May 12, 2012

Artist of the Week

My artist of the week is my mom. You won't find any of her fabulous creations on the internet or in a gallery or store anywhere. In fact, most of the beautiful paper dolls, fashion designs and oil paintings, she created no longer exist due to a terrible flood in our family home basement some twenty odd years ago. That doesn't mean they don't exist in my memories. When my mom (mom #1) passed away when I was in my twenties, I had hoped to maintain and pass on her hand drawn paper dolls and their divine wardrobe (also designed and drawn by mom) to my daughter. Not being artistically inclined in the visual art realm, I can only describe them to my daughter. I pass on to her my love for movement and creativity. The drawing and painting moved through me to my sons and there it manifests itself. My daughter and youngest son - dance, the middle two children - draw. Thank you, Mimi!

My mom, known as Mimi, to her three daughters, was Margaret Ann Latten. She was an only child and was raised in Austin, Texas. When she went to college at Talledega College in Alabama, she met my dad. She graduated and they moved first to New York City (and created my older sister and I) and then to Detroit (where the last daughter was created). She worked for the Civil Rights Commission until her late diagnosed Lupus forced her into an early retirement. She was a wonderful mother, with all the ups and downs that went with it. She shaped most of the way I view the world and how I raise my own brood. She was the first one to show me that nothing you want to do is impossible if you work with perseverance to get it. She built bookcases and sewed prom dresses from newspaper patterns. She wore all her mom hats well and I only hope that as I travel on this path, that I wear my 'hats' just as well. Thank you, Mimi!

I found this adorable book at the local library this past week and just had to check it out. I wondered if these 31 uses included any of the uses my children have for their mom. You know, those "mom hats". The very first use in the book is TIME accompanied by a delightful drawing of a mom standing at the door, waiting for her child to leave on the school bus.

The uses go on to include such time honored classics as #6 Doctor, #27 Bank, #28 Tweezer, and #18 Party Planner. It doesn't include some of my all time "faves". I could continue the list by adding:

#32 Personal Groomer (really you put those pants with that shirt?)

#32 Laundress (I just washed those, can you just put them away?)

#34 Homework Assistant (I haven't done algebraic expressions in twenty years, I don't know the answer!)

#35 Life Coach (maybe she just isn't the one for you right now, how about an ice cream cone?)

What would you add to the list?

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Fun With Music and Video Monday

I saw this video on Saturday morning and was moved to tears. What an awesome testimony! Proctor and Gamble did a superb job with this ad. I am purposely not saying what the focus of the ad is, because I want you to view it and weigh in with your opinions ^_^! Oh and hey, have a spectacular day!

February 27, 2012

Fun With Music and Video Mondays

I saw this video for the first time about six months ago. I loved it then and I love it now. 

Now I'm going to share it with you.

Life is for sharing!!!

January 11, 2012

Anything Can Happen Wednesday

New Treasury, New Story - something a little more "Dick Tracy" style, I think. You know, Noir Detective novels....

And so we begin,

“Black and White and Blue All Over”

It didn’t matter how long I stood in that steaming shower, scrubbing the day’s grime from my body, I couldn’t get the image of that dame, those pearls caressing her neck, as she paced back and forth in my office. I first saw her at my office, just after quitting time. 
“Do you know what the color blue tastes like, Mr. Danger?” I wasn’t expecting anybody, when I looked and saw her standing in the doorway. A drag on my cigarette was the only answer I had. She came into the office and I got the full picture – the red heels, the long legs, the fur coat and those pearls.  “Mr. Danger? You are Rick Danger, aren’t you?” “That’s what the sign on the door says lady. And, uh, who might you be?”

Okay folks, the ball is in your hands, have fun!

January 3, 2012

Product of the Week

I set up a challenge to myself this year and here is where you will hold me accountable to that challenge. It’s the “52 Weeks” Challenge. I will post an item here each week of 2012. I am challenging my “Frame Of Mind” partners to do the same.  Do you have any goals you’ve set for the New Year?

