Meet The Stir's Writers

I'm the Editorial Assistant here at The Stir. I'm a bargainista by talent and runner of everything from 5ks to half marathons. Losing 60 pounds is my greatest life accomplishment, so far. In my spare time I ramble on personal blog, Making Life Fit.

Sipping on: Blue Moon

I'm a copy editor, writer, and fanatic Steelers fan living in downtown New York City. I'm not a grammar snob (I hope!), but I have a healthy, loving, rather profound respect for the English language. Sometimes browsing through Twitter gives me heart palpitations. Anyway, I've worked at places like Southern Living, The Knot, Prevention, The Huffington Post, and ChicksintheHuddle.com.

Sipping on: Bud Light

I'm an LA-based writer who, after years of covering sex tips and diet tricks for magazines and the web, has recently discovered a new hard-hitting topic: Mommyhood! With two identical twin baby boys to raise (pause for audible gasp), I'm sleepless and brainless, but wow, am I in love. And like any smitten girl, I can't seem to shut up about these little guys, totally caught up in the highs and lows (cause yes, there are lows) of being a new Mommy.

Sipping on: A blended margarita with salt sure is nice.

I live in Brooklyn, NY, and write about technology, security, gadgets, gear, wristwatches, and the Internet. After spending four years as an IT programmer, I switched gears and became a full-time journalist. My work has appeared in the New York Times, Laptop, PC Upgrade, Surge, Gizmodo, Men's Health, InSync, Linux Journal, Popular Science, Sync, and I've written a book called Black Hat: Misfits, Criminals, and Scammers in the Internet Age. You cand find more about me at BigWideLogic.com.

Headshot by SharonaPhoto.com.

I met my husband at 18, got married at 23, and then worked (and played) hard for seven years before becoming a mom. It took us five months to like each other again after our daughter was born. I wish I'd known to expect that! At my day job I've labored in television news, print, and on the web, where I've helped launch many a blog, but I am most proud of this one — right here.

As for my kids, they crack me up. One of them recently picked up a phone, looked me sternly in the eyes, and said, "Shhh mommy, I am on a very important work call!" At least I know they're listening to me.

Sipping on: Iced Vanilla Skim Latte

I am a writer and occasional editor. My work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, First for Women, Woman's World, AOL, YourTango and various other publications. Interests include Mexican food, reading, pop culture, jewelry, summer, and natural health. I've lived in Chicago, Boston, London, L.A. and Manhattan and now reside north of NYC in NJ with my Jersey boy boyfriend. In our free time, we frequent BYOB spots, buy overpriced produce (but it's so pretty!) at Whole Foods and do bizarrely huge loads of laundry. 

 

Sipping on: Skinny margarita, lots of salt

Call me a professional hypocrite: I write about how to raise kids for magazines like Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and other publications, but rarely follow my own mothering advice. Yeah, my kids watch TV and play in a rock band instead of on a soccer team but you know what? They're cool. (Can you tell I was raised by hippies?)

Once upon a time I was an art student and designer; now my illustrations can mostly be found on my blog, Lucy Is My Co-Pilot (I'm also a lifelong "I Love Lucy" addict).

 

Sipping on: Coffee if it's a weekday; margaritas if it's a mom's night out.

It's a hard life, but somebody's got to get paid to eat—and, that's just what Kim Conte has been doing for the last 10+ years. Career highlights include: reviewing 30 late-night restaurants in seven days; eating 16 different bread puddings in one weekend; and posting more one-pot recipes than ever thought possible. Her not-so-secret food crushes are Anthony Bourdain, Eric Ripert, and truffle salt. She wants to be Giada De Laurentiis when she grows up.

Sipping on: I kicked the Starbucks addiction but now have an annoying Dunkin' Donuts habit ... baby steps.

After freelancing in my pjs for two years, I'm now senior lifestyle editor at The Stir. Though I miss my slippers, I couldn't be happier! I did stints at People, PopEater, AOL Health, The Huffington Post, and MyDaily. Before that, I was at FoxNews.com (don't gasp), where I covered fun stuff like the Oscars and style trends, plus heavier fare like Katrina and Casey Anthony. This past year I was in the odd position of getting married at City Hall, planning what my mom called a "proper wedding," and having a baby. I have a thing for watermelon, mystery novels, France, and trips to the Met.

