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The 411

18 Dec

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The 411

December 18, 2012 | By | 4 Comments

 

I guess I kinda forgot to mention that I took a blog sabbatical… Did I need to notify HR at Caroline Made This?

I’m here now, guys!

I will name just a (few) major things, in sequential order, that have been going on in the midst being absent in the blogosphere for a few weeks:

1)  Car-o-line got a new J-O-B.

Yeah, no biggie. I am now a copywriter at a marketing studio. Basically, I get to use my creative skills to come up with some fun copy, text, taglines, logos and mottos that (hopefully) convince you minions to take action or buy a product. You know, I’m using my love of creativity and writing and putting it into a nice paycheck. Ain’t no thang.  <insert cheering and tap dancing on a table here>  Note: I said tap dancing. Not lap dancing. I was never that desperate for money… Since I direct potential clients and employers to my website, this ol’ blog may have helped me get a job offer too – so THANK YOU, guys. Being a copywriter allows me the creativity-style I desire (with video production opportunities as well), utilizes my marketing experience and hones my writing skills, all while giving my career a more creative direction. I should put that on my LinkedIn profile somewhere, eh? We’re moving in to a new office soon that is close to the beach downtown. I’m not sure if that location will be a benefit or a hindrance to my work productivity. I’ll be able to see the beach from the office. Do you hate me? I sorta hate me…

 

2)  Wedding booked. Website completed. Video Save the Date sent.

Whew. Stuff just got real. I gave myself an internal deadline of having all of that completed by the first week in December. It was slightly foolish considering I was only a couple weeks into my new job, My Main Squeeze was in the middle of finals and unable to help, oh and…I like to sleep more than a couple hours a night. But I got it done on time and successfully completed all of the wedding crap. Yes. You read that read right. Listen, I’m super excited to marry My Main Squeeze. I’m just not a fan of the superficial, sometimes hurtful, process of getting there – so, if you want me to sugar coat how wonderful the wedding planning machine is…then you’re reading the wrong blog. We’re doing our own wedding thaaaang quite well. *thankyouverymuch* Perhaps if you all get good behavior stars in school today I’ll show you our entertaining website and video Save the Date that I produced. I think it’s super fun. And I’m totally objective.

 

3) My Main Squeeze successfully completed his first semester in medical school.

You read that right! My boo got through his first semester of an incredibly tough, rigorous program and passed with flying colors. They don’t make the process of becoming a doctor hard for just any ol’ reason…I’d say saving lives is pretty important. Am I glowing? I’m just super proud of him. Sure, his time to spend and help with things is super scarce, but it’s for the greater good. (Must repeat: It’s for the greater good.) He is now 1/8th of the way through medical school. Which would make him 1/12th of the way through medical school and residency if he chooses a specialty that is a 2 year residency. Yeah. I’m not thinking about that… I’m just super, super proud. If you know him personally, please tell him to stop doing his to-do list around the house and go sit by the pool and relax! He’s a pretty good guy, huh?

 

In all honesty, I had this particular post lined up to publish last Friday. But, I felt it was highly inappropriate to post considering recent events. Still trying to wrap my head around it. My two cents: Those things you are thinking, remember them. Change doesn’t happen quickly, especially with bureaucracy. Your actions and voices matter, whether you believe it or not.

So, on a lighter note, you can sleep soundly tonight because I have plenty of sweet posts up my sleeve for the near future. Just thought I’d fill you in on all of the fun things that have been taking up a majority of my time. Boo-yah.

(new) Parents Say the Darndest Things

19 Nov

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(new) Parents Say the Darndest Things

November 19, 2012 | By | 4 Comments

 

If you can’t tell from the pictures above, then let me start off by saying: I love my family and friends children.  My happiness for you and your kids can not only be expressed by the endless baby showers I’ve attended but also by the stupid baby shower games that come along with attending them.  If I get one more candy baby rattle…  Very often when my friends or family told me that they were pregnant, my reaction took My Main Squeeze by surprise.  I used that high squeal pitch that was only reserved for *NSync concerts (don’t judge) and even cried out of happiness a couple times.  I know.  I even shocked myself with that one.  Pretty sure My Main Squeeze immediately checked the birth control on each occassion.

