30Second Mobile is proud to have been selected as one of the best and brightest start-ups competing at TechWeek LAUNCH at TechWeek Chicago’s Startup City!

Techweek LAUNCH provides a “vision of the future by introducing you to the progressive risk takers who are paving the way.” 30Second Mobile is one of 70 pre-qualified startups who will demo their products and services in Startup City on Friday, June 28 for a chance to compete on Techweek’s main stage to win $100,000 in cash and prizes. Guest judges (featuring a panel of venture capitalists and influential key technology figures) and Techweek attendees will visit each demo table to determine who has what it takes. Here’s how it works:

- 70 startups will exhibit in Startup City presented by TriNet (inside Expo hall) on Friday, June 28
- A panel of judges will select the Top Four startups to pitch on main stage
- One startup will be selected by attendees as the “People’s Choice”
- The Final Five will give a round of pitches and Q&A on main stage
- The winning startup will receive over $100,000 in cash and prizes

We hope you’ll come out to the Merchandise Mart on Friday, June 28 and show your support for 30Second Mom! Please contact us to see if we have any passes left so you can get in for free! Thanks so much, and we hope to see you there!

Many parents wonder if their children are developing at a typical rate, or if there is cause for concern. Speech and language are aspects of a child’s development that can prompt many questions, but luckily we have professionals at 30Second Mom like Mindy Hudon to guide us. Mindy has 25 years’ experience working with children and adults in schools, clinics and rehabilitation centers. She shared her experience and expectations in a recent 30Second Mom Twitter chat and helped answer many parent questions about ages and stages of language development. Read on to learn more about how and when children speak!

Q: When do babies start to communicate?

A: Babies start to communicate before their first words. Cooing, crying and babbling are all communication intentions from birth to 3 months. Your baby’s first smile may be seen around 3 months of age, telling you they are happy to see you. Around 7 months to one year, your baby may start to understand common words such as “cookie, cup, book” and requests like “want more.” Gestures are a form of communication. From 7 months to one year babies point, wave, etc. All are forms of communication.

Q: When could I expect to hear my child’s first words?

A: The first 3 years of life, a baby has rapid language development. Typically, babbles such as “tata, mamama” start to shape into words about 7 months to one year. At around your baby’s first birthday, you may see their first one to two words, or word approximations like “dada, up, more.”

Q: When may my baby start to use sentences?

A: From one to two years, a baby may start to rapidly use new words every month. Your baby may start to combine two to three words in phrases like “more juice” and questions such as “where kitty?” They may follow simple directions like “Get your coat” and understand questions like “Where’s the doggie?” By 2 to 3 years, children may use adult-like sentences to communicate. Speech is usually understood by familiar listeners.

Q: When should I be concerned about my child’s speech and language development?

A: You should be concerned if your child isn’t able to understand or express him/herself for their age and they are getting frustrated. By age 3, be concerned if they are not understood by family and using a variety of speech sounds such as “p, b, m, w” and vowels. By age 4, be concerned if they are not understood by unfamiliar listeners and correctly using most speech sounds: “t, d, k, g, f.” If your child is having difficulty understanding directions, responding to their name, or engaging in play, contact your doctor. Every child develops at his/her own pace; however, it is important to be aware and intervene if necessary. Visit www.asha.org for more information.

Q: What can parents do to help their children develop their speech and language successfully?

A: Parents need to enrich their children’s language by exposing them to a variety of experiences and vocabulary. Talk about what you see when you see it. For example, “Look, see the bird flying.” Expand their vocabulary. If they understand the word “big” then start to use “huge.” Model correct speech sounds. Even though your kid’s speech sounds “cute,” don’t encourage them to use incorrect speech sounds.

Q: Thank you for that helpful info! As a mom of twin teens, tell us: What is the best part about being a mom?

A: The best part about being a mom is watching my twins’ personal accomplishments and knowing that I had some part in helping them achieve their dreams! It is an unbelievable feeling to see my boys receive an academic honor or award, watch them create films, play an instrument in a concert or be the lead actor in a local show! It’s hard to explain the emotions that I feel! It’s beyond proud. It’s overwhelming!

Q: What is the best advice you have been given as a parent?

