What is your blog about?

Found the Marbles is mostly about human interest and social good, though there are some posts about life sprinkled in there too. The site is inspired by the people and companies who give back, who take a stand and who turn difficulties into opportunities. I have such admiration for people who make the choice to overcome adversity rather than sink into it. Human interest stories can be so empowering. I really enjoy showing the different ways that people can find their marbles and pay it forward.

Is there a story behind your blog name?

Found the Marbles is named after the idea that at some point we all feel like we’ve lost them. It’s from the movie Hook, when Peter Pan’s uncle Tootles is looking all over for his marbles. Everyone just thinks he’s old and senile until Peter goes back to Neverland and one of the Lost Boys gives Peter Tootles’ marbles. The marbles were his happy thoughts.

I was going through a really difficult time with infertility and had literally, just moments before the start of the movie, told my husband that I felt like I was losing my mind. When that part came on it I started to laugh and cry at the same time.

Difficult times happen in life. It is a choice to overcome and do something good with the knowledge you have gained from the experience.

What is your favorite social network and why?

My favorite is Facebook because it has been a great way to reconnect with old friends.

When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a pre-teen I fell in love with magazines. I used to buy them and rip them up, keeping the ads which I thought were effective in one folder and the ones that were not effective in another folder. I knew from about the age of eleven that I wanted to work in magazines. I majored in advertising then worked in media planning at an agency before going to Hearst Magazines. After Hearst I spent a decade in marketing research at Conde Nast magazines and I loved every single minute of it.

What subject would you like to blog about but won’t?

Sports. I am a bit of a sports junkie. Maybe someday I will get to write about sports for another site, but a post about the NFL draft just would not be a fit for Found the Marbles! It extends to my parenting too. You know that parent on the sidelines at your kid’s games, the one who you wish would stop yelling incessantly and taking it so seriously? Yep, that’s me.

What would be your dream brand to work with?

Where do I start?

HomeGoods and TJ Maxx: Not only are those two stores my retail therapy, but the TJX foundation does amazing work with charitable giving.

Disney: Disney is one of the few travel destinations that is exceptionally accommodating for guests with food allergies. As the parent of a very severely food allergic child, I would love to have the opportunity to work with them on spreading the word to other parents.

Honestly, I want to represent brands that give back in some way, whether it’s through corporate sponsorships, in-kind donations, volunteerism, outreach or other initiatives.

What is your favorite blog or blogger that is not your own?

Her Bad Mother.

What is your favorite indulgence?

That depends on what’s in my wallet. I love to head to HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Sephora. There is just something about browsing there that is so therapeutic! My husband and I try to get out on Saturday nights as often as possible. With both of us working from home it is cathartic to be able to go out on the weekends.

If I wake up early enough in the morning to have an entire cup of coffee in a quiet house before anyone else wakes up, that for me is pure bliss.

Be sure to follow Jessica on Facebook and Twitter (both here and here), and visit her at Look Who Found the Marbles.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I began my career working in progressive politics. I worked on various political campaigns around the country then moved to DC where I worked for progressive organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, the ACLU, and the AFL-CIO. I never expected to be a stay-at-home-mom but an ill-timed layoff lined up with my first pregnancy and I found myself with little choice.

Since then I’ve really embraced staying home with my family. I’m married to my best friend and partner, jb. We have a toddler who is turning two in May and we are expecting our second child at the end of June. Right now my main focus is my family, but I do make time to blog, do some freelance writing and volunteer for the board of Philadelphia Family Pride (the local LGBT family group).

What is your blog about?

My blog began as a way to stay in touch with family that was far away – when our first child was born, it morphed into a sort of scrapbook/baby book to write down memories. As he grows I’m writing more about parenting, our awesome neighborhood and city, and how being Latina, a lesbian, a woman, and working class impacts my parenting. Of course – it is also still part scrapbook and part updates for my family, too.

What is your biggest claim to fame?

I’m really excited to be a part of the cast for the upcoming Listen To Your Mother Show here in Philly. I’m really looking forward to hearing the pieces the other writers have selected and I’ll be reading a piece about choosing a known donor to help create our family.