So here is Week One - January 1 - 7, 2012

Limited Edition Massage Candles

Slip into something a little more comfortable with these dual use massage candles. Once lit, these candles melt to a warm pool of massage oil. Simply blow out the flame, wait till melted pool is warm to the touch (approx 60 seconds) and massage into the skin. Move over Hot Stone Massage, these 3oz wonders are for when you want a hands-on application that moisturizes as it relaxes. 

Two heart shaped candles come with each order. Multi-packs are available via convo for order as well.

Scents available: Limited Edition Hot Cinnamon, Limited Edition Strawberry Vanilla, Limited Edition Roses and Raspberries. If you have another scent in mind, convo me with what you are requesting.

January 2, 2012

The first Monday of 2012, I wanted to share this video with you for

Fun With Music and Video

Here's to a year of triumphs and tribulations, smiles and sadness, hellos and goodbyes, joys and sorrows! Cheers!

Thank You, God, for keeping me here to see another year end and a new year begin!!

December 19, 2011

Fun With Music and Videos

About ten years ago, I came across this motivational site while looking for something to help motivate my students to achieve more, to give their 250% all the time. I lost track of the site when I had my computer stolen about 4 years ago. Recently, I was working on my dance ministry blog and was moved to look for this site again...and I found it.

I want to share one of the most beautiful messages given to me.

SimpleTruths.com

How do you make your customers know that you appreciate them?

December 15, 2011

Social Media Thursday

 During the month of November, I participated in a campaign sponsored by American Express called “Small Business Saturday”. It occurred on the Saturday after Black Friday and before Cyber Monday. It was a push to draw the consumer to invest some of their holiday spending in small businesses. Part of the campaign included $100 (one hundred dollars) of Facebook Advertising. For FREE. I applied and my little ad was accepted and then, quite honestly, I forgot about that part of the push. I put up information on my Facebook fan page, business page and my personal page. Tweeted about Small Business Saturday and placed signage about it in my booth during the Christmas Wonderfest in Detroit.

I have had an increase in sales (slight, but still even one new sale is better than no sales, right?), but I still didn’t make any connections to AmEx and their campaign. Yesterday I received the following email (excerpted here) :

We are happy to report that with your $100 in free Facebook advertising, your campaign reached 134,036* potential customers. (*Reach is defined by the number of unique impressions delivered within your geo-targeted area.)

To keep the momentum going, American Express OPEN offers a variety of helpful resources on OPEN Forum^®, including social media tips and tools for businesses like yours. It is all part of our ongoing commitment to the success of small, locally owned businesses.

Wow!!! The ad ran on Facebook for approximately 15 days (I got in on the deal late) which meant I was able to spend more per day than I ever would be able to afford (almost $7 per day)on a regular basis. At the same time, Facebook offered a 50% match of AmEx’s $100.00, again FREE, so that meant I was virtually spending $10.00 per day in Facebook Ads- YOWZA! 

Of course, I am, indeed, a small business and so obviously could not keep those ads running. I cancelled my ads, but I have had an increase in my Facebook fans and more specifically, a request from an international company to possibly market one of my products!!! Double YOWZA!!

Check out the open forum and think about saving some of your advertising dollars for one or two times a year to invest in Facebook Ads. You never know how the results will pay out in the end!

See you tomorrow ^_^

December 14, 2011

Anything Can Happen Wednesday

My children get out of school for the holiday break this coming Friday, December 16^th. Two weeks ago, I was feeling a tad bit overwhelmed and more than ready for them to be home (three less “things” to have to prepare every day), but now that it’s almost time….AAAGGGGGHHHHH!

It’s actually more planning to have them home during the school hours than at school. I totally forgot about preparing lunches and planning activities (no way are they vegging in front of the tv with video games for two weeks) and sharing my daily routine with theirs. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE spending time with my boys (my daughter can’t come home for the holidays, she just got a new job), I just have to have a game plan that will hold the interests of a 15-, 13- and 6 year old boy. 

