Wikipedia reports that 55% of all books purchased are romance fiction. Actually, that genre exceeds even major league baseball! And who is one of the major contributors to that successful segment?

Our Girlfriendology podcast guest has written over 100 romance fiction novels and is no where near running out of ideas. Meet SUSAN MALLERY, author of the new Bakery Sisters series and lots of favorite female fiction. Simple ... she writes books for women that women want to read!

Now was does 'chick lit' have to do with female friendship? Actually, when it comes to Susan Mallery, lots! Susan credits her girlfriends (many of whom are writers) for inspiring, supporting and encouraging her. She regularly meets with her author gal pals to take a break from writing, laugh together and just get re-energized to go back to writing so many books!

And, Susan's a sweetheart and shared her newest novel with us for the July Girlfriendology Contest so send in your girlfriend story and win a copy of Sweet Talk, by Susan Mallery.

Join us next time for an amazing woman - MARSH ENGLE. She started the 'Amazing Woman Initiative,' wrote books on Amazing Women and has an "Amazing Woman's Day 2008" event coming up on July 19th in Palm Springs. Come hear about your amazing spirit and those amazing women who bless our lives!

Love a good GNO? (Girl's Night Out) Or, basically any time spent with your girlfriends? Of course - who doesn't?!

Our January 2008 Girlfriendology Contest featured ideas on events with your fabulous gal pals. Re-recorded and re-mixed for your listening pleasure, we're re-releasing the January Contest winners podcast. Listen in!

And, every month we have contests at www.girlfriendology.com/contest with LOTS of PRIZES. Join in and win! Thanks Girlfriends!!

Katie Hacker wrote the book on beading. Okay, actually she's written over 20 books on beading and other creative hobbies. And, she's a regular contributor to Beads, Baubles and Jewels on PBS. She spoke with Girlfriendology back in December and her faithful following fans continue to listen in to this talented designer and wonderful creative girlfriend.

Check out the 'new and improved' audio for Katie's podcast interview with Girlfriendology. You'll be inspired creatively and you might even have to get some of your girlfriends together to craft!

We've updated and remixed our Girlfriendology interview with Life Coach DEBBIE LUNDBERG. Even months after the interview, this podcast continues to have lots of downloads - so Debbie keeps inspiring women through Girlfriendology! (And we've updated her coming events - see below!)

Life coach DEBBIE LUNDBERG believes women should support women and she actively pursues this as a life coach and leader of a women's organization, the Tampa VEGAs. Taken from an acronym for Vision, Experience, Growth and Appreciation, the VEGAs are committed to not only having fun together but also challenging each other to grow and learn. Debbie and VEGAs have hosted a "Choose to Inspire" woman's seminar on organization but not just getting our homes in order. Their focus was holistic on organizing your spirit, life, finances, meals and home - and it was met with approval and appreciation! Join us as Debbie tells why a girlfriend's group is important and how to set guidelines. Hear about her book and her advice for women in order to support each other.

Debbie's current events:

Life Works I...Enhancing Your Life Personally & Professionally
Tuesdays beginning July 22, 2008 through August 29, 2008 Register Now

Moms Embracing Beauty! Growth & Learning Forum
With an opportunity for the first 100 registrants to be entered in a drawing for a complete makeover!
Thursday, October 9, 2008 Register Now

For more information on Debbie visit www.debbielundberg.com, learn more about the VEGAs at www.tampavegas.com and their seminar series www.choosetoinspire.com.

Today's Girlfriendology podcast guest falls into the "passionate about playtime" category! While traveling to such exotic locations as Kenya, Venezuela, Argentina and Mexico, our guest found her experiences - some volunteering and some adventurous vacation travel - lacking what the other could provide.

In 2007, JODI NELSON came up with the concept of an all-encompassing travel experience that would give back to others yet still satisfy the need for active adventure ... and launched Play It Forward Adventures.

A new concept in travel, Play It Forward Adventures merges active outdoor adventures with humanitarian efforts abroad to empower and enrich lives. Listen in as Jodi shares how Play It Forward truly provides an experience suitable for their tagline:  "Volunteer. Explore. Connect."

Next podcast we'll explore the world of romance fiction and find out why women LOVE a good romantic story! Author of over 100 romance fiction novels, SUSAN MALLARY. She'll share romantic advice, how her girlfriends share ideas with her and more on this fun, female conversation!

We're going to take a slight detour today from GIRLfriendology to GRILLfriendology as we talk with one of the famous Kansas City BBQ Queens - KAREN ADLER.

Karen is a self-confessed "foodie," as well as president of Pig Out Publications. Sure, she's got over a dozen cookbooks in publication, but she and her slow-smokin' barbecue partner and girlfriend, Judith Fertig, love nothing more than a good old-fashioned barbecue cook-off. Their favorite is competing in the "Battle of the Sexes Barbecue Contest" - and they've won that more times than not!