I knew how happy your pregnancy and kids had made you, so I was happy for you.  It was as simple as that!   Unfortunately, it doesn’t often work both ways.  Especially if you’re 30 +, enjoying life as-is and *gasp* don’t have children.  Over the years, I’ve found myself in many jaw-dropping situations when new parents suffered from diareaha of the mouth.  The more accurate phrase should be: rude-ass, did you pop out your brain too when you gave birth and also take a class in things you should never say to people but decide to anyway?

You may read through these things and realize you have said some of them.  Don’t worry – you’re still friends with us kid-free people because we love you and can look past these good-GOD-did-you-really-just-say-that moments.  You’re welcome.

The following is what some new parents have actually said to me and, in general, what went through my head afterwards.  This post goes out to you, my kid-fee readers and friends!  May our association go beyond being offended by new parents.

(new) Parents Say the Darndest Things!

 

  • You have, like, no wrinkles.  Well…you don’t have kids.  You’re right, my lack of wrinkles is directly correlated to my empty uterus.  I’m sure it has nothing to do with wearing sunscreen and a rigid skin-care regime I’ve been religious about since high school.  In fact, my dear friend and former college roommate used to joke that it must have been a really good night if I woke up with my make-up still on because it happened so rarely.  Not that I ever had good night in college.  I was always holed up in the library studying…  But you’re right, I lack wrinkles because I lack babies.

 

  • Your stomach is, like, so flat!  Well…you don’t have kids.  Got me again!  While I may not be the skinniest gal on the block, I’ve always been quite active.  I cannot remember one month in the recent past, where I haven’t worked out 3-5 times a week.  That includes doing ab work. No, this sexy body doesn’t show all of that work.  But it happens.  I understand that pregnancy will change my childless temple.  But, when’s the last time you did a sit up?  Right.  You never really did.  Don’t just blame your children.

 

  • Baby “Bobby-Sue” thinks you and your Main Squeeze should get married soon!  (this was prior to our engagement)  Does our heathen lifestyle make you uncomfortable?  You think that since we’ve been together this long, we should have been married by now, right?  Or…orrrrr does our 5 + year relationship make you think that maybe, maaaaybe we were on to something by not following the cliche “guidebook to life” and still can remain happy?  Does that make you reevaluate why you did *dating-engagement-wedding-marriage-babies* in the blink of an eye? Eh? Ehhhhhh?  Either way, don’t have your small child passive aggressively tell me what you really think.  Especially when the closest your baby gets to forming a word is the sound she makes right before she pushes out poop.

 

  • Just wait…  This is the gem of all gems.  It’s a warning from new parents about the impending apocalypse.  You’re stressed out about work now?  Just wait!  You’re struggling to balance pleasing your MIL and your hubby?  Just wait!  You like sleeping in?  Just wait!  It’s a nice little condescending pat on the back that your problems are not nearly as relavent as theirs because you don’t have kids.  Wait a second. I’m making a choice to not have children currently.  That doesn’t mean that you get to belittle whats going on in my life because you chose to have kids.  We both have made choices.  I don’t trivialize yours.

 

  • I wouldn’t know, I dont stay up that late anymore.  Good.  You probably shouldn’t.  You’re a parent now.  I’m not!  Conan’s last show for the win!

 

  • Do you mind turning that down? There’s foul language in it.  This one is a doozy because the foul language isn’t the issue.  The issue is that new parents very often feel pressure from old parents that any recognition of their past life is baaaaad.  You know, their past life that was just a mere 3 months ago.  When you were stumbling into bed and *gasp* using foul language.  You absolutely have more responsibility now!  But don’t think for a minute I’m fooled that you’ve suddenly and miraculously become more mature.  We both know as soon as I leave, you’re going to turn on 2 and a Half Men and sit in your underwear laughing at fart jokes.

 

  • Text message.  Timestamp: 5:15 am - GOOD MORNING!  Could you get me the information for this, this and this before I forget?  Thanks!  Wait, what? I’m sorry.  I couldn’t read your text message because I was too busy throwing my phone into the wall.  Have you ever heard of texting people during normal business hours?!  And no, I’m not getting you that information at 5:15 am.!  Use the damn Google box. Just because you’re up at all odd hours of the night with a small human attached to your boob doesn’t mean that you’re allowed to text people who enjoy their childless-breasts.  Very often I think this is a way to show off.  Look!  I’m a new parent and I’m up this early.  I’m responsible now!  Next time, I’m texting you at 2 am while I’m stuffing my face with left-over nachos…just because I can.

