Big Blend's Quality of Life Magazine
2011-2012
This was the website for Big Blend's Quality of Life magazine. The content is taken from the site's 2011-2012 archived pages. This particular online magazine may be gone, but Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine is alive and well. To stay up to date with the most recent articles, interviews, events and videos of all Big Blend's two magazines,Big Blend’s Radio & TV Magazine and the Spirit of America Magazine, visit their current website, BigBlendMag.com.
About Us
Featuring articles, radio interviews, videos, games and puzzles, and more, Big Blend’s QUALITY OF LIFE is an online magazine and radio show dedicated to health, wellness, fitness, beauty, fashion, family and relationships, and spirituality.
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My mother really enjoyed Big Blend's Quality of Life magazine. When the website disappeared from the web I did a search for her and found BigBlendMag.com. She is now following Nancy Reid and Lisa Smith, an expert mother-daughter who founded Big Blend on their Big Blend Spirit of America Tour of all 412 National Park units and their gateway destinations. My mother said she wants to plan a trip for her grandchildren and us, the parents and is learning about a number of US national parks she didn't know even existed. My mother, who loves themed vacations told me that she wants us to wear different T shirt Batman designs each day during our National Park holiday. I thought that was great. I already buy our Batman t-shirts from a site I discovered about 6 months ago. They carry very young children through adult sized t-shits and work shirts. I now will plan to buy several for my Mom for the upcoming trip this next summer. Everyone seems on board with the Batman theme so it looks like we're going to have some great themed pictures from this trip. Thanks Nancy Reid and Lisa Smith. My whole family is now following you on NationalParkPlanner.com. If you see a family all wearing Batman T shirts during one of your visits at a national park, that will probably be us.
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Big Blend’s QUALITY OF LIFE is published and produced by BigBlendMagazines.com, which has been owned and operated since 1997, by mother-and-daughter team Nancy J. Reid - Editor and Production Director, and Lisa D. Smith - Editor and Marketing Director. Together Nancy and Lisa offer over 40 years of marketing, photography, and editorial experience in the travel, lifestyle, leisure, special interest, hospitality, business and retail industries.
BigBlendMagazine.com got its start as a San Diego based print and online publication called The Blend Magazine. A few years later, it expanded to becoming SouthwestBlend.com covering the southwestern US states. In 2006, boasting over 1 million unique visitors per month, it became a completely online publication and expanded to being national and international in coverage. In 2008, BigBlendMagazine.com added 10 online radio shows to the mix, as well as Big Blend TV.
Now, in 2011, BigBlendMagazine.com is proud to announce its expansion into becoming ten online magazines, each with their own online radio show on Big Blend TV channel. Featuring articles, interviews, games and giveaways, and Big Blend Radio show schedules, BigBlendMagazines.com also publishes the Big Blend eNews, which is sent to subscribers every day.
Big Blend Magazines include:
- Champagne Sundays art, books, music and entertainment magazine
- Creative Celebrations wedding and event planning magazine
- Eat, Drink & Be Merry food and drink magazine
- Garden Gossip home & garden magazine
- Quality of Life health, spirit, family and style magazine
- Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll politics, issues and rock magazine
- The Nature Connection nature, science and environment magazine
- The Success Express business, career and finance magazine
- Vacation Station travel and leisure magazine
- Way Back When history and heritage magazine
BigBlendMagazines.com Mission Statement
BigBlendMagazines.com is a company based on the belief that education is the most formidable weapon that can be waged against fear, ignorance and prejudice. It is our belief that education starts at home and branches outward. Education leads to travel, and travel leads to understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of cultures and customs different to our own, and ultimately to world peace. Our company is further based on the principle that networking, communication, and helping others to promote and market themselves leads to financial stability; thus paving the way to better education, travel, and the spirit of giving back to the community."