We're firing up the grill and cookin' up something special today on this Girlfriendology podcast ... it's gonna be smokin'!

Join Girlfriendology on the next podcast for JODI NELSON, founder of "Play It Forward Adventures." Sure to inspire and possibly motivate you to take a trip, Jodi will tell us how she takes women (and men) on travel adventures where you not only see the country, hike or kayak through it but you also get to help out families while you're there. A very rewarding, challenging and definitely memorable adventure for you and your girlfriends (or family, partner, etc.). Listen in as Jodi encourages us to "Volunteer, Explore and Connect!"

See you next time! Remember - keep inspiring, appreciation and celebrating girlfriends. That's what we do!

Commenting on her experience with our guest today, Suzanne Sommers said, "Every once in a while, someone comes along who connects the dots and takes the mystery out of losing weight."

Girlfriends, we're about to connect the dots with a woman who has done post-graduate work in biomechanics, sports medicine, exercise physicology, nutrition and aging and has a PhD in Holistic and Clinical nutrition. And that's just scratching the surface.

J.J. VIRGIN has also appeared for several seasons as the fitness and nutrition expert on the Dr. Phil Show, and includes "nutritional coach for Superman" on her resume. How cool is that?!

J.J.'s new book (with co-author, Dan O'Dowd) "The Art of Losing It: Mastering Weight Loss in an Expanding World"* addresses all the key areas we'll discuss on this podcast: overcoming diet resistance, what types of foods and when to eat them, how sleep impacts our weight and, of course, how our girlfriends can help us in our fitness progress.

Does fitness and nutrition overwhelm you, like it does me? Do you struggle with a diet resistant body? Stay tuned for a Girlfriendology chat with "superWOMAN" J.J. Virgin!

THANKS J.J. for your life-changing inspiration! Check out J.J.'s website for more information and subscribe to her newsletter for a free report on "The Seven Biggest Mistakes to Avoid in Weight Loss."



Coming up on the next Girlfriendology Podcast:  Okay, I might not have planned this well to follow J.J.'s diet inspiration, but out guest on the next Girlfriendology podcast is one of the BBQ Queens, Karen Adler. We'll just try not to be too tempted by her barbecue expertise and focus more on her friendship with her BBQ Queen partner and co-author of some of her cookbooks, Judith Fertig and their friendship and business partnership that has seen them through girlfriend grillin' like no one else! Can you say pearls and tiaras to barbecue in?!

The May Girlfriendology Contest had more entries than ever before - so we posted the top 15 on our blog and let you vote. Through emails and comments, you selected ... Yep, we're going to make you listen to the podcast to hear the inspiring stories and see who won all the books, Starbucks giftcards and Girlfriendology Journal.

AND, please send in your stories for the June Contest. Again, we have more prizes than days in June and you could both win a book (and maybe a Starbucks giftcard to take your girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology) as well as inspire other girlfriends!

Remember the 'Law of Attraction' and the focus it received on Oprah and in the news a few years ago? It certainly caused a stir and rightly so as it inspired so many of us to rethink our lives and start attracting our dreams.

JODY ENGLAND studied the law of attraction and, along with her girlfriend Kim Yardlay, decided to take the Law of Attraction closer to a reality for all of us who aspire to living life to our potential. A successful entrepreneur and former therapist, counseling at-risk families, children, and individuals, Jody has transformed her unique blend of experience as a leading voice in both the business world and the nonprofit arena, to empowering women to grant themselves permission to unlock their personal power.

Together Jody and Kim founded BuzZen. BuzZen is a company founded on the principles of contribution and inclusion, designed to appeal to women of all backgrounds, religions and ethnicities and welcome one and all. They believe that through connecting at our deepest level of “sister,” we are all empowered and enriched.

This may sound somewhat magical or metaphysical, but actually it is more about growing with girlfriends and having a fun time doing that! Or, as BuzZen puts it: "It's like the Law of Attraction meets Girls Night Out!" (Does that put it in a more FUN perspective for you? It does for me!) PLUS there is even inspiring shopping for yourself and girlfriends!

Listen in to our wonderful conversation as we explore how this law of attraction is actually put into action to make a wonderful transformation in our lives. And, hear how having other women on the same journey can be part of 'The Hive' and inspire and challenge each other to reach greatness!

You can be part of the 'The Hive' too! Jody generously offered a free two month membership to 'The Hive' (the interactive online community of women BuzZen members!). So try it out and see what all the Buzzzz is about!

Thanks Jody!