Sipping on: Coffee with half-and-half and a nice glass of Sancerre some nights

Jenny Erikson is a conservative chick with a strong opinion and a smart mouth. Sometimes sassy, sometimes sincere, always honest. She believes that ingenuity, elbow grease, and sheer determination can accomplish anything -- even motherhood.

Jenny blogs at Candid Conservative and records a weekly radio show, The Smart Girl Report, for Smart Girl Politics on Radio For Conservatives.  She lives in Southern California with her husband and their two young daughters.

Sipping on: Coke Zero or vino

Not that long ago I moved to New York from Los Angeles, where I wrote and worked for shows like What I Like About You and The Big Bang Theory. I've written essays for McSweeney's and Hackwriters, blogged for a bevy of websites, and even had a short-lived affair with copywriting.

I live in a dimly-lit Brooklyn brownstone with my husband and shih tzu.

Spend lots of time online. Don't eat dairy. Big fan of puppies.

Sipping on: Gin and juice

I'm the Editorial Marketing Manager here at The Stir but more importantly, I'm a celebrity news enthusiast. When I'm not browsing the internet for the latest Hollywood scandal, you can find me watching reality TV, attempting to go to the gym, and trying to avoid Chipotle. I have a love/hate relationship with social media, but since I've come to terms with the fact that it's never going to leave me alone, we're working through our issues.

I dream of the day when sweatpants and slippers are socially acceptable work attire.

Sipping on: Strawberry martini

I am the author of The Mommyologist, a blog where I laugh at how life has changed since my son entered the picture. My words have been quoted in The New York Times, CNN.com, and a few TV programs have even dared to put me on camera. Before becoming a full-time writer for The Stir, I dished out celeb gossip for Babble and wrote for CBS CT. I currently reside in the boonies, but long for the city. One of my biggest dreams is maintaining a perfect French manicure, but my nails chip when I type.

Sipping on: Crystal Light Martinis

I'm one part word nerd journalist, one part shoe hoochie fashionista, and all parts mother of Skylar, the flighty but fabulous 13 year old who is the object of my undying affection (when she's not immersed in early teen funkiness). Aside from storytelling for The Stir, I pen pieces for Heart & Soul, Essence, Clutch and just about anyone else who'll have me. On any given day, I find solace in Five Guys fries, Hello Kitty paraphernalia and crime TV. Love me anyway, please.

Sipping on: Sprite on the rocks. Oh, you thought this snarkiness was alcohol-induced?

Hi, I'm Twanna. I write about sex and relationships for websites, newspapers, and magazines. I'm online as FUNKY BROWN CHICK®.  In 2005, I moved to New York City. Years later, this place still breaks my heart as much as it heals it. Connect with me on Facebook, keep up with my daily adventures on Twitter, and watch videos on YouTube.

I'm Nadia -- affectionately known as "Justice Jonesie" by my bloggy friends -- and co-founder of Blogalicious Weekend. I'm a savvy mom to three, law professor, and blogger since 2006. I blog at JusticeJonesie.com about work-life balance, fitness, and my journey through motherhood. I became politically active at the age of 30, after I became a U.S. Citizen. Since then, I’ve volunteered for Obama for America and as a Voter Protection Attorney. When I am not working or chasing after my kids, you may find me training for a half-marathon or enjoying a chic night out on the town with my hubby.

Sipping on: Skinny Coconut Mojito

After working at various magazines for years and years, I moved to San Francisco in a fit of pique at the end of my 30s -- and almost immediately found myself married, pregnant, and pregnant again. Must be something in the water. Now I spend my time complaining loudly about how much I miss New York, but secretly enjoying the shoeless, gorgeous, kid-friendly vibe more and more each day. I live with my husband Randy, our daughters Penelope (2) and Abby (almost 1), and on weekends, we also have The Big Kids, Max and Eli. Most days, I can't believe life can be this much fun.

Sipping on: Coffee. Black. With one ice cube.

