Did you ever see the movie (made from the book of the same title) The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio?  In short, it was about a housewife in the 50’s who was a talented writer with no outlet - except by entering contests.  In fact, Evelyn Ryan was able to take care of her entire family through her prize winnings by submitting and winning numerous jingle writing contests for products like soap, appliances, and food.  That was back when winning contests truly took skill versus luck through lottery.

Well, for all of you who are secretly talented just like Evelyn was, here’s your chance to show it!  Folgers Coffee is offering $25,000 cash for a 30-60 second video tribute that includes the melody and lyrics of its famous jingle, “The best part of wakin’ up is Folgers in your cup.”

You have until February to be brilliant.  Here’s the website to enter:  www.bestpartofwakinup.com.  Good luck!

Gee, why can’t my grocery shopping experience be this fun?!  Need  a good laugh?  Check out Grocery Store Musical on YouTube.

Right now, I can see my breath.  My fingers are little slivers of ice.  I’ve got the dog in my lap for warmth as I try to work and not concentrate on how cold it is in my house.

Our heater broke yesterday and the repairman can’t come until today, so we spent a chilly day and evening shivering away.  I’ve told my daughter that we’re spending 24 hours learning what it’s like to go without heat which is a sad reality for many people in America.  “I don’t like this game,” she responded this morning.

I can’t say I do either, but I’m so grateful we have the choice of how high to turn on our heat and that we only have to suffer one day without.  What a lesson in compassion for others.  Plus, I’ve never seen our daughter quite so anxious to go to school just to get warm!

Girls with Sole is the vision of Q104 Listener and Mom Liz Ferro of Rocky River. The non-profit organization uses fitness and wellness to empower the minds, bodies and souls of girls who have experienced abuse. Liz herself is a survivor and now mom to two beautiful kids and a triathlete!

Athletics helped her survive and thrive and now she wants Girls with Sole to offer the same to other young girls.

I was honored to act as Mistress of Ceremonies for their first big fundraiser on Sunday.  It was held at the Busy Broad Boutique in Lakewood.  Awesome place!  Participants enjoyed a beautiful tea, fashion show, and speakers.

Liz has wasted no time in providing programming to area girls.  She’s already partnered with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and Fitworks .  If her cause speaks to you in any way, I urge you to offer your support!  Again, her website is www.girlswithsole.org.

Here’s a taste of what you missed!

Here I am with Glam Girl - Liz Ferro!

Check out that leg!

The setting was beautiful! In addition to the bar, people sat at small tables throughout the gallery. It was really a special day.

I’ve been invited to fill in on the morning show Monday (3/30) while Rebecca is off, so if you have “mom” topics you want to discuss - post them here or call in!  Allan and I would both love to hear what’s going on for all the moms out there.

Have a great spring-like weekend!