 

  • By the time you have kids, our kids will be able to babysit them!  …and?

 

  • I didn’t invite you because you don’t have kids.  Do you speak a secret parent language that I’m unaware of since my womb is unoccupied?  Did I miss that language elective at Michigan State University?  I realize that the general dynamics of a friendship can change with children, but I still can, you know, form words with my childless mouth and participate in conversations.  It’s so weird.  I’ve never had children, but I can still somehow manage to relate to the conversation.  Even if it is about which baby bottles are BPA free.  But, it’s as if you’ve suddenly forgotten everything about your former life –  you know, when you were unmarried and childless.  Yes, that DID happen!


  • I mean, don’t you worry?  Have you thought about having babies out of wedlock? It’s totally okay nowadays.  You’re right.  It is okay nowadays.  And if people choose to do that, great!  It’s their life.  I know this may shock you.  But, I’m okay with not having kids right now!  I’ll give you a minute and let the childless dust settle.  You cool?  You back?  Good.  It’s a choice we’re making right now and both of us have discussed options if we’re unable to have kids by the time we choose to have them.  And if you don’t think My Main Squeeze and I have discussed that…then I’m offended for both of us.  Now I’m going to take one for some friends in my life who have struggled to have children and those who have decided they don’t want any.  What IF we were struggling to have children right now and your questions open an already sensitive wound?   What IF we have decided not to have any children at all?  Think before you speak.  Why does what you choose for your life dictate how others should be living theirs?  Oh I just opened up a big ol’ can of philosophical worms…

 

Even with all of the above, I’m sure I’ve done and said some equally irritating non-parent things to my new parent friends and family.  I’ll graciously admit that.  So, let’s let bygones be bygones and go out for a beer.  On me.  Inbetween the kids nap times.  After dinner is on the table.  Before you fall asleep.

Have any of you non-parents experienced this?  Any parents have advice for us non-parents?

Friday Funny: Being Thankful Caroline-Style

16 Nov

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FunnyWhen life happens

Friday Funny: Being Thankful Caroline-Style

November 16, 2012 | By | 2 Comments

 

If you access your Facebook account at all during the month of November, you know there is a trend where people will use their status to list something they are grateful for every day of the month. (You know, Thanksgiving.)  It’s intention is pretty innocent and sweet and if I weren’t such a cynical wench I would probably look past the sugar-filled statuses and realize that the world can always use a little more appreciation for the small things.

…but I’m a cynical wench.

Some of these statuses are quite vomit-worthy.  We’re clearly getting to the half-way mark of the month where people are realllllllly reaching into their gratefulness pockets:

Today I’m thankful for the person who cut me off on my way to work.  They made me realize I don’t want to be in such a hurried rush like them and possibly miss what is going on in the wonderful world around me.

Liar.  Admit it.  You totally wanted to punch the person in the face.  It’s okay.

So, in lieu bombarding your newsfeed everyday with statuses that will make you want to toss your cookies, I’ll tell you here about the things I’m thankful for.  Caroline-style.

Caroline is thankful for:

1.  I’m thankful I didn’t roll over in the middle of the night onto my cat’s vomit.  It was a lovely morning present.  Thanks, Bax!
2.  I’m happy the vomit stain came out of the bedsheets and didn’t get below the mattress protector.  Mmmmm.

3.  I’m grateful I haven’t caught Dengue fever from the outbreak here in Florida.

4.  I’m glad one of my BFF’s admitted she didn’t get a pedicure today because she hadn’t shaved her legs in 2 weeks.  Bless you child - we’ve all been there.

5.  I’m happy My Main Squeeze thinks wedding planning is one giant laugh too:

 

Happy (early) Thanksgiving, my beloved readers!

 

Friday Funny: 5 Twitter Accounts You Should Follow

02 Nov

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Funny

Friday Funny: 5 Twitter Accounts You Should Follow

November 2, 2012 | By | 2 Comments

 

Tweet. Tweet.  Tweet.