On our next podcast, the winners of the May Girlfriendology Contest share their inspiring stories! And, don't forget to enter the June Girlfriendology Contest! We have over 35 prizes and just ask for you to send a story about an amazing girlfriend or a friend who has gone out of her way for you to contest@girlfriendology.com or leave a message (with your email address spelled out) at 206-202-9005. Go to our blog to see all the great prizes too!

Due to technical difficulties (seriously!), our new podcast with DEBI SILBER, The Mojo Coach, won't be posted until Wednesday evening. But I promise it will be worth the wait! (Get your Mojo Meter rising just by listening to this inspiring podcast!)

However, we do have two new version of great previous podcasts:

* CARRIE RUNNALS - founder of WordsToMouth.com, an online book review site with podcasts and author interviews. Get to know your favorite authors and find out about great new books on WordsToMouth. Also, Carrie is one of The Diva Cast - a podcast with girlfriends. Join these five, fun, fabulous, forty-something friends as they get real and share life together - with a few thousand of their favorite fans!

* MARYBETH BOND - the Gutsy Traveler shares her advice for women travelers with great ideas on trips for you and your girlfriends. Listen in as Marybeth shares why women's travel is growing so much and how to plan your own girlfriend get-away! Marybeth PODCAST

Meet Carrie and Marybeth, then come back next week and get your Mojo going with Debi Silber. And, remember to keep inspiring, appreciating and celebrating girlfriends - that's what we do. Thanks a lot girlfriends! Thanks a lot Carrie, Marybeth and Debi!

BRENDA NOVAK fans around the world are lucky she's a fast typist! Not only did it lead her into becoming an author, it now is a wonderful benefit to readers as she write several books every year! The latest, Trust Me, is a romantic thriller that is the first of 'The Last Stand' trilogy (or more!). Read the first chapter of Trust Me on her website too!

Listen in to this inspiring interview with author, mother (of five!), fundraiser Brenda Novak. And check out her website to find out more about Trust Me and her other books, make a contribution to her Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and enter the "That's What Friends Are For" contest and possibly win a seven-day cruise for you and a friend!

And, don't forget the June Girlfriendology Contest! You can win a copy of Brenda's new romantic thriller, Trust Me!

Join us for the next Girlfriendology Podcast as we talk with 'The Mojo Coach' - DEBI SILBER. She'll share her lifestyle fitness program - a plan so EVERY mom can look, feel and live her best! Listen in!

Thanks Girlfriends! Thanks Brenda!

The Girlfriend Factor was conceived over two very cold glasses of beer on a very hot summer day in Palm Desert, CA in the summer of 2005. JOAN BUSICK and Michele Moore, long time friends and business associates, decided to start a non-profit organization to ensure that higher education and occupational training are financially accessible to all adult women who choose to improve their economic position and strive for self-sufficiency.

Roxanne, Diana, Patty, Anna, Lucilla, Karen, Donna and all the other women who are Go Girl! Grant recipients are real women with real dreams and goals. Listen in as Joan tells us how The Girlfriend Factor is changing these lives and of many other women. You can help in all kinds of great girlfriend ways! (Camp Go Girl, Shopping, Sponsorships - YOU can make a difference and have fun with The Girlfriend Factor!)

Check out: The Girlfriend Factor for more information, the Girlfriendology Blog for "Lessons from a Girlfriend" - a summary of our conversation and what I learned from Joan and Girlfriendology.com - a place for inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends!

And join us next time for an interview with BRENDA NOVAK, award-winning author of romantic suspense books like her new book Trust Me. She also shares info on a wonderful contest for friends (to win a cruise!). Thanks Girlfriends!

What is Girlfriendology and who is this 'Debba'? Okay, so 'Debba' is me and 'Jill' is my very dear girlfriend who decided it was time that YOU meet ME and find out what this Girlfriendology thing is all about. And who better to introduce me, than a girlfriend?!

For the official record, "Girlfriendology is an online community for women based on inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends." Jill asks and I tell all - all about why I believe we can all make the world a better place, one friendship at a time.

And, of course, I had to turn the tables and ask Jill MacKay (the 'superstar' jewelry designer, artist, author and dear friend) about what is going on in her life (exciting things!) and what her girlfriends mean to her.

Just a little mutual admiration and girlfriend talk between two friends who help each other through the high and low points in life. I don't know what I'd do with Jill, and I get the feeling she thinks the same. Come spend some time with us - all girlfriends are welcome!

P.S. Visit the blog for Lessons Learned from a Girlfriend and visit www.Girlfriendology.com for more info on Girlfriendology, our monthly contests, videos, etc.

What do you wish for? You're wishes may change and happen by reading the newest novel by amazing best-selling author, DEBBIE MACOMBER. In her new book, Twenty Wishes, Debbie introduces us to a group of girlfriends who make a list of their wishes and then start to make changes that lead them to find out that wishes can come true - just not necessarily in the way you expect.

