids are proud of me and that’s pretty much more than I could ever wish for. I think the biggest thing for me is that I don’t allow myself to feel a ton of pressure. I’m not doing this to make a living. I’m lucky enough to have a full time gig that allows me to do this sort of stuff in my spare time. It’s a labor of love really.

5. Rumor has it that the book’s proceeds go to charity. OK, fine. It’s not a rumor – it’s the truth. SO COOL. Which charity gets to benefit from all of your hard work?

Yes, you are correct. All of the profits from the book (my royalties) go to a terrific charity called the Garden of Dreams foundation. The charity works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden, including the New York Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and Fuse to make dreams come true for kids in crisis. About a year ago, my best friend found out he had cancer and one of our sports heroes, Adam Graves of the New York Rangers, did a pretty amazing thing for us. I wrote a blog about it called, “Hockey Heals”. That experience opened my eyes to a whole new world of thinking. It really was a spiritual experience that changed my life and I made a decision to make giving back a priority in my life. I originally wrote the book for my oldest daughter and her 2nd grade class but I thought it would be a cool way to raise money for The Garden Of Dreams if I could get a bunch of people to buy it. So far it’s working and I’m grateful for all of the support and love I’ve found along the way. I’m pretty psyched because I’ve started to do readings at schools, libraries and local community fairs etc. I’ll also be working with the Garden of Dreams and doing events, hospital readings and other great stuff to help put smiles on kids faces. I just hope the kids don’t think the book sucks.

You can find all of the info about the book, the charity, my inspiration and where to buy it at: http://www.dowitchesmakefishes.com

Thanks so much, Jason. We’re happy to be able to feature this book (and the Garden of Dreams foundation) here at  Daily Grommet. I’m sure our community members would love to buy a book that is not only a fun read for kids, but gives back to those in need.

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The Search for Clean Cosmetics

September 23, 2010 By Wendy 21 Comments

Beauty products are supposed to do great things for our skin, but the scary truth is that many of them expose us to harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through our skin.

A new tell-all book by journalists Siobhan O’Connor and Alexandra Spunt blows the lid off unhealthy cosmetics. But it’s not just gloom and doom. No More Dirty Looks: The Truth About Your Beauty Products and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics shares insider secrets from scientists and dermatologists, plus it lists Siobhan and Alexandra’s choices for the best clean cosmetics, hair care, and skin care products (one of them is an upcoming Grommet, so stay tuned).

No More Dirty Looks is a great resource. Siobhan and Alexandra are informative without being preachy. We had a chance to ask them a few questions of our own, and here’s what they had to say:

This can be overwhelming for people — and upsetting, as well. You want to feel like the products you buy are safe, when the majority are not. What should people start with, to see the biggest difference? Body lotion?

Don’t we know it! We found it very upsetting to learn that the products we trusted were potentially unsafe, but that’s also why we wrote an essentially upbeat book. We LOVE our products now, and we want to make the transition easy, beautifying and fun for other women. We think the book helps with the transition, because it’s arranged by body part/product category. We say start slow, replace things as you run out of them, and keep in mind that things you use daily, and over a large surface area — such as a shampoo, facial sunscreen, and body lotion – should be among the first to go.

What do you say to people who try one of the products that you recommend and they don’t see a difference in their skin care?

We’ve had pretty happy responses so far, we have to say! But as with anything, we think you need to find what works for you. I love pure organic argan oil from Kahina, and believe it has completely changed my skin. Some people don’t want to put oils on their faces, but really love fancy creams from Tata Harper, or Evan Healy. The trick, as with anything, is managing expectations. We can’t expect a bottle of anything to make us look 10 years younger, but we can expect more manageable, balanced, calm and hydrated skin, and that can make a huge difference in our appearance and in how we feel!

We’re curious: Why are some of the top brands not included, like Perricone, La Mer & Arbonne?

We were very strict when it came to ingredients and we only recommended products with really clean lists. We don’t name names in the book, because the truth is most mainstream lines all use the same ingredients—variations on a theme.  We think you can get more bang for your buck using organic, clean lines instead.

You can also visit their website nomoredirtylooks.com.

If you would like to win a copy of No More Dirty Looks, simply leave a comment on this post. We will randomly select two winners.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner(s) will be randomly selected and will receive the title above. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 8:00 am PST September 23, 2010 to 10 pm PST September 24, 2010.