I'm a journalist by training, blogger by choice, and mom of two hilarious, awesome, kind of insane kids. The kids and I live in Detroit (come visit, we're having a moment) in an 83-year-old house with their dad/my husband, three cats and one dog. I would enjoy reading, gardening and sewing poorly but enthusiastically in my spare time if I had any.

Sipping on: Coffee

I am a mom, a blogger, a former reporter and someone who toe-dipped in politics very briefly. I have started my own website, moderatemoms.com to give moms who are turned off by the media static a place to get the daily headlines, political commentary, a laugh and even a recipe for dinner.  My politics are moderate Republican although I've voted Democrat. I believe this is where most of America is right now.  "Time" magazine called us the "Silent Majority." Maybe we're more like the "Silent Maternity."

 

Sipping on: raspberry iced tea

I've blogged for the Huffington Post and Styleite and was featured in Tara Stiles' yoga book, Slim, Calm, Sexy. When not writing or trying to touch my toes, you can find me losing at trivia nights in pubs or visiting friends and family in the South. I live in the East Village with my roommate and an excellently behaved DVR.

Sipping on: Unsweetened iced tea with lemon

I'm Executive Vice President of CafeMom, Publisher of The Stir, and the mom of two young boys. I live in Brooklyn, unabashedly adore reality TV (even the really bad shows), and use too many exclamation points(!) in my writing. Other fun facts about me: I love airports, hate small talk, read a TON of books, and I gave birth to an 11-pound baby at home. 

Sipping on: Coffee by day, Wine by night

I'm a writer, an editor, a lover, and a fighter. While I've written for a zillion online and off pubs, a heck of a lot to do with parenting; I'm also a brand new celiac disease victim lady and I tell you how it all is -- and how it should be -- at Gluten Is My Bitch.

Sipping on: I do love the latte.

I've written for publications including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Glamour, Marie Claire, Wine Spectator, and Time Out NY Kids and websites including Babble, AOL/Huffington Post, BN Review, MSN, and Salon. My work has been anthologized in the book "Maybe Baby" and eBook "Welcome to My World" and honored with a MADD Media Award. My proudest accomplishments, however, are a son who says I look like a teenager and a daughter who draws princesses and labels them "Mommy."

Sipping on: Coffee ... iced ... brought to me in bed.

I'm the Managing Editor of CafeMom's MamásLatinas, I hate to be photographed and I once fell on a banana and ended up in a cast. I watch so much food/cooking related television that I ended up in culinary school which some how got me pregnant! I'm hoping to survive motherhood.

Sipping on: Tea: hot, iced or spiked

I have strung words together for Kiwi Magazine, Babble.com, AOL, Parents Magazine and more. I live in upstate New York with my daughter, husband, dog and too many cats.

Though my daughter is officially an elementary schooler, I'm pleased to report I've yet to give in to the curse of the appliqued mom sweater. Small victories, people.

Sipping on: Diet Pepsi (even if it will kill me one day)

I live in the Seattle area with my husband and our sons Riley (6) and Dylan (3). Prior to August 2010 I spent many years as a software marketer, these days I work from home as a freelance writer. I enjoy photography, comic books, R-rated movies, and things that smell like coconut.

Sipping on: Sugar-Free Red Bull (mmm, chemical-y)

I'm a transplant from the plains of Colorado, now raising a son in the wilds of brownstone Brooklyn where the buffalo mozzarella roam. Before joining The Stir I worked for a start-up grassroots organization and contributed to blogs like Civil Eats and One Little Bite (of the dearly-departed Cookie Magazine) -- all from my lovely window-seat office. Most of the time I'm contemplating my next meal. I love kale and doughnuts equally.

 

Sipping on: Whole milk

I'm a home schooling mom to a 9-year-old daughter. I'm also daughter of Daft Scottish Mom, who calls me an 'awful wee lassie' on a daily basis. I cannot argue with this assessment. Mark Steyn and Thomas Sowell are my Thinkies Porn and I'm one of those icky fiscal and social Conservatives. Between laundry, Barbies and school, I'm a blogger who writes for RedState, Human Events, and Big Journalism.  I also very much enjoy the evil substances known as salt, red meat, and bacon. Co-host of That's What She Said on FTR Radio. 

Sipping on: Coffee, lots of coffee, by day. Beer, in bottle only, by night.