Listen in to the podcast and learn about Debbie and her girlfriends. Explore her passionate hobbies and the joy she receives from them - especially knitting. (Check out the companion book on Knit Along with Twenty Wishes and her new knitting accessories too!) Then make a list of your wishes. Share them with your girlfriends. And, don't forget to share them on Debbie's Set Your Wish Free Contest!

Thanks Debbie for a fabulous interview and for taking time for Girlfriendology during your national book tour for Twenty Wishes!

For Lessons learned from a Girlfriend (from the Debbie Macomber interview) visit the Girlfriendology Blog. Visit DebbieMacomber.com and Girlfriendology for more information. Make a wish Girlfriends. Go ahead - make Twenty Wishes!

Thanks - and happy summer Girlfriends!

p.s. Win a copy of Twenty Wishes in the Girlfriendology Contest!

Remember high school? Rather forget it? PAULA YOO's new book, the hilarious debut novel (for young adults - and up!) "Good Enough" is a wonderful way to go back to school yet actually enjoy it this time!

We had the opportunity to do a video interview with Paula on her recent national book tour. Not only did she share insight into the characters into this inspiring and amusing story, but she also performed a wonderful violin concert (as her main character, Patti Yoon, probably would have done too!).

Read "Good Enough" for an enjoyable trip back to high school with Patti Yoon and watch this video to meet PAULA YOO, who charms us back to school!

For more information: visit www.girlfriendology.com and www.paulayoo.com. Thanks Paula! Thanks Girlfriends!

There's always a lot to learn from a successful woman. 57 years on television, her own successful network show that inspired millions of us (women, men and children) to be creative, a new book and a wonderful personality make CAROL DUVALL an amazing woman to learn from. Her show, "The Carol Duvall Show" was on HGTV and DIY for years (and has many shows in reruns and online). She recently wrote "Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall" with her girlfriend and former producer, Cherryl Greene. And, she credits her girlfriends on the shows with making it a wonderful and successful show!

I had the blessing of being on her show a dozen times which impacted my career in so many ways. Listen in as I talk with this living legend of television and girlfriend who has inspired me and so many others. Thanks Carol for the great interview and for all the creativity you've inspired!!!!

For "Lessons from a Girlfriend" (on our conversation with Carol Duvall), visit the Girlfriendology blog. For more info, visit Girlfriendology!

In almost any knitting club, gourmet girlfriends group or any gathering of females you're likely to find a KATE JACOBS fan! Her debut novel, The Friday Night Knitting Club, was a New York Times best-selling book and celebrated friendship among knitters and non-knitters. Her new book, Comfort Food, is about "the elegant host of a television cooking show, Augusta 'Gus' Simpson, who is fending off an ambitious co-host while also dealing with personal issues with her two twenty-something daughters, Aimee and Sabrina. It’s a book about family, about friendships, about our frustrations in life and in work, and about the power of food to bring people together." (quote from Kate's blog)

Listen in as we talk with Kate about her books, her tour and, most importantly, her fabulous female friendships. And, join in the Girlfriendology Contest to win a copy of Comfort Food!

And, stop by the Girlfriendology blog for the lessons we learned from Kate. Thanks Girlfriends! Thanks Kate!

Just like George Clooney and Julia Roberts, we're going green this month! In the Girlfriendology Contest for April we asked you for some 'recycled' stories - tales of friendships in your past that have made a difference in your life. You shared some wonderful, inspiring stories and made it very hard to only pick five for the contest winners.

Not only did the top five win Starbucks giftcards (to take their girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology), but they also won a copy of Novel Destinations by Joni Rendon and Shannon McKenna Schmidt. (Whom we spoke with on a previous podcast.)

Listen in to hear who won and what inspiring stories they have to share. Then, write in your own a girlfriend story to Girlfriendology for the May Contest. The theme is girlfriend birthdays - events or gifts given or received. (But if you just have a great girlfriend story to share, we'll include that as well!)

We have more prizes than ever before so you have the opportunity to also win one of the following books, Novel Destinations by Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon, The Angel by Carla Neggers, or Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda. So enter the Girlfriendology Contest and WIN!!

For more information, visit Girlfriendology. Happy Spring Girlfriends!

Love books? Long to travel? Combine your passions in a new book by our podcast guests JONI RENDON and SHANNON MCKENNA SCHMIDT.

Authors of NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West, Joni and Shannon spoke to us (in our first transatlantic interview - OH, NJ and London England and our first call with both girlfriends on the line) about this guide that invites readers to follow in the footsteps of much-loved authors, discover the scenes that sparked their imaginations, glimpse the lives they led, and share a bit of the experiences they transformed so eloquently into print. If you’re looking to indulge in literary adventure, you’ll find all the inspiration and information you need here.