 

 

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An interview with author Shauna Glenn

September 20, 2010 By Angella 31 Comments

Shauna Glenn is a hilarious writer, and her second book (Relative Insanity) has just come out. I asked Shauna if she’s do a Q&A for our readers here at  Daily Grommet and she was kind enough to sit down with us and dish.

I’d love to give you the chance to tell our readers where they can find you online. *I* know you’re funny on a daily basis – it’s only fair that we let everyone else in on the fun.

You can find me on my website, ShaunaGlenn.com

Or at AimingLow.com. And of course TheBadMomsClub.com

On Twitter I’m @shaunaglenn; and I’m on Facebook too (but only because my publicist is making me–please don’t invite me to play Farmville)

Can you give our readers a quick synopsis of what Relative Insanity is about?

My latest book, Relative Insanity, is about a woman, Kate, who gives up her career to stay at home and raise her children. She definitely thought her life would amount to something other than being the resident nose wiper. Along the way she loses her identity and instead becomes some one’s wife and mother. She’s lost. She’s unhappy. But she has no way of knowing what it is she wants or needs. Her family doesn’t help. Her mother is not exactly the kind of traditional grandmother she was hoping she would be. Her mother in law is a religious fanatic who insists that Kate will one day become a minister. Usually when hearing this Kate chokes on her wine. Her husband, Tom, is a certified workaholic who seems less and less interested in her, leaving her feeling lonely and unwanted. In other words, Kate’s a mess. But don’t let this depressing synopsis fool you. This book is funny.

Here’s what a few people are saying about Relative Insanity…

“From the title, I thought this was a book to help me deal with my brother’s bi-polar disorder, because he’s spiraling down very quickly and I needed immediate assistance. He’s dead now, but man, this book was funny!” –Adam Heath Avitable, author of Avitable.com

“This book is good birth control. It will also make you laugh like hell. You should buy it because it’s hard to find that kind of combination without a medical prescription.” –Jenny Lawson, TheBloggess.com

“Shauna Glenn is from that rare breed of authors who can make you laugh until you cry even when she’s writing about the most raw and visceral human emotions. Driven by heart and hilarity, RELATIVE INSANITY might just be Shauna’s best novel yet.” –Danny Evans, author of RAGE AGAINST THE MESHUGENAH

Writers often talk about their “muse.” What does your muse look/feel like?

I would say that my family feeds my overactive imagination and the stories just blossom from there. As you can probably guess, they’re excited about this.

What did you find to be the hardest part of the writing process for the book?

The hardest part of the book writing process is finding the time and ignoring the distractions. I have to force myself to shut off things like THE INTERNET. Which, if you know me at all, is hard.

What did you find to be the best part of the writing process for the book?

The best part of the book writing process for me is typing two little words. The End.

This is your second novel (Congratulations!) – do you have plans to keep writing books? Is there a book #3 on the horizon?

I have more books in the works. I have one other completed manuscript called Good Mourning, but it’s in the editing phase. I hope to finish it by 2015. I know that’s a long way out there but there’s nothing worse than having to rewrite sections of a book you swore you were finished writing. I would rather eat my own arm than edit a manuscript. But like everything else the Nazis invented, editing is an important, yet sucky, part of the writing process.

Also, I’m in the process of writing a non-fiction proposal. So we’ll see what happens there. I’m sure my family can’t wait to read that.

Thanks so much Shauna!

If you would like to win a copy of Relative Insanity, simply leave a comment on this post. We will randomly select one winner.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner will be randomly selected and will receive the title above. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 9:00 am PST September 20, 2010 to 10 pm PST September 21, 2010.

Filed Under: Books and Music, Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Facebook advice for parents

September 14, 2010 By Sara 13 Comments

Sara Pacelle

As summer winds down and back to school approaches, I know my 13 year old daughter will start up asking me again for her own Facebook account.  During the summer I had a slight reprieve as she was busy with lots of activities, but, I have to say that during this past school year she was relentless!  I guess I have been avoiding her request (pleading is more like it) because I myself am not that comfortable with kids being on Facebook.  Sure, she tells me that “all” her friends already have their own accounts, but I know that’s an exaggeration.  Many teenagers do and I know the legal age for a Facebook account is 13, but I am sure there are still some kids who have parents like me who just don’t know whether it’s appropriate.  The Internet can be a scary place and I have heard lots about kids being “cyber bullied” or becoming addicted to sites like Facebook.  Since my own childhood did not include Facebook, I am hesitant to accept the fact that it is part of my children’s lives.   I understand businesses, adults and older teenagers using it, but do kids have the maturity level to navigate such a powerful medium?  When my daughter patted me on the shoulder one day and calmly explained to me that “Don’t worry, Mom, Facebook is fine, if you know how to use it”, I realized that I needed to get educated.