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Kathy’s Dress Shop
Ladies Boutique in Historic Downtown Julian, CA
Welcome to Kathy's Dress Shop. We are located at 2015 Main Street, Suite B, in Julian, California. Julian is San Diego's historic gold mining town that's up in the mountains and famous for its apple orchards and apple pie. Our shop is downtown in the historic district (next to Falcon Gallery) and offers ladies fine fashions, jewelry, accessories, bath & body items, and unique gifts.
We also have a bench out front in a delightful garden setting for those who want to sit, relax, and breathe in Julian's beautiful mountain air while shopping. For your added convenience, we have parking behind our store.
Ladies Fashions: Ladies Fashions: Ranging from fun and casual to fine and specialty, we offer a fabulous selection of ladies clothing and fashions for all seasons including separates, shirts, dresses, skirts, pant suits, sweaters, and more. One of our favorite designer lines that we carry include 'Anna Konya Skirts & Ponchos'. We also have a great selection of Tummy Tuck Jeans.
Jewelry: Gemstone necklaces and glittering bracelets, dazzling rings and colorful pins and broaches - we offer a superb selection of jewelry pieces to accent your outfit, or simply lift your spirits. Some of the more popular jewelry designers we carry include 'Sweet Romance' ladies fine vintage designer jewelry; 'Marta Howell's' beautiful Mother of Pearl earrings, pendants and necklaces; and the fun and budget-friendly Ethyl and Myrtle line.
Hats, Bags and Accessories: In all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors and textures - we feature a fantastic variety of ladies fashion and clothing accessories including hand bags and purses such as Hobo leather purses and Mary Francis Handbags, hats for all occasions, reading and sun glasses, and scarves.
Unique Gifts: Whether you are treating yourself, a friend or loved one. Ranging from delightful whimsical clocks by Allen’s Design to Victorian gifts, jewelry and accessories; we offer a wonderful selection of ladies gifts and gift cards that suit most ages, personalities and occasions. We also carry a lovely selection of bath & body products to soothe and rejuvenate your skin including Ahava Hand Cream and Body Lotion.
From Anna Konya’s popular designer skirts and ponchos, to fine leather purses by Hobo - come in and see the many new styles we have coming in every week!
Kathy's Dress Shop
HOURS: We are open daily from 10 am - 5pm.
ADDRESS: 2015 B Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
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Cindy Tuttle
'Voice of Joy'
Author, Speaker & Motivator
For more than twenty-five years, Cindy Tuttle has worked with adults having severe mental illness. She served on the Mental Health Advisory Board in the 1980’s and has twice been named as Advocate of the Year in Mental Health for Sacramento County. Cindy has been involved in many ministries in her church and has completed four years of lay ministry courses. Through her company 'Voice of Joy' she facilitates spiritual retreats, and retreats especially for caregivers.
Cindy's book 'Joining in the Dance of Life: Thirty Days to a Happier You!' is an up beat book which suggests how to live a full and joyful life. It reflects upon how we can be mindful of the small and spectacular joys that we miss. It reminds us of how to be grateful for things we may have taken for granted. It also suggests how to live and survive during difficult times. This is a book focusing on being fully alive and awake to the wonders of life. Cindy is also the author of 'Finding the Light of Jesus' which is published by CrossLink.
Cindy has been interviewed several times on television and hosted a cable television show. Her articles have also been featured in a local newspaper. Cindy will soon appear in an HBO cable television documentary on mental health. Cindy has a poem which has been published in Eternal Inc., 'Keys to Living and Whatever is Pure'. Cindy had an article which will be published in Standard magazine. Cindy is published in Big Blend's Quality of Life Magazine, The Gem, Words Aflame, Sharing, Christian Devotionals, Halo Magazine, Cola Bears, and Christian Journal.
