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An Interview with MrsHappyHomemaker Blogger Crystal Faulkner: 3 TV and Food Photography Secrets

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Photo Credit: MrsHappyHomemaker Crystal Faulkner

SmartyGirlHome Readers, have you wondered how super-personable, ultra-likeable bloggers do what they do? For example, how does MrsHappyHomemaker rocket her scrumptious streusel-topped apple pie muffins into internet stardom? SmartyGirlLeadership blog asked the blogger Crystal Faulkner to share a few of her amazing secrets so that Readers could borrow one of her thought-starters for this fall!

Photo Credit: MrsHappyHomemaker Apple Pie Muffin Recipe


Pro-blogger Crystal is the first of our series of 20 standout Home & Community Inspiring Leaders we are featuring this season. Why is she selected for our array of experts? Our editors find her tutorials uplifting. She excels in entrepreneurship and is the primary income-earner in her household. Check back for 19 more leaders All women. All doing amazing things.

Here’s Crystal!

How do you make food look so good on your blog?

I’m so glad that my food photographs appeal to you & your readers!  I do not use a food stylist on any of my photo shoots – my photography has been a learning experience that I am still learning from every day.  The best tip I have when shooting my photographs is to use the natural light of the sun by either shooting outside or in front of a window with a good bit of natural light coming in.  I sometimes incorporate the use of a light reflector.  I don’t really use any ‘fancy photography’ as even though I want to make my photographs pretty, I also like to keep that ‘real’ element behind it.  Afterall, I’m just a real mom 🙂



What makes good tv news coverage of your business?

 
I'd say just about anything makes good tv news coverage for my blog.  I've done interviews about how I started by blog & the business aspect behind it & segments where I gave tutorials about recipes & how-tos on things covered on my website, and all have proved to be equally fantastic.  I've not yet had an experience with negative tv coverage, but I guess if I thought about it - negative tv coverage would be someone not enjoying one of my recipes on camera (which would also probably make me cry! haha).  Currently, I'm living on the philosophy that any press is good press.  


How do you approach tv stations with stories of your business that would interest viewers?

I have 2 ways in which I approach tv stations about stories on my business.  One is just a very basic email where I introduce myself & give a short description of my blog and what I do and pretty much just say 'Hey, I exist!'.  I end the email by asking them to contact me if they would like to work with me in any way.  This is method is how I secured my very first tv interview on a local news affiliate.  My second way is I pay attention to stories I see in the media.  For example, last year I noticed that the news stations were covering how widespread the flu was becoming.  I had recently posted several recipes on how to make your own vapor rub, cough syrup, and other cold remedies.  I sent an email to the news station about my recipes, and asked if they'd want me to come on air to show the viewers how to make these remedies in their own homes.  I got almost an immediate response and ended up doing a live tutorial a few days later on the morning news.


How do you rid the jitters before you get on camera?

 
Oh, the tv jitters - I still get those!  But according to one reporter that I still work alongside with, even the professionals still get nervous after years of being on television, so that's one thing I always remember.  I try to envision myself actually talking to my best friend instead of talking to a reporter, which was actually a tip from a friend of mine who presents items on the nations' largest shop-at-home network - and it works!  Another thing that helps me is the passion behind what I do - when you have a deep interest and love for something, then you know that 'material' like the back of your hand, and that makes the tv appearances so much easier.  If you do go on tv and mis-speak or make another kind of flub, don't sweat it!  Just correct yourself and even laugh a little - just keep going!

Did you enjoy watching MrsHappyHomemaker Crystal's tv segments? Then follow her on Twitter and connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. We did!

A Review of Eagal Lakes Resort Great American Hero Mud Run: 3 Things Not to Miss this Fall

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What was the mighty culmination of the SmartyGirlLeadership Summer Fitness Challenge?

Photo Credit: Eagal Lakes Resort BodySoulFitness Team at Great American Hero Run

Our sponsors showing up, big time, and rewarding the dauntless athletes and volunteers on Saturday, August 24th. Imagine if you will, 400+ mud obstacle race participants wolfing down Luna Bar S’mores and Luna Bar White Chocolate Macadamia pre- and post-course.