So, I went on a mission to find an excellent resource for parents like me to get the scoop on the pros and cons of Facebook. What I needed was, Facebook advice for parents.

I contacted BJ Fogg and Linda Fogg who are co-authors of the book Facebook for Parents and of their website www.facebookforparents.org .  BJ is a Facebook expert, a research psychologist and the Director of Stanford University’s Persuasive Technology Lab.  Fortune Magazine named him one of “10 New Gurus You Should Know”.  Linda is a mother of eight children who has the unique vantage point of being a mother of active teens online.  Linda is also a business owner and involved in several overseas humanitarian projects.  In addition to authoring this book, both of them teach a course called “Facebook for Parents” at Stanford University. 

Linda was kind enough to speak with us about her book.

Your book is entitled Facebook for Parents, Answers to the Top 25 Questions.  I like how it is concise, clearly written and organized around some very relevant questions.  In fact, your questions were the exact ones my friends and I had, mainly about how to protect our children on Facebook.  How did you choose these particular questions?

The top 25 questions are clearly the most asked questions that parents have.  This became very obvious as BJ and I taught the class Facebook for Parents at Sanford University. We had a class of 75 parents that we taught over a two month period.  I also have organized a Parents Advisory Council that I get frequent feedback from.   I travel all over the United States teaching workshops and speaking.  It is from these various groups that I am able to continue to keep in touch with what parents really think and what their questions and concerns are regarding Facebook.   I would love to add more parents to my Parents Advisory Council.  Any parent that is interested in participating can email me at lindfoggphillips@gmail.com

You compare Facebook to an unknown neighborhood, where you wouldn’t let your kid enter unless you knew the pitfalls and potentials first.  I see your book as a great guide to this Facebook neighborhood, all tailored to parents.  Is this book for the pure beginner on Facebook or for someone who has had some experience already?

 This book is written in a way that someone that has never been on Facebook will benefit and learn as well as someone that has been an active user for a long period of time.  We purposely wrote the book to be read according to the reader’s interest.  It does not need to be read cover to cover.  The reader can read just a few chapters or all of them.  They do not even have to be read in order.

You are both fans and critics of Facebook, what would you say is the best and the worst things about Facebook?

The best thing about Facebook is that it is a great parenting tool and family strengthening tool.  As a parenting tool it allows you to be more aware of your children’s thoughts and feelings.  It gives you as a parent a window into their lives that  you may not have access to any other way.  Kids sometimes have a hard time expressing their feelings verbally.  They are still developing that skill, but on Facebook they are very comfortable expressing their inner thoughts and feelings in written form.  That can be both good and bad. 

If a parent is willing to become knowledgeable on how to use Facebook, this can assist him in meeting the needs of his child that may not be obvious otherwise. Facebook has the ability to strengthen family relationships by providing more opportunities to communicate and be vicariously involved in each other’s lives.

The worst thing about Facebook is the fact that personal privacy can be compromised, especially if you or your child are not familiar with how to lock down the privacy settings.  This is a huge risk factor!  Even if you don’t have a Facebook account, your privacy can be compromised by what other people post about you.  It is critical that every user know how to use the privacy settings as well as use good judgment in what they post.  I continually teach both parents and kids alike to regard Facebook as a public space where anyone can observe what is going on, much like your front lawn.

What do you say to parents who worry that their children would encounter cyber bullying or identity theft or even, addictive behavior if they joined Facebook?

I have not seen identity theft be much of a problem with Facebook although it is a risk.  To minimize this risk, parents and kids need to avoid putting too much personal information on their page.  This would include address, city that they live in, phone number, school that they go to, birthday, etc.  Basically avoid putting as much personal information as possible on your page or make it private. 

Cyberbullying is becoming a concern with not only Facebook, but with texting and emails as well.  This is where the parent needs to teach their child to let them know when this is occurring.  The parent needs to take immediate action to stop any cyber bullying before it gets out of hand.  It is viral and escalates very rapidly.  By being a friend with their child on Facebook, a parent can often recognize the initial signs of cyberbullying and put a quick stop to it.  Some kids get caught up in the bullying process without even being aware that they are contributing.  Parents need to remind their kids of the old adage that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.  This applies to texts , emails, wall post and comments.

