Word & Mouth Blog
Where food, hospitality, branding, and human behavior all crash into each other. I write about restaurants, wine, placemaking, customer experience, and the small details that make people talk about a business long after they leave.
For even more snarky takes on marketing, pop culture, branding, and the internet, visit my Substack, Burnt Popcorn & Branding: Substack
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A mix of hospitality, branding, customer psychology, hospitality culture, and internet behavior from someone who’s worked behind the scenes in marketing long enough to know what feels authentic and what feels painfully forced.
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Yes. Especially if your marketing currently sounds like ChatGPT wrote it.
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No LinkedIn thought leadership energy here. Just strategy, storytelling, and occasional side-eye toward trends, Chat-GPT written branding advice, and “disruptive” ideas that all look the same.
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People in marketing, hospitality, branding, retail, wine, or anyone who secretly judges restaurants by their menu design before reading the food list.
Kids, Fake News + Cyberbullies: An Interview with Kerry Rego
Growing up in a world with social media, Kerry Rego teaches kids about cyberbullying and fake news & she tells us why her tween doesn't have a cellphone.
Back to school and back to work
My toddler is back in school and instead of a stay at home mom, I can be myself again - a freelancer writer, East Bay Marketer, and... well, I am not sure what else I am right now. Honestly, I’m learning how to be myself again.
Instagram Jail + FOMO
When I got put into Instagram jail I realize that FOMO on social media only happens if I allow it to.
The Move to the East Bay
This past July we moved from Sonoma County to the East Bay, CA in Concord/Walnut Creek area with the family. We did it for work life balance and to spend more time with my husband now that he doesn't have a long commute. More family time in the East Bay = happy family.
Top Spring and Summer Finds on Amazon
Loving Amazon for Spring Cleaning Supplies, Easter Brunch Dresses, Surprise Eggs, Sunglasses, Boots, and Even House Cleaning.
The Month of May in My Household
National Mental Health Month is also National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, which is definitely fitting – well, at least for my family.
Wine Country Music Festivals with Kids {How to Do it Right}
The Spring and Summer music festivals in Wine Country are about so much more than music. See how parents and kids can enjoy these festivals together.
4 Ways Being a (Working) Mom Has Allowed Me to be More Productive
With less hours to work, I don’t stress the little details as much. I have learned to be more productive as a mom, by planning ahead & taking time off.
How You Can Learn How To Trust Your Gut As A Parent
Parents can question everything. There's a helpful parenting instinct that develops. When you feel overwhelmed, try to remember to follow your intuition.
That One Time When My Toddler's School Closed Down Indefinitely...
I know I’m going to trust my gut as a parent much more now when it comes to his health, safety, and education.
Why I Bring My Child to Political Marches
This debate was brought up this past week as I shared images of my husband, 3-year-old son, my friends, and me at the 3rd Annual Women's March on January 19th, 2019 in downtown Santa Rosa. I shared the same images to both my Instagram account and Facebook page (and the latter received comments from friends, likes, hearts, and one angry face from a cousin with whom I’m not actually Facebook friends)... Instagram was a completely different experience.
Roundup of My Favorite Sonoma County Articles of 2018
A roundup of my personal favorite articles I have written this past year about wine, food, social media, music and mom life in Sonoma County.
How to Create a Toddler-Friendly Christmas Tree {A How-To Fail Guide}
How to have a Toddler-Friendly Christmas.. aka how to childproof your Christmas Tree So your kid doesn't runin it.
Rainy Day or Smoke Day Activity Survival Kit for Kids and Parents
Now that wildfires are a regular part of the fall season in Northern California, a “Rainy Day and Smoke Day Survival Kit for Kids and Parents." is needed.
How to Manage Pregnancy Diabetes When You Love Food
Pregnancy Diabetes looks very different for every woman, but for me, it meant I had to manage balancing my food and focusing on a schedule
The One Gift for Everyone On Your List
A letterboard is the best gift to get any blogger. So much fun to customize for any holiday or event.
I Wasn’t Bullied As A Child, But I Got Made Fun Of A Lot
I have been reflecting on my friendships over the years and how it has affected me throughout adulthood. While I was not bullied as a child, I did get picked on for being short.
Summertime Treats with Clover Sonoma Ice Cream
From ice cream floats, to grilled peaches with ice cream and honey, to dessert pizzas topped with a scoop of Clover Sonoma Ice Cream, there are so many out of the carton ways to enjoy ice cream this summer.
How Troop Beverly Hills Made Me a Better Writer
A movie from the 80s made me realize I wanted to become a writer when I grew up. Technology taught me how to become a better writer. And the rise of apps using voice has taken my writing to the next level.