How do girlfriends go about writing such a monumental book together - and do so with one in the U.S. and England? What girlfriend trips do they recommend? And what's next for these girlfriend authors with a passion for travel and for writing together?!

Listen in to this wonderful and informative interview. Thanks Shannon and Joni! Check out their new book - your next adventure may be to a Novel Destination!

And visit the Girlfriendology blog for 'Lessons Learned from a Girlfriend' (our overview of podcast interviews). Thanks Girlfriends!

Visit www.girlfriendology.com for more info, including our Contest where you can win a copy of NOVEL DESTINATIONS!

Suspense, a little bit of romance and a strong female character reside within the pages of CARLA NEGGERS new novel, THE ANGEL.

We had the honor of interviewing Carla on the release date of her new novel. And it was an honor. Carla is a NYT best-selling author and she believes in adventures - for her book characters and for her fans. (And she was very nice to work with - Thanks Carla!)

Check out Carla's website for her "Live Your Adventure" contest where you can win a prize to pursue your adventure! And read THE ANGEL. Just a teaser ... Suspenseful and evocative, The Angel is a riveting novel of dangerous myths, haunting secrets and the shattering truth concealed within them. It is Carla Neggers at her best!

And win a copy of "THE ANGEL" on Girlfriendology by just sharing a girlfriend story! Visit Girlfriendology for our May contest rules. And visit Carla's site for her "Live Your Adventure" contest. Okay girlfriends - go live your adventure! (Right after you watch this video!)

"You don't have to be Bono or Oprah to make a big change in the world." Jennifer Davis

Jennifer Davis is a mom, wife, beader and girlfriend. She also (INHO!) is an "Oprah" or "Bono." A few years ago she decided she need to do more, she wanted to make the world a better place for her children and others. She started BEADED HOPE as a non-profit organization to employ women in AIDS-rampaged South Africa to create beautiful beaded jewelry, accessories, ornaments and home decor. Through trips and calls to South Africa and in working together she developed friendships with the women who had no other opportunities to earn money to feed their families. And, she has built the business of Beaded Hope to return the profits to support medical supplies in South African. I had the privilege of interviewing Jennifer recently and discussing Beaded Hope with her at Red Tree Gallery (in Cincinnati). Watch the video to see the beautiful person who is making a difference in this world as well as the beautiful beaded items created by Beaded Hope 'girlfriends' in South Africa. And, as a bonus for Girlfriendology, Jennifer is offering at 15% discount on Beaded Hope items until June 1. Just enter the promotional code: "GOGIRL" Thanks Jennifer! (Oprah would be proud of you!) Thanks also to Red Tree Coffee Shop and Art Gallery, as well as the Gregs of CallGregCreative!

Want a sure bet for your book club? Or a book that will make the longest flight delay into a pleasant experience? Read a book by KRIS RADISH. Author of best-selling novels about women who find their spirit, enjoy their friends or just become characters who we fall in love with, Kris writes books that inspire, amuse and challenge us.
We had the opportunity to interview Kris back in Sept. for our first podcast. On her national book tour for "Searching for Paradise in Parker PA," Kris graciously took time to talk with us on our first Girlfriendology videocast. Check out our Girlfriendology podcasts for our previous interview with Kris and visit www.KrisRadish.com for Kris' tour schedule, upcoming events and more info on her books. Thanks Kris and Cincinnati Joseph-Beth Booksellers!

Kaira Sturdivant Rouda knows the secret to being a successful woman entrepreneur and she shares it with Girlfriendology in this podcast and in her new book "Real You Incorporated."

With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, brand building, and entrepreneurship, Kaira has set out to offer a totally new point of view on what it means to be a successful woman in business.

In 2001, she launched the Real Living brand with a vision to create a completely different experience for homebuyers — one they could connect with and trust.

Today, Kaira says the secret to bringing her vision for Real Living to life was in making sure each and every thing about it felt and looked authentic to her. And it’s this experience in creating a real brand — rooted in herself — that inspired her to write Real You Incorporated.

What's the secret? YOU! Listen in and read her new book to understand that YOU are the brand and business. (And share this podcast and the book will all your girlfriends with entrepreneurial dreams - they'll thank you for it!)

Check out the Girlfriendology Blog for "Lessons from a Girlfriend" - our girlfriend Kaira Rouda. And visit Kaira's site for more info. Thanks Kaira!

Oprah's doing it. Sandra Bullock's doing it. Even George Clooney's doing it. Yep, the whole world is 'going green.' And, can you blame them? We only have one planet earth and it's a pretty nice place so maybe we should take care of it - right?

Our guest on this special EARTH DAY podcast is DEBRA QUARTERMAIN. Debra is a creative spirit who has designed products, patterns, presentations and more. She is a self-proclaimed 'Stitch Chick' and  has been sewing since she was five. Debra is the author of several books as well as designer for numerous craft and sewing magazines.