A: As a new parent of twins, the best advice I was given by another mother of multiples was to get my boys on a schedule and to put them down to sleep in their cribs awake so that they wouldn’t be frightened when they woke up at night. To this day, they thrive on a set schedule and have always been excellent sleepers! I never had problems getting them to sleep in their own room. However, now as teenagers I have a problem getting them up!

Q: And finally, what is your favorite recipe?

A: My favorite recipe has to be the Vanilla Bean cake from the Spunky Coconut. It is grain free and YES it is made with mostly white beans. It is a delicious and healthy treat. I use this recipe for cake and cupcakes! I love the bean waffles, too!

For more great information, follow Mindy on 30Second Mom, and on Twitter!

If you love to eat as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! While summer months make healthy eating easier with fresh greens and vegetables, we still love our snacks and desserts. We’re fortunate that Beth Aldrich of Real Moms Love To Eat is our resident expert on how to take a calorie-loaded food and magically transform it into something healthy! She works her magic as a Certified Health Counselor and Culinary Nutrition Trainer, and she shares her love of all things food in her award-winning book Real Moms Love To Eat. Those who follow Beth on Twitter and learn from her 30Second Mom tips are treated to a plethora of ways to be healthy AND enjoy food! Find out how she eats dessert and still manages to look so fabulous!

Q: Did you make a New Year’s resolution about food/health?

A: I love sweets and I wasn’t about to give them up, so I gave one of my favorites a makeover. Add more greens to your daily intake, and naturally trim down, just cut back on processed carbs. To help me stick to my healthy eating resolution, I decided to learn a new way of un-cooking.

Q: Do you eat enough vegetables, including greens? I would love ideas on how to get more into my diet!

A: Try finding clever ways to include greens into your day. Get your salad dressed for success with these one minute recipes. By using a healthier “butter” substitute you get the same taste with less fat. I use Earth’s Balance spread to top steamed veggies. I LOVE soups. They’re an easy way to get a chock full of nutrition in one bowl! This soup will warm you up, rev you up and cut cravings.

Q: Is it easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle with support or as a group?

A: Support is key. Instead of going to lunch with a friend, go on a walking lunch date, instead. Sip on green smoothies and shake a leg. Family dinners out can be healthy, too. Opt for salad first and lean protein and smaller portions, even for kids.

Q: Does eating healthy mean you can’t have dessert?

A: Eating healthy means you can eat dessert sometimes; just opt for healthy versions. Never look at brownies the same way again when you try this recipe! Fudge never looked so good or was so good for you. How about a healthy take on an old favorite? Oreo cookies can be healthier, with this recipe.

Q: You say having a “love affair” with food and looking FABULOUS is easy; tell us how!

A: It’s easy to conduct a love affair with food. I show you how in my book, Real Moms Love to Eat. Don’t diet, just eat more greens, beans, fruit and nuts, and drink water. It WORKS!

For more great info and tons of amazing recipes, make sure to visit Beth’s website and Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter!

The change of seasons is always a fun time for fashion, and there’s no one better to talk to about style and shopping secrets than our very own Cheryl Leahy! Better known as @CJAllDressedUp on Twitter, and All Dressed Up with Nothing to Drink on her blog, Cheryl really lives up to her titles. Every time I see CJ, I am always dazzled by her knack for pulling together beautiful ensembles! How does she do it, and even saves money, too? We got her to spill some of her secrets as our 30Second Mom of the Week! Read the interview with Cheryl below, and join her as she hosts the #30SecondMom Twitter party chat this Wednesday at 8pmCT. You won’t want to miss our summer recipe exchange, so bring your favorite dish or drink to share!

Q: So many of us love to shop, but don’t always know the best way to make the most of our purchases. Any rules to live by?

A: Calculate the CPW (Cost Per Wear) of items; take cost divided by number of times you anticipate wearing item in a year. Calculating cost per wear separates investment pieces (worth the splurge) from trendy items (ones you can skimp on). Also, pay attention to the three Fs: Fit, Fabric and Form. Does item actually FIT, check FABRIC quality, does FORM work with your body type? A favorite place of mine to shop is my own closet! I flip through fashion magazines and pick out items I have to re-work.

Q: We always hear about the great deals you get! What are some of your shopping secrets?