Facebook addiction is a risk to not only kids but adults as well.   It is very easy to get consumed.  Setting limits and boundaries and sticking to them is the best defense in this case.

What if your kid won’t “friend” you?

This question is so commonly asked that it surprises me! In my house, not friending me is not an option, especially if my children want to eat.  I understand that this is not the policy of every family.  The advice that I give  parents that have children that won’t friend them is to not worry about it.  The parent needs to go ahead and establish an account and become familiar with Facebook.  They need to build their own network of friends and interact with them.  In most cases, once the child feels comfortable that the parent will not embarrass him in front of his Facebook friends and knows what he is doing, then the child will be comfortable in friending the parent.

It seems like Facebook is changing constantly, how do you recommend parents stay “Facebook hip”?

Facebook IS constantly changing.  That is just the nature of the beast.  It will continue to change and evolve.  Here are the best ways to stay “Facebook hip:

1.  use it on a regular basis

2.  follow @fb4parents on Twitter

3.  sign up for our newsletter on facebookforparents.org

4.  read the facebook blog

5.  use google alerts to notify you of updates and news on Facebook

Plus, we outline other resources available in our book. 

We are giving away a free copy of Linda and BJ’s book Facebook for Parents. To enter, leave a comment or question for Linda or share your thoughts about Facebook.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S.  resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner will be randomly selected and will win a copy of Facebook for Parents.  Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 9:00 am PST September 14, 2010 to 10 pm PST September 15, 2010.

Filed Under: Books and Music, Contests & Giveaways Tagged With:

Babushka’s Beauty Secrets

September 9, 2010 By Angella 39 Comments

A little while ago, Jeanne asked me if I wanted to review a book about home beauty remedies,  Babushka’s Beauty Secrets.  She included the book description:

DON’T SPEND A FORTUNE TO LOOK FLAWLESS. Esthetician to the stars Raisa Ruder learned her time-tested beauty techniques from her Ukrainian grandmother (or babushka, as they say in the old country). Now everyone can discover the all-natural, better-than-botox secrets the Hollywood stars use to shine on the red carpet! Ruder reveals her sought-after beauty recipes that can fight wrinkles, plump lips, and eliminate crow’s feet and acne, using inexpensive, everyday grocery items like eggs, honey, vegetable oil and strawberries (and a splash of vodka for freshness!).

I told Jeanne that I am thirty-five and hate my “laugh lines”, so SIGN ME UP. It’s a quick read – I spent all of an afternoon reading through the tips and recipes. It all seems so simple and easy and…inexpensive. As someone who has spent her fair share of money and lotions and potions, it was hard to believe that these tips might work. I figured it couldn’t hurt to try a few recipes and I don’t know if it’s all in my head or wishful thinking, but my face does seem a little brighter and my lips a little fuller. I tend to pick myself apart, as women often do, so if I see an improvement it can only stand to reason that maybe there is something to this book and its tips.

I happen to have not one, but TWO copies of the book to give away. You know you want one; you can enter in the comments below.

If you would like to win a copy of Babushka’s Beauty Secrets, simply leave a comment on this post. We will randomly select two winners.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner(s) will be randomly selected and will receive the title above. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 9:00 am PST September 9, 2010 to 10 pm PST September 10, 2010.

Filed Under: Books and Music, Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Change makers of the (self) publishing world

August 10, 2010 By Tori 15 Comments

Here at Daily Grommet we get to meet and form relationships with many smart, innovative change makers – in that regard, Amy and Claire from www.indiereader.com do not disappoint.  While speaking with Amy and Claire (founders of IndieReader, website featuring books published by distinguished indie authors), it became clear that they are passionate about what they are doing.  They shared with us  their mission to bring their community a unique collection of books that have been published and produced by the people who actually wrote them.  These books are submitted by the authors themselves or by the readers who have loved them.  In short, they had us at “Hello.”

Amy and Claire work tirelessly at providing a venue in which you can find and purchase books that are promised to be quite different than other book stores (both online or brick-n-mortar).  They think of these books, curated and loved by its author, to be like handmade goods. They are produced in small numbers, instead of the mass-marketed stuff you’d find at a super book store. Plus, every book on the IndieReader site is reviewed prior to acceptance, guaranteeing that you’ll find the “cream-of-the-indie crop”.