But what makes her join forces with Oprah and Sandra? Now she has reclaimed her life by committing to not buying any non-necessities in 2008. In fact, she's writing a column called "Make It Green" in Today's Creative Home Arts and blogging her new green lifestyle for the world to follow her lessons and adventures.

Follow her green adventures on her blog. And, join her and other creatives at a wonderful retreat for creative women - The Heart Sister's Creativity Spa. Listen in for some great green tips as well as an inspiring visit with an artist who is following her passion.

Thanks Girlfriends! Happy Earth Day!

Need advice? Want to laugh with some girlfriends? Would a new insight be helpful? All you need to do is listen in to our Girlfriendology Podcast guest SUZANNE GRACE-MAIDEN. Suzanne is a wife, mom, friend, podcaster and Family Therapist. In between juggling her busy career and family, she also has three podcasts:

1. Dear Zanny - the first relationship advice podcast
2. TheDivaCast - five, forty-something, fun, fabulous friends
3. InsytWorks - a helpful discussion on life with her husband and producer Robin Maiden

Listen in for her wonderful thoughts on the psychology and psychological need for girlfriends. (Yes! We do NEED female friendship!) And, if you need a little advice, drop her a line at zanny@dearzanny.com or call 678-884-0524. She'd love to help!

And for wonderful lessons learned from Suzanne, visit our blog.

Thanks Suzanne! Thanks Girlfriends!

Do you have that special girlfriend who always gives thoughtful, creative gifts? Or, are you the one who looks all year for the perfect present and then even wraps it creatively to make your friend feel as special as her friendship is to you? Either way, this month is about celebrating girlfriends with creative gifts.

Listen to this podcast for creative ways to use wine corks (seriously!), pick up on the details that will make your girlfriend's special event uniquely perfect and even use a 'bad example' of gift giving as a way to re-think girlfriend gift giving. You're sure to be inspired and reminded how important it is to make our friends feel loved, special, and - in the case of the big winner, Veronica, feel more beautiful!

And, come back soon for some exciting future podcasts - Dear Zanny - the web's relationship advice guru talks with us next week on friendships, boundaries and having a girlfriend group (who talks to thousands of listeners each week!). Kaira Rouda, author of "Real You Incorporated" will share insight into following your dreams and helping your girlfriends follow theirs as well. And, special guest, the 'queen of crafts' Carol Duvall will join us!

And make sure to send in your entry for the April Girlfriendology Contest. Thanks to all you who sent in entries and who leave great comments on our blogs! Happy Spring Girlfriends!

p.s. Don't forget to check out our first videocast with best-selling girlfriend author KRIS RADISH!

Today there are over 11 million women entrepreneurs in America (and that trend is global!). And, women are starting three times more entrepreneurial businesses than men. Where do women go when they decide to launch a new business or propel a creative project that they're passionate about?

STELLA GRIZONT, Director of Strategic Development for Ladies Who Launch, talks with Girlfriendology about the ultimate resource for the millions of women who have entrepreneurial dreams and want to see them become a reality. Ladies Who Launch helps women entrepreneurs through incubators, networking and amazing resources - so no woman needs to go it alone. And, through their fun, helpful programs, women make other entrepreneurial girlfriends - which makes the process more successful and a lot more fun!

Do you (or a girlfriend) have dreams of being a successful entrepreneur? Listen in to Stella and check out Ladies Who Launch. Go for your goals, follow your dreams - and do it with supportive, helpful, enthusiastic girlfriends cheering you on!

Meet a creative woman who is 'quilting together a career' with books, tv shows, projects, events and a business dedicated to her passion. What is her passion? LISA SHEPARD STEWART encourages others to express their creativity through culturally relevant techniques and materials. She is an award-winning author and designer. Through her company, Cultured Expressions, Lisa helps women express themselves culturally and creatively.

For a little taste of Lisa's creativity: check out her upcoming Quilter's Retreat in Jamaica and Lisa's creative ideas on a TV show she did on creating a girlfriend spa night.

Visit Cultured Expressions for more information on Lisa and all the creative pieces of her creative entrepreneurial career.

Visit the Girlfriendology blog for "Lessons From A Girlfriend" - lessons learned from talking with the inspiring, talented LISA SHEPARD STEWART. Also, visit Girlfriendology and the GirlfriendologyToo creative blog.

This Girlfriendology Guest finds herself in a unique life position for most people. She knows what she wants out of life - and is doing everything in her power to make it happen.

She calls herself and her business - CAPITOLA GIRL – a persona she defines as traditionally feminine, upbeat, confident, and dynamic. A Capitola Girl is someone who can live in harmony with herself and others. She uses her strength wisely, and always makes choices that are true to her heart. And, above all, she embraces the power of all things girly.