A: Get to know the markdown schedules: Target discounts women’s clothing on Tuesdays! I also shop early and often: I hit up stores on my way to/from events to take a traffic break. Speak up! If an item is slightly damaged, you can usually get more money off. I always do online coupon searches before a shopping spree. Some stores even have coupon apps that automatically load their latest coupons!

Q: I go to a lot of formal events. Any tips on how to work a formal look?

A: I say cheat! Find a celebrity with a similar body type and steal their style. They pay big money for top stylists. Invest in a high quality classic “little black dress” (LBD) and add inexpensive costume jewelry to switch up your look. Also try Rent the Runway if you have a major event; you can rent designer dresses for a fraction of the price and THEY do the dry cleaning!

Q: What are some trends we can work into our wardrobes right now?

A: Colored lace! Go all out with a skirt or keep is simple with a clutch or shoes. Metallics are always hot: grab a pair of heels in a shiny shade that will go with everything. Look to small-screen stars for seasonal inspiration. My favorites: Kelly Ripa and Christine Baranski from “The Good Wife.” Tropical and safari looks are also hitting the summer scene in a big way.

Q: What are some staples we need in the closet?

A: A great pair of jeans with 2 to 3 percent Lycra; make sure to buy them snug because they stretch. HOT heels that make you feel instantly sexy; confidence is the best accessory! A high-quality, great fit LBD with a classic silhouette and hemline will be your best friend for years to come. For the summer, basic white tanks with stretch (I love Old Navy perfect tanks; I buy them in bulk when they are on sale). For the office or a night out, a pencil skirt that hits 2 inches above the knee (which is the most flattering length). A high-quality leather purse/bag never goes out of style and looks better the more you use it. Also, a well-cut trench coat is a miracle worker when flattering your figure; sometimes it will be the only piece of your wardrobe people see!

Q: How about accessories? What can we easily add to our wardrobes?

A: Stacked bracelets of assorted sizes, shapes and design. The more the merrier! If you don’t know how to stack bracelets, wrap a long necklace around your wrist a few times for a similar look. Nail art is still going strong. Make sure to try nail stickers: they are easy and long-lasting. A manicure with each nail a different color is also making a splash this summer. Cat eye and colored sunglasses are an easy and inexpensive update to your wardrobe this season. Chunky chains make great statement necklaces. I adore ones with pave detail!

Remember, Cheryl will be the host of the #30SecondMom Twitter chat on Wednesday, May 29, 8pmCT, so please join us! Make sure to visit her website and Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter!

Since becoming a mom, do you feel like you’ve been on an emotional roller coaster? You’re not alone! A staggering 80 percent of women experience emotional changes during the postpartum period, and 20 percent suffer from postpartum depression. To commemorate Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re featuring the amazing Dr. Christina Hibbert, a clinical psychologist specializing in Postpartum Mental Health, as our 30Second Mom of the Week! She has been a featured 30Second Mom contributor for nearly a year, providing our community with a wealth of great information and support on emotional health, parenting and personal development. Watch this beautiful video Dr. Christi made to commemorate the 30Second Mom anniversary. She touches my heart, and I know she’ll touch yours, too!

To enable you to connect with Dr. Christi, we’re excited to introduce “Ask Dr. Christi,” where members of our community can ask their mommy mental health questions and receive real-life answers from our resident expert!

Q: You’ve been an expert in “Mommy Mental Health” for some time. How did you first get involved?
A: I had postpartum depression four times. I wanted to help others, so I studied postpartum depression in grad school and produced a video on it. I also volunteered with Postpartum Support International (PSI), and started an Arizona Postpartum Depression Coalition. As I’ve grown as a mom and psychologist, I’ve become an expert on mental health at all phases of motherhood, pregnancy to empty nest. This month, I’m collaborating with PSI for a Maternal Mental Health Awareness Blog Hop. Join us! For more information, follow @PostpartumHelp, @BirthTouch, @unxpctdblessing on Twitter and use hashtags #ppdchat and #PSIBlog.