Who chose to team up with Luna Bar and SGL on the day of? Yes, you guessed it! Awesome-face brand ambassadors from One Coconut Water. The tartness is an acquired some say but if you like Hawaiian guava sheet cake, sneak a sip of One Coconut Water’s guava beverage.

Who else was there? See for yourself the triumphant pics with mud-drenched buddies via Norsephotos.

Photo Credit: Eagal Lakes Resorts Facebook Father and Son Team at Great American Hero Run 

A big thank you to our other sponsors Honey Badger Drink Fearless, High Five Fitness, Stanford Blood Center and Sports Authority who cheered on our Fitness Captains all summer long!

I am in awe of Eagal Lakes Resort businesswoman Karen Eagal. Go, Karen! What a leader!

Photo Credit: Facebook Karen Eagal of Eagal Lakes Resort

3 Things Not to Miss

1. Open water swim in the lake. This was an item on my bucket list to do a mud run + swim. I got my wish! Lifegaurds in the water and on shore patrolled to make sure all partipants reached the largest water obstacle safely. Wanna know a mud run tip? Bring swim goggles! The lake water was cool, lovely and otherworldly pretty green. The lake lifegaurds rode red and white Seadoos.

Photo Credit: SmartyGirl Renee Marchol at Great American Hero Run

2. Climbing walls marked with zombie warnings. If you have been following our hiking and nutrition expert, Jeremy Lopez, this summer then you know that you relish this obstacle. Interspersed between leaping hay bales, crawling under nets, and carrying sandbag “babies” to a safe drop off point. Runners from my diminutive 5’3.5″ to 6’9″ scrabbled up these wooden walls graffitied with red and black spray paint warning the heros of gray-matter gatherers! When you vault yourself up and over with your upper body, take a bow! SGL continues to be in your corner!

Photo Credit: Captain Erin Hammack’s garden tomatoes 

3. Grown-up sized water slide. You. Have. Got. To see this.

SmartyGirlHome Readers, thank you for making this such a fun exercise to host the Summer Fitness Challenge! I completed the 30+ obstacles in 1 hour and 39 minutes. I felt sore for 72 hours after the mud obstacle run but post-race endorphins were indescribable! Respect to my companions who completed the course twice in half the time! Bonus to those who ran with barbells. Yes. Barbells.

A shout out to Ken, Della, Darius, Emily, Jonathan and Andy the most awesome-face cross-country badass volunteers I have met! Go Tracy Bulldogs!

5 Ways to Be a Better Woman Friend this Fall: October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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Lindsey Palmer wrote the Redbook article, “10 Ways to Keep a Woman Safe from Domestic Violence“. SmartyGirl Readers look out for each other so I’ve re-posted two of my favorite, easy to do,  tips from Palmer. Maybe this month you will have the opportunity to help a fellow SmartyGirl.

SmartyGirls know to be wise and not offer to “fix” another person’s problems. Disclaimer: SmartyGirlHome does not claim to be a legal resource or a counseling site. Please seek legal advice and medical attention from professionals. 

Before offering help, define your boundaries. Are you able to provide a home cooked meal, transportation or temporary housing? Before committing, discuss with your spouse what he will be comfortable doing for your friend.

Photo Credit: Amazon.com Lundberg’s I Don’t Have to Make Everything All Better

Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Kimochis Feelings Doll  at Jeffery’s Toys of San Francisco

Also if you have children, you may decide not to be involved directly in helping your girlfriend.

Why? Because you cannot be certain your children can take the upheaval of such an outside conflict or their ability to be discreet (i.e. not disclosing that someone is staying at your home because she is fleeing abuse).

Consider your children’s feelings and fears.

1. Shop for a cause through Macy’s. Disclaimer: I interviewed a girlfriend who works for Macy’s. Last month when my husband and I went to Stonestown Galleria in Daly City/San Francisco Macy’s to pick up some men’s sweaters, I noticed this promotion.

2. Recycle communication devices. http://www.recyclefordomesticviolence.com/ is a non profit that collects and distributes tablets, cell phones and other electronic devices that can help a woman fleeing from domestic violence to stay in contact with her trusted SmartyGirl friends and look up local housing and counseling services.