If you  have never  given a lot of thought to the process in which books are published, you might be wondering “why is this so important?” Amy and Claire explain:

“…today more than ever, almost everything we produce gets co-opted by corporate culture, turned into a business model, reformulated and churned out like soap with the simple intent to appeal to as many people as possible. In a world where almost everything is packaged by committee, IndieReader offers you books with a single voice: the writer’s own.” They point out that “With today’s technology, writers are able to take back their ability to create – and share their creations – without getting someone else’s permission.”

In addition to giving authors a platform to share their craft, IndieReader also offers a very eco-conscious way to purchase books. Traditional publishers print and over-stock  mass amounts of books. Indie Reader on the other hand, prints via On Demand Technology meaning the books aren’t made until after they have actually been sold.

While speaking with Amy and Claire it became obvious that they are not saying indie published books are better than those traditionally published. They are just pointing out that indie books are well … different.  They are leaving it up to you to decide what to read (hence their tagline: “Read What You Want”). They note:

Here at IndieReader, we think that people can decide for themselves (what to read), and don’t need the big publishing houses to tell them what they should like.

We encourage you to browse the virtual book shelves at Indie Reader. In fact, if you come back here and leave a comment sharing a title that you would like to read, we will enter you in a drawing for a book of your choice.

Thank you Amy and Claire for sharing your story with us and for offering a generous giveaway. You can also follow IndieReader on Twitter or join them on Facebook.

 General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner  will be randomly selected and will receive a copy of all four books above.  Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from  8:00 am PST August 9, 2010 through 10:00 pm PST August 10, 2010.

Filed Under: Books and Music, Contests & Giveaways, Featured Tagged With: ,

It’s not too late for some Summer reading!

August 4, 2010 By Tori 62 Comments

Whether you are able to grab a book and enjoy a lazy Summer day lost in a  story, or you simply squeeze some reading in here and there — you will like today’s post.  Just in time for some end-of-the-Summer relaxation, Hachette has generously given us four great Summer reads to giveaway.

     Adam by Ted Dekker

 FBI behavioral psychologist Daniel Clark is a man on a mission. After over a year of tracking a mysterious serial killer known as Eve, he feels closer than ever to discovering the murderer’s true identity when he finds Eve’s latest victim still alive.

 More about Adam by Ted Dekker

 

The Island by Elin Hinderbrand

Birdie Cousins has planned a getaway with her daughter Chess on rustic, charming Tuckernuck Island off the coast of Nantucket, a chance to bond before Chess’s upcoming marriage. Birdie’s been through a difficult divorce herself, so she knows the big commitment that marriage entails. She’s only recently dared to tiptoe back into the waters of romance.

More about The Island by Elin Hinderbrand

The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebenthal

It’s the day after Labor Day, 2008, and the bottom is about the drop out of the economy. Hedge fund owner John Cutter is in the process of an ugly divorce and nearly in financial ruin, except for the assets he is hiding from his wife Mimi in the Cayman Islands. When he concocts a scheme to redeem himself, he enlists Lehman Brothers investment banker Blake Somerset as an accomplice. Blake is ripe for recruitment given that he too is on the verge of being in dire financial straits given Lehman’s decline and imminent bankruptcy.

More about The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebenthal

Rich Boy by Sharon Pomerantz

Robert Vishniak is the favored son of Oxford Circle, a working-class Jewish neighborhood in 1970s Philadelphia. Handsome and clever, Robert glides into the cloistered universities of New England, where scions of unimaginable wealth and influence stand shoulder to shoulder with scholarship paupers like himself who wash dishes for book money. The doors that open there lead Robert to the highest circles of Manhattan society during the heart of the Reagan boom where everything Robert has learned about women, through seduction and heartbreak, pays off.

More about Rich Boy by Sharon Pomerantz

  Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson

Rose Mae Lolley is a fierce and dirty girl, long-suppressed under flowery skirts and bow-trimmed ballet flats. As “Mrs. Ro Grandee” she’s trapped in a marriage that’s thick with love and sick with abuse. Her true self has been bound in the chains of marital bliss in rural Texas, letting “Ro” make eggs, iron shirts, and take her punches. She seems doomed to spend the rest of her life battered outside by her husband and inside by her former self, until fate throws her in the path of an airport gypsy—one who shares her past and knows her future.

More about  Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson

Are you reading for some Summer reading? One person will win all four books! Simply leave a comment below and we will draw a winner.

 

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner  will be randomly selected and will receive a copy of all four books above.  Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 8:00 am PST August 4, 2010 through 10:00 pm PST August 5, 2010.

Filed Under: Books and Music, Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: ,
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