Q: Why is it so important to raise awareness of Maternal Mental Health?
A: Women and families often don’t realize the childbearing years are toughest on mental health. Motherhood is tough on mental and emotional health. Lack of sleep, long days, always being “on” can take its toll. Pregnancy depression affects 15 percent of all moms. Postpartum depression affects up to 20 percent. PMS and PMDD (more severe PMS) are most common in a woman’s 30s, after childbearing. And then there’s perimenopause, which can also cause depression or anxiety in many women. Women (and their partners) who understand maternal mental health will be better able to stay healthy and keep families strong. So, I’m sharing tips to keep mentally strong through four main phases of motherhood.

Q: Let’s start with pregnancy. What should pregnant women know about their mental health?
A: Mental health in pregnancy and postpartum actually begins before you conceive. Developing healthy habits like good nutrition, sleep, exercise, and time to evaluate and work through issues is key to later wellness. Any hormonal “event” in a woman’s life is likely to disrupt her mentally and emotionally. Pregnancy is usually the first biggie. First-time moms and dads are also adjusting to becoming a parent. It’s a huge life change. Thus, pregnant women should expect some change in their mental health. It’s “normal” to feel emotionally “abnormal” at this time. But, it’s important in pregnancy to also watch for depression, anxiety and to know when you need to seek help.

Q: What do women/families need to know about postpartum mental health?
A: 1) You’re not alone. 80 percent of women experience emotional changes (The Baby Blues) and 20 percent have postpartum depression. There’s a spectrum of Perinatal Mood Disorders, from Depression to Anxiety to OCD to PTSD to Psychosis. And, all of these disorders are TREATABLE. So, 2) Seek help as soon as you need it. For more on PPD treatment, visit this article on my site. Even for moms without PPD, the first year postpartum is tough. It has the highest divorce rate even! Work with your partner; support each other; talk; hold each other; seek outside help as needed. For more on self-help, check out this post. Sleep is a huge factor in maternal mental well-being, so make it a priority! This post provides more information on postpartum sleep. Remember PSI’s message: 1) You’re not alone. 2) You’re not to blame. 3) With help, you will be well. And here’s more of my PPD story and my “16 I’d Like My Postpartum Self To Know, 16 Years & 6 Kids Later.”

Q: I assume these tips apply throughout motherhood, too. What can we add for those in “middle mom” years, as you call it?
A: Yes. Tips like, “sleep, nutrition, exercise, making mental health a priority, talking, support,” apply across motherhood. In middle mom years, it’s important to monitor mental health needs, and ask for help as needed. Check out these tips on How To Get Your Needs Met. Having a good support system is key at all phases, and especially in the middle, when life is truly crazy busy. Enlisting practical help from others to help drive, teach, and even parent your kids can take some of the stress off and keep you healthy. Watch out for PMS, which is common in these years. Talk with your doctor more about menstrual cycle and mental health. Most important? Focus on the “now.” Enjoy your family. If you can’t, seek help. You’ll miss them soon enough.

Q: Which leads nicely into “Empty Nest” mental health. What do you suggest for women at this phase?
A: I’m not there yet, but I work all the time with empty nesters who are depressed/anxious now that kids are gone. They don’t feel “needed” anymore. Many feel “lost.” They no longer know who they are or even what they like to do. It’s an important lesson for us all: Take care of YOU while you raise your kids. Don’t lose yourself. Pursue your interests as you can. It’s great for you, and for your kids. You’ll inspire them to do the same! Also, be on the lookout for emotional changes in perimenopause, the time leading to your last period. Perimenopause can cause significant mental health changes. Seek help from medical/mental health providers who understand hormones and the brain. And, you’re always needed. Even if they’re not there with you. They love you. They need you. It’s just a new phase of life, and it can be a great one if you let it.

Q: We could chat about this topic for days! Any last words for moms?
A: As moms, we hold ourselves to such high standards. We can feel we’re the only ones not measuring up! So, I want to say, “I’m with ya!” We all feel that way at times. You’re in good company. Trust me! My mom’s day post says it all: 1) You’re not alone. 2) You’re better than you realize. 3) YOU ARE ENOUGH. And don’t forget to join the #PSIBlog Hop – you’ll really see you’re not alone! Visit Postpartum Support International’s website for resources, phone/online support and info. A fab organization!

Have a mental health question for Dr. Christi? We want to hear from you! Each week, Dr. Christi will answer a question from our 30Second Mom community. To submit your question for consideration, simply Contact Us!