When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was in second grade I asked my mom what exactly I needed to know to become a waitress. Reading? Check. Writing? Check. Basic arithmetic? Check. Manners and helpfulness? Check. Then I lobbied hard for her to allow me drop out of school and become a waitress. I didn’t hate school, I just thought the waitress at our local Denny’s was super awesome.

What subject would you like to blog about but won’t?

Sometimes I just want to vent – but I try really hard to keep my writing positive. It’s not that I want to hide the hard/ugly parts of my life, but I consider my blog a place to center myself and refocus on the goals of the person/parent I want to be. I also want to set an example for my kids of putting my best foot forward, looking on the bright side, and not saying things you might later regret. So, I try and keep my negative thoughts to my journal and stay positive in public forums. It doesn’t always work, but I’ve certainly deleted a few gripe-fests before hitting publish.

What is your favorite blog or blogger that is not your own, and why?

I really enjoy Savage Love, the weekly sex advice column by Dan Savage. Even though it began as a print newspaper column, Savage has done a great job using the internet and social media to organize activism. His writing is smart, funny and political. I love it.

What is your favorite indulgence?

Small scale: An iced caramel latte. Now that I’m pregnant they are very few and far between – but they always make my day better.

Larger Scale: If I won the lottery the first two things I would do is to hire a housekeeper and schedule a weekly massage. Right now that’s a pipe dream, but I do love the occasional massage.

Be sure to follow Sandra on Facebook and Twitter, and visit her at West Philly Mama.

They also heard from FITNESS Nutrition Editors, Juno DeMelo, Keri Gans and Tanya Zuckerbrot about the “The Real Deal on Carbs, Cleanses and Caffeine.” Afterwards they were treated to a delicious but health-conscious lunch, followed by a fashion show by FITNESS Fashion Director, Argy Koutsothanasis, and a beauty session with FITNESS Beauty Director, Eleanor Langston, and make-up artist, Laura Geller.

photo credit: @Babypop

Read all about it on A Grande Life.

Last weekend Perry at Palette Kids so kindly invited a group of “mom bloggers” and our kids to come check out Palette Kids in Philadelphia. Located in Rittenhouse Square,  Palette Kids caters to kids 5 and up.  Perry offers the unique experience for them to come explore their creative side through art. Kids aren’t stuck there with some stuffy painting they have to recreate. Instead, they get to think outside the box and just have fun.

Read more at Smart Spending Spot.

Free Reign Boutique has created a world where personal, home & gift all come together. We have combined the best of jewelry, apparel, bags, tabletop & fragrance in a place where discovery is around every corner. Names you will recognize and some you may not. Come explore.

Food was provided by Pizzeria DiMeo’s Wood Fired Pizza, and everyone had ample time to mix and mingle . . . AND SHOP!

photo courtesy Free Reign Boutique

“From Artisan to Designer, there is something for every style, something for every age and price range, and that perfect gift for a baby shower or wedding gift,” says PSMM member, Heather McCurdy, contributing writer to Smart Spending Spot.

Check out Smart Spending Spot and I Forgot What I Was Doing for recaps of the event.

Last night ladies from all over the Philadelphia area came out for a stylish evening of food and fun, hosted by Sarah Bond and Main Line Parent.

Sponsored by Bryn Mawr Hospital, we gathered at the swanky Radnor Valley Country Club for cocktails followed by a three-course dinner and then a stunning fashion show.

Before dinner, the VIP room was open to select guests where they could get shoulder massages or hair and makeup touch-ups, compliments of Antoinette’s Spa and Salon in Paoli. Melissa looked like a model when they were done with her!

There was even a red carpet for posing. Karla Trotman took her turn showing off her great style.

Our own Joey Fortman was a hilarious MC. Girlfriend knows how to captivate a crowd!

Many PSMM members walked the runway, featuring the latest from the VanCleve Collection.

There was bidding on many fabulous products and services donated by local vendors, with proceeds benefitting Main Line Charities.