Lunch Plans

My sons love hanging out in the kitchen, sometimes with me, sometimes not. Lunch plans look like this:

Sat, Dec 17 – Homemade Burgers and Fresh Cut Fries	Sun, Dec 18 – Mom & Son Day – Mom’s Ramen Noodles	Mon, Dec 19 – Sub Sandwiches	Tues, Dec 20 – Mom & Son Day Tuna Salad
Wed, Dec 21 – Middle Son’s Birthday – Meatloaf/Mashed Potato “Cupcakes”	Thurs, Dec 22 – Spaghetti-Os and Mondo Salad	Fri, Dec 23 – Mom & Son Day – Mug o’ Tomato & Grilled Cheese Soup	Sat, Dec 24 – Brunch: Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage & Eggs
Sun, Dec 25 – Leftovers All Day	Mon, Dec 26 –International Week – Sushi, Tempura Shrimp, Rice Noodles	Tues, Dec 27 – International Week – Grape Leaves, Hummus & Chicken Shwarma	Wed, Dec 28 – International Week – Bratwurst & Sauerkraut, Potato Pancakes
Thurs, Dec 29 – International Week – Polynesian Chicken Skewers	Fri, Dec 30 – Boys’ Day In The Kitchen – Make Your Own Pizzas	Sat, Dec 31 – Ramen Noodles (Eating feast with family tonight)	Sun, Jan 1 – Day At The Movies – Hot Dogs, Potato Chips & Milk Shakes
Mon, Jan 2 – Fish and Chips	BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

 

Activities

Sat, Dec 17	Put up Christmas Tree, decorate the house (tree, lights, bulbs and garland inside & out)
Mon, Dec 19	Mom’s Date with Son #1 – Window Shopping at the mall (Must check out the new high school fashions while allowing him to flirt with girls as if I don’t notice ^_^)
Tues, Dec 20	Gift making day – (Make presents, bake goodies, wrap it all up for gifting)
Wed, Dec 21	Middle Son Birthday Celebration/Kick’s TaeKwonDo Holiday Party (older boys are Black Belts)
Thur, Dec 22	Mom’s Date with Son #2 – Lunch Date @ Buffalo Wild Wings (who can eat the hottest wing sauce challenge – he usually wins)
Fri, Dec 23	Great American Wii Decathalon! (Just Dance, Wii Sports, Wii Games – May the best mom win – hee hee)
Sat, Dec 24	Christmas Eve at the Grandparents House (A family tradition!)
Sun, Dec 25	Boys visit with Dads (my time to recover from the late Xmas eve celebration)
Mon, Dec 26	Veg out in front of the TV all day – Movie Marathons
Tues, Dec 27	Prep Day for Back to School (Laundry, School Work, Clean Back Packs, etc)
Thur, Dec 29	Shopping for Pizza fixings
Fri, Dec 30	Mom’s Date with Son #3 – Play Date @ Arcade (bells and whistles for 6 year olds)
Sat, Dec 31	Prep for Mondo Dinner with Family for New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Sun, Jan 1	Let’s Go To The Movies (Boys watch the games, Gals go to the movies)

So what are your plans for the holidays?

December 12, 2011

I'm baaaaccccckkkkkk! I've been out of the office for what seems like FOREVER, but I'm back with an adorable little video from Pixar Films because its...

Fun with Music and Video Mondays!!

I hope you enjoyed this one! See you tomorrow with updates on why I've been away so long!

Holiday Time, November 2011

So here I was, on a blogging roll when this fabulous 10 day show popped up on my calendar of events. Ten days?!?! Low booth fees?!?! How could I not be there? Aahhhh, but how do I communicate this information to my local customers at the last minute? How do I tell my online customers that I'm having a sale to commemorate this awesome event? I could try phone calls or individual emails, but where does that fit into the production schedule?