Dr. Christi will be our featured subject matter expert at #30SecondMom Twitter chat on Wednesday, May 22, 8pmCT, so please join us! Make sure to visit Dr. Christi’s website and Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter!

Mother’s Day is nearly upon us, and we’re excited to share it with the best bunch of moms we know – including YOU! So it’s time for the second annual 30Second Mom Happy Mother’s Day Contest!

To celebrate moms all week long, we’d like you to share one of the following three things with us (in 600 characters or less, of course!): 1) Your No. 1 favorite thing about being a mom, or 2) What was that moment when you truly felt like a mom, or 3) What is your favorite childhood memory of your own mom? You can submit a 30Second Mom “tip” under each of those three topics if you like, or two, or just the one you like best. The goal is to fill our audience with good mommy mojo all week long!

Here’s how to enter:

- If you haven’t already, register for a free 30Second Mom account by visiting the website at www.30secondmom.com or downloading the iPhone or Android app and registering for an account right from the app.

- Submit a Mother’s Day “tip” via your 30Second Mom account on 30SecondMom.com. Simply click on “Add Tip” in the upper right hand corner and fill in the text box that pops up, upload an image and click “submit,” then click “OK” when you’re ready to submit your tip to the site.

- When setting up your account on 30Second Mom, be sure to add your contact information under “My Account.”

- Once your tip has been posted to the 30Second Mom website/app, you will receive a link to share with your friends and family.

Here’s how you may win:

- The participant whose valid entry receives the greatest total number of +1s, Likes and Comments by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 will win the grand prize pack consisting of a $50 Visa gift card, a 30Second Mom tote bag and car magnet, Luna Bars and SparX Candy by Xlear!

- The participant whose valid entry receives the second greatest total number of +1s, Likes and Comments by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 will win the runner-up prize pack consisting of a $25 Visa gift card, a 30Second Mom tote bag and car magnet, Luna Bars and SparX Candy by Xlear!

- The participant whose valid entry receives the third greatest total number of +1s, Likes and Comments by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 will win the third place prize pack consisting of a $15 iTunes gift card, a 30Second Mom tote bag and car magnet, Luna Bars and SparX Candy by Xlear!

We’re so excited to see your tips, and we can’t wait to get to know more about you! Get started right away, and please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Note: We reserve the right to choose which entries to publish based on quality and content. Entries should be in line with the quality and positive nature of the other content on 30Second Mom. By sending in a submission, you agree to our Terms of Service and Official Contest Rules. Please be sure to review our Privacy Policy.

Too often, women settle into a romance rut and live life without the passion they deserve. The 30Second Mom Twitter community was treated to concrete and honest tips by Elley Arden, author of the book Save My Soul. Elley has been infatuated with romance novels since the age of 16, and has fresh ideas on who today’s heroines are and how they have evolved. She will be releasing two additional novels this year for the publisher Crimson Romance, both of the contemporary romance genre. Check out her tips on spicing up your sex life!

Q: Does writing romance help or hurt the romance in your marriage?

A: It depends on the day. Seriously. If I’m writing something sad, then I’m sad, but if it’s sexy – look out! Writing believable characters means understanding human nature to a certain degree. I apply what I learn and observe. I do believe I’m a better woman and wife because of that concentration on loving, romantic relationships.

Q: Romance novels are filled with so much passion. How do women get it?

A: I like to think of passion as nothing more magical than an intense form of communication. Couples lose the ease of communication as time goes on. Comparing schedules doesn’t count. If you want big passion, start small. Talk. A lot. About everything. Look your partner in the eye. Listen. I bet you talked about everything when you were first dating: hopes, dreams, fears, politics, even sports. Over time and with kids, we get too tired to even talk. So again, start there. You can progress to little touches. A reassuring hand to the arm, a hug of thanks, a quick kiss goodbye. It really is about reconnecting. In some ways, after kids, you’re starting over.

Q: What if things are good, but women want more, or different, sex?

A: Ask for it. It seems simple, but anyone who has tried knows it’s not. Why? Because we fear rejection. When it comes to asking for what you want, don’t set yourself up for rejection. Don’t make it all or nothing. Example: “I’d like to put the kids to bed early tonight or tomorrow, if you catch my drift. Which night works best?”

Q: How do couples work around kids? They often exhaust us. There doesn’t seem to be anything left at the end of the day.