Spiritual Retreats with Cindy
Cindy Tuttle is offering spiritual retreats for caregivers of people who are elderly or have a mental or physical disability. These retreats offer participants to share their faith and share their challenges and how their faith assists them during the hard times. There will be reflection questions, time for reflections, and a creative activity to express the theme of the day. The retreat is geared towards the needs of the group. Cindy offers Christian retreats for half a day, whole day, two days, or a week. If she is unable to come to your area she can provide resources and if it is helpful can even do a mini retreat for your group on Skype. Cindy has over thirty years experience of caring for people who are elderly or have a physical of mental disability. She currently is the caretaker for her mother who is 97.
Upcoming Retreats / Events:
June 4: “Taking a Break with Jesus" - A Retreat for Caregivers of Elderly Family Members Led by Cindy Tuttle! This three-hour retreat of sharing, support and prayer will focus on the spiritual needs of caregivers who so often feel overwhelmed by the stress of caring for an elderly loved one. Participants will have a time for sharing the challenges they each face and joining together for a time of prayer. Held on Saturday June 4th, from 10 am - 2 pm, at Christ the King Retreat Center.
More Background on QualityOfLifeMagazine.com
Big Blend's "Quality of Life" Magazine is a digital publication dedicated to enhancing various facets of personal well-being, including health, wellness, family, relationships, education, beauty, and style. As part of the Big Blend Magazines family, it reflects the organization's commitment to providing diverse, engaging, and informative content to a global audience.
History and Evolution
Founded in 1997 by the mother-daughter duo Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, Big Blend Magazines began as a print publication covering Southern California and the Desert Southwest. Over time, it transitioned to a digital format, expanding its reach and diversifying its content to cater to a broader audience. The "Quality of Life" Magazine emerged as a dedicated platform focusing on topics that contribute to personal and communal well-being.
Content and Features
"Quality of Life" Magazine offers a rich array of articles, interviews, recipes, and videos. Key areas of focus include:
- Health and Wellness: Insights into physical and mental health, fitness routines, nutrition, and holistic well-being.
- Family and Relationships: Guidance on nurturing family bonds, parenting tips, and relationship advice.
- Education and Self-Empowerment: Resources for personal development, lifelong learning, and empowerment strategies.
- Style and Beauty: Trends and tips in fashion, beauty routines, and personal grooming.
The magazine also features contributions from various experts, providing readers with diverse perspectives and in-depth knowledge on pertinent topics.
Big Blend Radio Integration
Complementing the written content, "Quality of Life" Magazine is associated with Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life Radio" podcast. Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the podcast delves into similar themes, featuring interviews and discussions that offer additional insights and practical advice to listeners.
Audience and Reach
Big Blend Magazines boasts a national and global audience of over 4 million, with readers and listeners who are:
- Aged between 25-65 years.
- Well-educated homeowners.
- Enthusiasts of travel and recreation.
- Conscious about family, community, social, and environmental issues.
This diverse audience reflects the magazine's broad appeal and its effectiveness in addressing topics that resonate with a wide demographic.
Cultural and Social Significance
"Quality of Life" Magazine plays a pivotal role in promoting holistic well-being and personal development. By covering a wide range of topics, it encourages readers to pursue a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The integration of multimedia content, including articles, podcasts, and videos, caters to varied preferences, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
Reviews and Reception
While specific reviews for "Quality of Life" Magazine are limited, Big Blend Magazines, as a whole, has been recognized for its comprehensive content and commitment to quality. The expansion from a regional print publication to a global digital platform underscores its success and the positive reception from its audience.
Press and Media Coverage
Big Blend Magazines has garnered attention for its innovative approach to digital publishing and content diversification. The organization has been highlighted for its transformation and its array of themed publications, noting its global coverage and digital format.
Big Blend's "Quality of Life" Magazine stands as a testament to the evolution of digital media in addressing the multifaceted aspects of personal well-being. Through its diverse content, expert contributions, and integration with multimedia platforms like Big Blend Radio, it continues to inform, inspire, and engage a global audience, promoting a holistic approach to living one's best life.