Listen in as Susan (aka: Capitola Girl) inspires us all to be creative and to follow our bliss. Inspiring others - isn't that what we girlfriends should do for each other?!

Visit Capitola Girl online: CapitolaGirl.com, and find cool, upbeat, sassy and unique jewelry for women at her store. 

And visit Girlfriendology for our contests, inspiring stories and more. As well as our blogs - Girlfriendology and GirlfriendologyToo. Stop by our stores for Amazon and gifts.

Well, the votes are in. We LOVE our girlfriends! Their friendships comfort and support us, encourage us, teach us, appreciate and celebrate us. So, in the month of February we celebrated girlfriends in our Girlfriendology Monthly Contest.

It was tough to pick the winners but I think you'll agree that these five women are, and have, great girlfriends! Join us as we share their inspiring stories of extraordinary girlfriendship. Listen in for their stories and a very touching story by our girlfriend Georgia (pictured above with her girlfriend Sally) on how she turned something extremely painful into something beautiful. You'll be inspired - that's unanimous!

Join in on our March contest by checking out the rules on Girlfriendology.com. And listen into other Girlfriendology Podcasts for lots of girlfriends authors and experts. Visit the blogs for updates and more inspiring stories - and to share your comments.

Next week we talk with the Capitola Girl - an inspiring and creative jewelry designer who challenges us to follow our bliss! Come back and visit, girlfriend!

 

Moms - do you ever take a night off just for you? No husband. No kids. No dishes, diapers or dryers. Our guest RACHEL HAMMAN thinks you should. In fact, she founded a holiday just for YOU. Join Girlfriendology as we talk with Rachel about "National Mom's Night Out" - the official night set aside for you to be with your girlfriends and just be YOU.

In addition to founding this event, Rachel's also gathered stories from other moms on why it is important to take time off from the family and be with your girlfriends. She'll share insight into her new book: Mom's Night Out: Even inmates get time off for good behavior.

Start your planning now! March 20th - National Mom's Night Out - is fast approaching! So call up your gal pals and go out!

Check out www.RachelHamman.com

More information at www.girlfriendology.blogspot.com, www.girlfriendology.com and don't forget www.girlfriendologytoo.blogspot.com

Want to follow your bliss? Live your authentic life achieving your dreams and surrounded by women who support and celebrate with you? You might want to start with just one women who has a lot to say and share on the "power of we." (We women!)

Author, designer, creativity guru, blogger, actress, singer, TV personality and BQOTU (Bead Queen of the Universe), Girlfriendology had a great conversation with MARGOT POTTER on this podcast! Listen to find out how this busy, creative, inspiring woman believes girlfriends need to mentor each other, be thankful for the women who have gone before us and work together to make us all stronger.

March is National Craft Month so we're celebrating by talking with author of the highly successful Impatient Beader books, Margot Potter. Listen in and get inspired!

Check out Margot's website, blog, Super Girlie Good Power shop and books. Thanks Girlfriend!

Ever have the desire for WANDERLUST? The need to travel, experience other places, explore and go on an adventure? And, ever not travel because you didn't have a traveling companion or want to go somewhere all by yourself? If so, you will want to listen to this Girlfriendology podcast!

BETH WHITMAN is a lifelong "travel addict." In her 20 years of traveling solo, she has visited countless countries and cultures. In her book, Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo Beth helps women prepare for and get excited about traveling solo. In her conversation with Girlfriendology, she shared stories of her adventures and how she's taught hundreds of women how to travel solo through classes, books and articles. And through her blogs and website, she and her fellow female travelers, provide endless entertainment and important information for all women traveling solo or with others.

Join us as we get great girlfriend advice from this travel expert! Thanks Beth! Happy Travels Girlfriends!

Check out our other sites: Girlfriendology, Girlfriendology Blog, GirlfriendologyToo Blog.

What do chicks and Girl Scouts, flower and armpits, games and gifts have in common? Well, in this episode of our Girlfriendology podcasts, they are all elements from our JANUARY GIRLFRIENDOLOGY CONTEST entries.

This week's podcast shares great girlfriend get-togethers and Girl's Night Out stories sent in by you - our girlfriends! Don't let the winter weather stop you, these stories are sure to inspire you to call up your girlfriends and make plans to get together ASAP. Thanks to girlfriends: Roxy, Susan, Penny, Carole, Sarah, Jane, Lynne, Tyler, Lisa and Cindy for sharing their creative, fun, silly and touching events they've shared with their girlfriends - and the wonderful way it helped their friendships grow.