A: I have three kids (ages 11 to 16), so I know the feeling. I’ve had to adjust my expectations each age and stage. First, stop comparing your relationship to other relationships. We all have different wants and needs. It’s OK to be OK with alone-time once a week. Do what works for you as a couple. All that talking (and touching) can be a nice buildup to the alone time you do manage to cultivate. Remember, life is constantly changing. This phase will be replaced by another.

Q: Women in romance novels are so beautiful and put together. Many of us want to feel sexy like that. Tips?

A: If you haven’t read a true romance novel in a while, you should! There are more and more realistic heroines. How do you feel sexy? Laugh more. Achieve more. A smile on a confident woman is lethal. Know when you’re at your best, and use that time to your advantage. Be bold when you feel good.

Q: What can women do if they don’t think their husband/partner finds them attractive anymore?

A: Chances are, you’re the one who thinks you’re not attractive anymore. So turn it back on you, your way of thinking. What do you like about yourself? List three things outside your partner and kids. When you’re doubting your attractiveness, dwell on those good things. Use them to fuel a good mood. Your opinion about you matters most. Once you have that straight, ask him what HE likes most about you.

Q: What do you think about people calling romance novels “mommy porn”?

A: That’s a loaded question. Honestly, I think it’s sensationalism, and it trivializes an entire genre of books. It does get women talking about sex – what they like and don’t like — so that’s a good thing. I write about people falling in love despite the constraints life puts upon them. It’s hardly porn.

Q: You’ve got to give us something juicy. Best sexy scene you’ve read or viewed (movies)?

A: I’d say the love scenes in “Anna Karenina” (2012). Not very explicit, but extremely sensual. There is also a tabletop scene from “The Tudors” (not sure season) with Henry Cavill that is burned into my brain! As for what I’ve read, I’m going to leave you with something from my book in the hopes you’ll read it: He … smirked and traced a finger along her collar bone. “There are other things we should be doing with our mouths.”

Make sure to check out Elley’s book and follow her on Twitter!

If you’ve had a baby, chances are, you’ve wished for a good night’s sleep! Dr. Daniel Weissbluth, pediatrician in Chicago and founder of Weissbluth Pediatrics, recently joined our 30Second Mom Twitter chat to share his expertise on the topic of Infant Sleep. His father, Dr. Marc Weissbluth, discovered that sleep is linked to temperament and that sleeping problems are related to infant colic. He authored the popular book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, which has helped a great number of parents develop consistent sleep schedules. Dr. Dan continues to practice the Weissbluth Method and treat patients in his Chicago office. Read on to learn about healthy sleep habits for babies!

Q: Dr. Weissbluth, can you summarize the Weissbluth Method’s basic principle?

A: Great question: Sleep is a lot like food. Quality is more important than quantity!

Q: What is one common myth about infant sleep?

A: The Myth of Total Sleep Duration: the idea is that the early bedtime causes an earlier wake-up time. Many parents think keeping their child up later at night will allow them to sleep better.

Q: Can you give us a helpful sleep tip?

A: Black-out shades! The darker the room, the better! It can make your nursery like a cave. Black garbage bags are low cost and effective (albeit unattractive) solution.

Q: What is colic?

A: Three hours per day of crying, three days a week for three weeks, in an otherwise healthy infant.

Q: How common is colic?

A: About 20 percent of infants qualify for being called “colicky.”

Q: What problems does daycare present in terms of sleep?

A: Too early wake-up, too late bedtime and poor sleep quality during daycare.

Q: What is sleep inertia?

A: It is the intrusion of sleep into wakefulness, similar to grogginess. It can point to being overtired.

Q: What does sleep inertia after a nap represent?

A: It is a strong clue that the bedtime is too late!

Q: Thank you for all of the helpful information! How can new patients schedule a sleep consult for more help?

A: Call my office: 312-202-0300!

Be sure to visit Dr. Dan’s website and follow him on Twitter!

We’re so excited to announce the launch of the 30Second Mom Favorites awards program! Here’s a quick summary of what the program is all about, and how you can participate. Have a question about it? Contact Us!