Do you Twitter?  I mean, tweet.  Are you a twitter-er?  I mean, Tweeter.

By social media standards, I joined Twitter pretty late in the game a couple years ago.  I found I’ve enjoyed it way more than I thought I would.  I mean, where else can you simultaneously find out from CNN that Osama bin Laden was killed and also see a fantastic vegetable fajita recipe from Whole Foods?

If you’re not a part of the Twitter community, you should be…at the very least to simply laugh with (or at) the following accounts.

 

5 Twitter Accounts You Should Follow:

 

1.  Oprah reads the news –   @OprahReadsNews 

And you get a car.  And YOU get a car!  And YOU GET A CAR!  EVERRRYYYBODDDDY GETTTSSSS A CAAAAARRRRRRR!!

 

2.  A Milania parody – @TheFauxMilaniaG

Do you watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey?  No?  Oh.  Well neither do I…  But if I did, I would tell you about Teresa’s hysterical daughter Milania.  She’s an unintentional scene stealing diva and I love it.

 

3.  Kit – @blogdangerously

An annonymous blogger that says everything you all are actually thinking.  She’s a business woman with sass and a kick ass momma to boot.  Basically, you want to be her.

 

4.  The Next Martha – @TheNextMartha

If Martha Stewart had a fun-loving, hilarious, non-condescending sister…it would be her.  Plus, she loves Halloween.  So she’s a lady after my own heart.

 

5. Caroline @Caro9er

Shameless. plug.

 

 

How to be creative and cheap on Halloween!

31 Oct

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DIYFunny

How to be creative and cheap on Halloween!

October 31, 2012 | By | No Comments

 

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Halloween!  It’s my favorite holiday.  Yes, it’s a holiday.  It’s way better than any awkward political discussion during Thanksgiving.

This year, since we’ve moved and are still working on somewhat of a social life, we don’t have any Halloween parties to go to or costume contests to enter. <insert sad face>  But I told My Main Squeeze I didn’t care if I sat on the couch in my costume eating chips and salsa…dressing up for Halloween was going to happen.

Problem is…Medical school is expensive.  Not pulling in the income I once did sure hits the wallet too.

To remain in budget, we talked and decided we needed to choose between carving pumpkins or creating costumes.

It was a tough Halloween discussion  ya’ll.  

But in the end, I decided that pumpkin seeds will come and go…but photos last forever!

May I present to you our $1.00 The Price is Right costumes:

Yeah.  You read it right. I created that puppy for $1.00!  One dollar.  Uno dollar-o.  …or something.

With my infinite Halloween knowledge, I discovered this wonderful site:  Coolest Homemade Costumes.  A couple years ago I remember seeing a hilarious costume on there for The Price is Right contestant. I’m not sure this is the same exact picture but you get the idea:

So cool!  Well done! I knew that this year considering our time crunch, lack of social gatherings and lack of funds, I should make this costume too!  I just needed to take a different route than the Showcase Showdown in the above picture to save some $. Which is why I decided to just do the “Come on dooowwwwn, you’re the next contestant on the Price is Right!” part.

So how did I make it for $1.00?  EASY!

Things you’ll need:

1 poster board

Yellow and green construction paper

Scissors

Glue

Black marker

Yarn

Duct tape

I had everything else besides the poster at home, as most crafty nerds do.  So I only needed to buy the poster board – which was 2 for $1.  So I have an extra poster laying around here…  Maybe I’ll make a costume with it for the Bax-man!

Then again, maybe not…

Cut the poster board in half and use the separate pieces for each contestant.  Cut out your green backgrounds, yellow numbers and yellow name tags.  Glue all the necessary pieces.  Duct tape the yarn on the back the poster and use it to put the nametag on your shirt too.  Write out your names.  Grab you Main Squeeze away from the medical school books.  Direct him to look super excited.  Set the timer on the camera and Wah-lah!  

Happy Halloween!

Friday Funny: The 10 Worst Slutty Halloween Costumes of the Year

26 Oct

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Friday Funny: The 10 Worst Slutty Halloween Costumes of the Year

October 26, 2012 | By | No Comments

 

Mommy, when I grow up, I want to wear this same exact costume on Halloween!  Except shorter and showing my cleavage.

Have you noticed it in recent years? It’s an epidemic!