Let me let you in on a secret, I recently discovered to handle this. Okay, not so recently discovered, at least not in the big scheme of things. I know you've seen those signs everywhere saying "TEXT _______ to _______ and receive ________". I know I have. I get text coupons from Cold Stone Creamery and Payless Shoe Source just for sending a code text to some random code. Great for big business, but what about us little guys (and gals) who want to do the same thing? Enter the WWW (world wide web, for you non computer geeks)!

I started researching services and found some serious information out there. Customer service runs the full gamut from basic "you-run-the-whole-thing" to ultra supreme "just-tell-us-and-we'll-make-it-happen-for-you". One of the companies I checked out is Textingly. Textingly is a online based text message software. It's like having instant messenger with all your customers at one time. Customers can respond to you and you get real feedback in real time. You manage the messages from your computer. Better yet, you can try the service for free....yes, that what I said, FREE.

Textingly.com

Soooo, now you've seen the video, your interest is peaked and you're wondering what to do next...it's easy. Try it out, click the link on my sidebar or the one right here and see for yourself how you can utilize the service. Me? I'm trying it out for my holiday specials, so if you want to find out what they are, email/convo me your cell phone number and you can get a second hand look at how it works. Don't worry, you can always opt out and never hear from me again, but what fun would that be (tee hee)?

Okay, so that's it for today's Fun with Music and Video. I know it's not Monday, but I promise I'll be back in full swing on Tuesday!

Happy Holidays and remember, we can celebrate Thanksgiving everyday of our lives by appreciating all the people and things we have around us.

November 21, 2011

Fun With Music and Video Monday

This week's video is a mini tutorial on miniature paper roses. I was looking for some cool ideas for my Valentine's Day gift boxes and came across this wonderful little idea. She makes it look all so easy. I can't wait to try them out. I'll be posting the trials next Monday for your critiques.

November 18, 2011

Friday is Talent Round-Up Day!

So let me introduce you to one of the men inside one of my favorite Etsy teams - the Promotional Frenzy Team. I first came across Martin while looking for balloon pictures for a treasury and I found this:

So I was pleasantly surprised when a few weeks later, I saw that Martin was a new member of the PFTeam.

Martin's shop is called GraphMagics. A cool shop full of acrylic and metal necklaces, brooches, pins and earrings in funky shapes, many of which evoke memories from my growing up years.

As a graphic design student Martin started experimenting design with different tools and materials. But he's not a limited artist. Not only does he play the guitar (music is one of his passions), he has been learning contact juggling and uses it to relax in his free time.

Hailing from the beautiful Buenos Aires, Martin has also been learning how to work with epoxy resin and polyester resin in many different ways. According to him, "This became more than a hobby, almost an obsession with shapes, colors, light, perfect roundness of my resin pieces. I dedicated a lot of time to it. I love spending all the afternoon paper-sanding and polishing pieces if they look perfect at night. Currently I am working on metal most of my time in my home studio."

Martin wants to share his creations and hopes people like it and get inspired by them. So I was inspired to put Martin to the ABC test. I asked him to choose several random letters from the alphabet and use them to describe himself (yes, a short version of the The ABCs of Me). Here's what he came up with (in random order):

M - Musician, J - Juggler, I - Independent, G - Graphic Designer, S - Skater,
G - Guitarrist, R - Resin Crafter, A - Artistic, D - Drummer, T - Twenty Three Years Old,
D - Dog Lover, S - Shower Singer, M - Metal Crafter

 He forgot one...F - Fantastic!!

Take a moment and drop by GraphMagics. I think you'll like (read LOVE) what you find there!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Social Media Thursday

These awesome images are from my Pinterest "Breathless" board.

What makes you speechless...takes the breath from you simply because it's beautiful, fantastical, inspiring....What makes your mouth drop open and your eyes open wide, like you did when you were a small child seeing holiday lights for the first time.....What makes you reach out, unconsciously, and hold his/her hand, so that you know someone special is sharing a special moment with you....What makes you....Breathless?

Pinterest is a great place to indulge your ultimate wish list. Go shopping, find a new book, read a blog, try something new, find a recipe...whatever. It's all there waiting to be pinned!