Q. What is the 30Second Mom Favorites awards program?

A: There are so many products for families, and so much noise and clutter on social media and blogs, that it’s hard to know what’s a worthwhile product and what’s not. The 30Second Mom Favorites awards program identifies the “must-have” items for expectant, new and experienced parents and their families, and then shares them with our audience, social networks and the media. By earning an award, a company can use the 30Second Mom award seal that matches its product’s award-winning status, allowing it to stand out in the crowded digital and retail marketplace. By looking for 30Second Mom award seals on products, promotional materials and digital properties, parents will know which items we Like and Love, and which ones are our Favorites!

Q. Why did you start the 30Second Mom Favorites program?

A: We know that parents are busier than ever, and they rely on their mobile devices to search for information and product reviews. In fact, 61 percent of U.S. moms own a smartphone (Arbitron & Edison Research), half of all moms use mobile devices to access social networks (eMarketer), and moms spend an average of 6.1 hours a day with their smartphones (BabyCenter) – wow!

When searching reviews and shopping online and via mobile, parents need a source they can turn to for quick and credible reviews and referrals to products they can trust. 30Second Mom is the on-the-go parent’s guide for great information. In response to our audience’s requests for credible information on products for their families, 30Second Mom now accepts submissions from companies who wish to have their product reviewed by 30Second Mom. We developed the Favorites awards program in order to have a credible process for reviewing products and determining award levels.

Q. What are the Favorites program award levels?

A: There are three levels of awards in the Favorites program. If we Like a product, it’ll earn the 30Second Mom “Likes This” bronze award. If we feel even more strongly about it, it may earn the 30Second Mom “Loves This” silver award. Then, each season, we’ll review all of our Likes This and Loves This items to determine our Favorites. This is an exclusive collection of the most desirable products we reviewed that season, and only our Favorites earn the 30Second Mom “Favorite” gold award! Our Favorites will be featured quarterly in media releases and product guides on 30Second Mom.

Q. What happens if a product does not earn an award?

A: If a product does not earn a Likes This or Loves This award, the company will be notified and nothing further will occur. Because 30Second Mom wants to only promote companies we believe in, products that do not earn our Likes This, Loves This or Favorite awards will not be featured on 30Second Mom, and we also will not share which products were not recognized with an award by 30Second Mom.

Q. How much does it cost to submit a product to the Favorites awards program?

A: It’s easy and economical to participate in the Favorites awards program. The submission fee is only $300 per product, and we require three identical samples of the product for our reviewers. In general, 30Second Mom reviews products that would be of interest to our audience of expectant, new and experienced parents and their families.

Q. How can a company submit a product to the Favorites awards program?

A: If you’d like to submit a product, simply Contact Us and tell us a bit about your product. We’ll be in touch soon to explain how the process works. If you’re a parent who would like to suggest a product to us, please Contact Us. We love hearing about quality products for families!

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I was honored to be included in a group of leading digital entrepreneurs at City Hall with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and top officials on his team. Here’s the official press release about the “Women Who Launch” series from the City of Chicago!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2013

CONTACT
Mayor’s Press Office
312-744-3334
press@cityofchicago.org

MAYOR EMANUEL BRINGS TOGETHER LEADING WOMEN IN CHICAGO’S TECH START-UP SCENE

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined the inaugural meeting of a new “Women Who Launch” series, which brings together leading women in Chicago’s tech start-up community with leading female City officials as part of the administrations’ continuing efforts to create opportunity for Chicago’s booming technology industry.

“Chicago’s technology economy is thriving, creating thousands of jobs and generating interest from around the world,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We are seeing unprecedented growth in this key sector, from established international corporations to start-ups designed by Chicagoans. As we continue to work to create opportunity in this dynamic sector, it’s critical for the City to collaborate with everyone involved.”

The inaugural meeting was comprised of female entrepreneurs who own digital start-ups in Chicago and operate out of the co-working center 1871 located in the Merchandise Mart. The entrepreneurs discussed the challenges and opportunities they face with Brenna Berman, the City’s First Deputy Chief Information Officer, and Jaime Rhee, the City’s Chief Procurement Officer. This series will consist of quarterly meetings to maintain a continued dialogue about how the City can help support women-owned digital start-ups.

