Featured WIRL of the Moment

Reality – What It’s Really Like

Reality – What It’s Really Like

This post is part of a series titled, “A-B-Cs – What It’s Really Like”. Each week a new letter and its word will be revealed. Each word’s explanation will illustrate significant personal meaning, application and ultimately demonstrate, What It’s Really Like… Back in 1998 MTV debuted the reality TV s... Read More »

Previously Featured WIRLs

Stop Apologizing for Being Me |WIRL project

I Stopped Apologizing For Being Me

I have struggled with other people’s assumptions my entire life. I remember being in the principal’s office at the public school we were zoned for when we lived in the country, and her leaning in and asking me “Are you an only child?” I was in her office because a boy had run up to me and grabbed me between my legs when our Spanish teacher was out of the room. I was so embarrassed — it had been a ... Read More »

Angel Bumps | WIRL Project

Angel Bumps

I met my guardian angels over ten years ago. It seems so trite to say it was a time in my life when I was running on empty. Hell, if I was a car, the gas tank would have rusted out completely. There’d have been a huge hole in the bottom that leaked gas as I pumped it in. They were my lost years. I really had nothing left to give…to anyone. My oldest of five, has emotional disabilities. Next in lin... Read More »

Being a Stand-Up Comedian: What It’s Really Like

Being a Stand-Up Comedian: What It’s Really Like

  Being a standup comedian might be one of the toughest jobs out there. Seriously, who wants to speak in front of a lot of people, who EXPECT (and have paid for) you to make them laugh? Many people dread standing in front of a room full of their friends and family to make a toast, let alone a bunch of strangers who are going to give you shit if you don’t meet their expectations. We want... Read More »

No Sleep BlogU | WIRL Project

No Rest for the Wicked(ly Awesome) at BlogU15

It’s always best to begin at the beginning. From the moment I decided to attend BlogU15 in Baltimore I was terrified and thrilled. The “bitch in my head” started to take over my brain and I did my best to quiet her. My flight would be leaving Florida at 6 am on Friday, which meant I needed to be awake at 3 am and in a cab to the airport by 4. Mornings and I are not the best of friends so when I sa... Read More »

BlogU Baltimore Uncustomary | WIRL Project

BlogU in Baltimore

As a blogger, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my corner of the internet. I do as much research as I can online, but I’m a much better learner in a teacher-student scenario. I’ve paid lots of money to attend blogging workshops and branding seminars, as well as purchasing plenty of one-on-one consultation services. I’ve learned something from each of these, for sure, but I really had no i... Read More »

Judgy Judgersons

Dear Judgy Judgersons

  We all know that once you become a mom, you enter the world of Judgerville. It’s a mean and brutal sorority that you don’t have to ask to be in because you are thrown into it whether you like it or not. Judgerville is the place where everyone judges your every parental move and rakes you over the coals for not doing it their way. Before the internet, it was just nosy neighbors judging every... Read More »

Money Saving Secrets

I get a high from a good deal – I can save 20%? Yes, please! So, I thought I’d share with everyone my best money-saving secrets: 1) I used to work in retail, so I know a lot of the “tricks”, especially when it comes to coupons. Most of the time, the cashiers can manually enter discounts, even when they say a deal or coupon is “expired”. Bed, Bath, and Beyond is ... Read More »

My Introduction to WIRL

Hello my name is Michele Barrett. I have been a stay at home mom for the past 9 years with 3 children, ages ranging  from 4-9 years old. I always had  a vision of owning a small business one day. I decided to take a leap of faith this new year and I started my own decorating business. I always felt I wanted a little something I could call “my own” especially when you are a mom and you ... Read More »