Listen in for the winners (even though they and their girlfriends are ALL winners!) and for information on upcoming podcasts (like with women's travel expert and author, Beth Whitman and Rachel Hamman, creator of "Mom's Night Out"). Check out Girlfriendology.com for information on our February Contest and please enter! Your stories will not only inspire others but they may win you prizes!

And, please stop by www.Girlfriendology.com and sign up for our newsletter. Join the blog at www.girlfriendology.blogspot.com and www.girlfriendologytoo.blogspot.com (for creative girlfriends), and, for shopping: http://www.girlfriendology.com/shopAtGirlfriendology.php, www.cafepress.com/girlfriendology and http://astore.amazon.com/girlfriendology-20. Thanks Girlfriends!

Remember Valentine's Day when you were a kid? You made a Valentine for all your friends. You waited until the party was over to look at all your cards and count up how many friends you had. It wasn't romance, it was friendship.

Guess what? It still is. Valentine's Day isn't exclusive to lovers. It is a day for friends, family to share their love and appreciation with each other. Valentine's Day is a perfect day to make those who are special to you feel, well, special too.

Author and relationship psychologist, Dr. Karen Gail Lewis believes that women should strive for their dreams and their potential, regardless their marital/relational status. In this podcast she spoke with Girlfriendology about female friendships and why they're so important, and how single (and all) women can enjoy celebrating Valentine's Day. Her positive attitude and thoughtful approach make her wonderful to talk with and listen to. You'll love Dr. Lewis and, no doubt, have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Check out Dr. Lewis and her books, teleconferences, seminars, etc.

And, stop by Girlfriendology.com for inspiring stories, fun monthly contests, girlfriend shopping and blogs. (And, check out the blog on Valentine's Day for an article from Dr. Lewis.)

Thanks Girlfriends - Happy Valentine's Day!

One of the major benefits of female friendship, is all that we learn so much from our girlfriends. From a very young age we help and educate each other on every level - personal, professional, emotional, etc. As girlfriends, we help each other and share information to make our lives better, happier and healthier.

Now add to that that women are the primary caregivers for children and often faced with the responsibilities of making sure they grow up to be healthy and happy. That's a lot of responsibility - but it's all okay, if we have girlfriends to help us!

Shelley Ball-Dannenberg is definitely a great girlfriend to moms, teachers and kids. As a Certified Dyslexia Testing Specialist, Shelley helps parents, teachers and children learn how to diagnose and get treatment for dyslexia - a hereditary neurological language-learning disability that affects 20% of children.

Through her company DTIS (Dyslexia Testing and Information Services) www.dtisinfo.com, Shelley "empowers parents, informs teachers and connects children with their full potential." 20% of children means that you know someone dealing with dyslexia - a mom, a child, a teacher - someone who could use the information that Shelley shares with Girlfriendology in this informative interview.

Check out her website - www.dtisinfo.com and contact Shelley at sbd@dtisinfo.com for consulting and information. Don't let a child wait another day to start working towards a better life. Thanks Shelley!

Girlfriendology - a place for inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends! www.girlfriendology.com - girlfriend contests, shopping, inspiring stories, etc.

Blogs: www.girlfriendology.blogspot.com, www:girlfriendologytoo.blogspot.com

Shopping: www.cafepress.com/girlfriendology, http://www.girlfriendology.com/shopAtGirlfriendology.php and http://astore.amazon.com/girlfriendology-20

Thanks Girlfriends!

Are you thankful for your girlfriends? Why? Our December Girlfriendology Contest asked this and you answered! We received great girlfriend stories of women who are there for each other, who energize each other and who take care of each other. It's inspiring!

These women - Tammy, Cherie, Sarah, June, Lydia, Jane, Wendy, Shelley, Amy and Karen - did inspire and will no doubt remind you how thankful you are for your girlfriends. Thanks girlfriends!

Thanks to to all of you who voted for the winners in our December Contest! Over 150 votes were tallied on our blog and through emails. It was a tough call but we do announce the winners - in this podcast!

Don't forget to participate in the January Girlfriendology Contest. You could become the voters choice for prizes and the honor of being our #1 girlfriend story. Visit Girlfriendology for info on the contests, blogs, shopping, etc.

Check out Girlfriendology for our current monthly contests, girlfriend shopping, etc.; www.girlfriendology.blogspot.com (for inspiring thoughts and stories on girlfriends) and www.girlfriendologytoo.blogspot.com (for the creative side of girlfriends). Also, shopping, custom girlfriend gifts and Amazon.  Thanks Girlfriends!

UPDATED: June 7, 2008

Gather up your girlfriends for a get-together and you're sure to share laughs, life and love. The interaction and conversation are energizing and interesting, inspiring and often hilarious. If you can't gather up your girlfriends, you don't have to miss out on all the fun. You can listen in to our podcast guest CARRIE RUNNALS and her girlfriends on The Diva Cast