The launch of this new series comes one week after Mayor Emanuel appointed Chicago’s first ever technology industry diversity council. The Council on Diversity in Technology will work closely with Chicago’s Office of New Americans, as well as ChicagoNEXT, to ensure that their recommendations dovetail closely with the ongoing efforts to make Chicago a welcoming city, as well as ChicagoNEXT’s efforts to attract technology businesses to the city.

Under Mayor Emanuel’s leadership, the City of Chicago has fostered diversity in other areas of the City’s business community, through innovative programs run by the Department of Procurement such as the diversity business initiative. These programs allow the government of Chicago to encourage private sector adoption of important public policy objectives, and have resulted in strong growth and positive outcomes for minority business owners throughout the City, as well as the business community as a whole.

“Women Who Launch”: Connecting with The Women of 1871

Today marks the kickoff meeting of the “Women Who Launch” lunch series. This series involved regular meetings between leading female entrepreneurs housed at Chicago’s thriving co-working center for digital startups, 1871, and the City’s leading female tech official, Brenna Berman, Deputy Chief Information Officer. The goal, following the announcement of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s first ever Technology Industry Diversity Council, is to support women in Chicago’s booming tech industry. In order from left to right in the photo are:

Q-It Tech, Lotika Pai (founder)
We put you in the driver’s seat to chart the map of your child’s digital viewing journey by creating and sharing video playlists in a snap saves you valuable time. Knowing the videos your child watches are pre-approved by you or the people you trust gives you peace of mind. With a single click, Q-it makes it instantly available on your mobile devices for viewing via our app. Lotika has a two year old son. She has spent years in investment banking, supply chain consulting and manufacturing. She has a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Chicago Booth.

PrettyQuick, Coco Meers (founder)
OpenTable for the $50B beauty service industry, PrettyQuick uses mobile and real-time technology to match individual service requests with local salon and spa availability in real-time. We help on-the-go users conveniently find and book recommended appointments, while seamlessly filling seats in high-quality salons and spas.

MoxieJean, Sharon Schneider (founder)
By providing a curated, stylish selection of like-new kids’ clothes at consignment sale prices, Moxie Jean makes it easy to keep up with fast-growing little bodies, from Newborn to size 8. Moxie Jean was founded by a modern, busy mom who wanted to save time, save money AND save the planet—and didn’t want to sacrifice style to do so.

30Second Mobile, Elisa All (founder & CEO)
30Second Mobile is redefining content, conversations and connections for mobile media by sharing authentic information in engaging formats of 30 seconds or less. Our first brand is 30Second Mom, a free website, iPhone and Android app that enable on-the-go moms to access quick and helpful lifestyle information tailored to their own interests and share them via social networks – all from their computers or mobile devices. New-media pioneer Elisa All is founder of 30Second Mobile. Previously, Elisa founded iParenting Media, a “Best of the Web” new-media publishing company serving parents that was acquired by the Walt Disney Company. 30Second Mom has been featured on WGN-TV, Crain’s Chicago Business, Fast Company, The Huffington Post, Chicago Parent magazine and more. The company was selected as one of the 5 Hottest Start-ups in Chicago by The Digital Collective, and was a finalist for App of the Year and Tech Woman of the Year for Chicago’s Moxie Awards.

Cheeky Chicago, Erica Bethe Levin (co-founder)
CheekyChicago.com is a digital hub for the women of Chicago, producing more than 35 articles each week, monthly events and a state-of-the-art membership program. Founded in 2008 by Chicago residents Erica Bethe Levin and Jessica Zweig, CheekyChicago.com is the ultimate go-to guide for women in the City of Chicago.

Let’sPlayPlease, Mariela Santori (founder & CEO)
Let’sPlayPlease is a virtual playroom that engages kids and their families through video chat interaction. Let’sPlayPlease helps families and friends connect over distance through online activities such as creating stories, coloring, virtual cooking, traveling together and much more.

OneBigBow, Yafit Becher (founder & CEO)
OneBigBow.com ties together the invitation process and the giving of gifts. When guests RSVP to a OneBigBow.com party invitation, they get to see the birthday child’s gift wishes – and they get a chance to chip in toward the cost. Yafit earned a degree in computer science from Bar-Ilan University Israel. She has more than a decade of experience in the high-tech industry, working with large corporations as well as mid-sized firms. OneBigBow.com is the direct result of combining her passion for technology and business with the insights of moms like herself.