Photo Credit: SmartyGirlLeadership (SGL) Black Nokia Lumia 822 Windows Phone Donate Your Old Smartphone to a Domestic Violence Survivor Women’s Shelter
3. Thought-starters. A SmartyGirl reader may find herself in a dangerous situation. I’ve listed some local and national resources.
Who will listen?  Who can direct you  to resources available to you?
24 hour Crisis Hotlines
Where might you find emergency, temporary housing?

  • Shelters. Keep in mind that many shelters have a 3-step process: 45 minute phone screen, evaluation by an intake counselor and in person meeting before you can be eligible for a bed for the night. 

This means that shelters may not be the first place to go for emergency housing since you may be put on a waiting list for several weeks. For example, if you are single and without children you will be considered lower priority than a woman fleeing with a child. 

 Most shelters have a curfew of 8 P.M. and a mandatory counseling class for employment or abuse survivors.

     Ask about responsibilities, conditions and expectations before selecting a shelter for your housing. Find out if you must provide your own toiletries including bath towels and toilet paper. Inquire if you are allowed to store you belongings at the shelter and provide a combination lock while you are at work. If not, you may have to rent a storage space because storing items in your car may invite a break in.

    Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Brown Rice and Beans

     How will you pay your food bills? What are longer term, housing options?

    • Food stamps and Section 8 (low income housing). If you were living with your boyfriend you may be evaluated by intake counselors more quickly in constrast to if you are still legally married but separated. 

    For instance if you are supporting yourself and living apart, you may still have a joint checking account that will be calculated and make you ineligible for government aide. However, you may consider private charities and church organizations that assist women.

    Find out more about the housing options through these private charities.

    Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Asparagus Puff Pastry
    • What are some of the host’s “house rules”? 
    • Who else will be sharing the common living areas? 
    • Are their toilets, showers, and kitchens for common use? 
    • Will you be expected to prepare meals once per week, report to your host about status of separation, do chores or provide a stipend for utilities?

     Stay only where your boundaries are respected. For instance if a religious course is mandatory and this makes you uncomfortable, you may choose not to accept the charity’s help.

      How will you receive bills in the mail, paychecks, property from your former home?

      • Mediation Services
      This is a professional paid by the couple as an objective third party to facilitate discussion about dividing expenses during the separation (i.e. childcare costs, current bills, name removal from lease, paying for a PO Box, storage costs, creating an individual bank account).

      Some mediation services offer a sliding scale the accomodates for partners who do not make the same wage. For instance, $300 per hour is a normal mediation service fee. This is for couples who are not using a restraining order but have come to an impasse about taking care of practical matters during separation.

      Who can help you right now to be safe from abuse?

      • Law Enforcement
      The police can issue a temporary restraining order if you make a report of domestic violence. The condition is that you must stay on the premises or be within a certain number of feet where it happened and wait for law enforcement to arrive so they can do an interview and make their evaluation. This means you are staying within reach of the batterer. 
      Domestic Violence/Civil Harassment Restraining Orders with Personal Conduct Requests so you are not harassed at your place of work or temporary safe house during your separation

      What if you need to request that another person stay away from your place or employment or temporary housing? You can specific personal conduct requests through court order.

      Forms
      Domestic Violence Restraining Order for California
      Civil Harassment Restraining Order for California FAQ

      Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Alpine Bakery of Concord, CA Wedding Cakes


      Where can you receive individual counseling or marriage counseling? 

      Secular sources:

      Kaiser Permanente Anger Management and Couple Communication Skills Health Courses taught by Marriage/Family Therapists

      Religious groups:

      Church marriage counseling services

      Photo Credit: Amazon.com Mack’s Preparing for Marriage God’s Way

      Book recommendations:
      Preparing for Marriage God’s Way: A Step-by-Step Guide for Marriage Readiness and After the Wedding Conflicts by Wayne Mack

      Photo Credit: Amazon.com Phillips’s How Can I Be Sure? Questions to Ask

      How Can I Be Sure? Questions to Ask Before You Get Married by Bob Philips


      What if you have questions about separation or divorce?

      • Family Law Attorneys recommended on Yelp.com