Halloween is lacking creativity.

No, I’m not talking about lacking creativity because you bought a costume last minute at Halloween USA.  Whatever, it happens.  I’m talking about costumes that are basic in nature but “exude” creativity because the person looks like a hussy!  (You have to say that in your best grandma voice for it to be most effective.)

There’s the obvious sexy costumes.  You know, the ones that are meant to sexy, like a Playboy Playmate.  It may not be on my top 10 most creative costumes.  Nevertheless, if you’ve got it and want to wear it – work it!

But, very often these costumes are historically inaccurate, incredibly sexist and make me feel very uncomfortable.  Yes, I realize how old I just sounded right there.

For me, it’s always been about making something funny.  For God’s sake I was a freakin’ tissue box for Halloween in 6th grade.

How’s THAT for sexy, gentlemen?

So let’s take a walk down Lots o’ Skin Lane and explore some of these fantastically creative costumes.  Shall we?

The 10 Worst Slutty Costumes of the Year:

1.  Sexy Watermelon

 

Oh yummy!  I want to know what went on during the marketing board meeting for this one.

Now let’s convince them that fruit can be sexy.  Yes.  Now let’s save money on materials and take a bite out of the costume.  Yes!  Brilliant!

Better act fast, ladies.  It’s a limited edition!

2.  Jane Doe DOA Body Bag

Because death is suuuuuper sexy.  Me-ow.

3.  Sexy Bert and Ernie costumes

I’m not sure about you, but sexualizing children’s characters isn’t creepy at all!

4.  Remote Control costume

Hey baby, wanna press some of my buttons?  Ugh.  I just threw up in my mouth a little.

5. Chinese Take Out

The strategically placed “Thank you” and “Enjoy” are classic.  Oh, and racist.

6.  Courageous Lioness costume

I played Glenda the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz in 3rd grade.  Pretty sure our lion didn’t resemble something Snooki would wear to Karma.

7.  Sexy Banana

What is with the fruit, people!? Are these the Fruit of the Loom guys’ slutty mistresses?

8.  Igloo Cutie Sexy Eskimo costume

I would venture to guess that would not keep her warm in the Alaskan tundra.  Just a guess.

9.  Miss Kruger costume

Freddy Kruger was actually a seductive chick?!  Mind. blown.

10.  Grand Slam Baseball Beauty costume

Hey! You forgot your baseball cleats.  Oh yeah.  And your pants!

 

Happy Halloween, my friends!

(You can find all of these costumes here: Yandy.com, spirithalloween.com, buycostumes.com, halloweencity.com)

What inspires you?
There’s no way it’s October…

24 Oct

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This here blogWhen life happens

What inspires you?

October 24, 2012 | By | One Comment

It happens to all of us.  During our monotonous days and endless to do lists – our minds begin to wander.  We daydream of places we want to go or things that make us laugh. It happens.  And thank God it does!  Can you imagine our boring our lives would be without inspiration?  It keeps us going.

Lately, I’ve found inspiration in my (new) Florida surroundings. It’s still hard and often surreal to think that I live here…and that it’s October!

There’s no way it’s October…

It got me thinking about the things that inspire me.  I ran through inspirational figures to small everyday moments that left me smiling and humbled.

Buuuuuut basically, it all boiled down to the only thing I find inspirational on a Monday morning:

Don’t judge.

I could fill this post with the little things to the more poignant things that inspire me. But I want to hear from you!

What inspires you?

Friday Funny: Hilarious Commercials
commercial

19 Oct

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Friday Funny: Hilarious Commercials

October 19, 2012 | By | No Comments

I used to email my friends and family a Friday Funny newsletter that contained jokes or links to funny articles and videos.  Social Media sort of ruined that because they most likely had already seen or read the funny already.  See, there are disadvantages to social media – it totally ruins my stand up routine!

So, I thought I would bring back the Friday Funny and incorporate it here!

This week, let’s take a look at hilarious commercials.  Each commercial is only 30 seconds, so smiling won’t take up too much of your time!  And smiling is always worth it.  Smiling is my favorite.

Geico’s “Happier than…” campaign:

“I’m gonna stand up to her.”  ”No you’re not.”  ”I know.”

“Does your cauliflower have a big carbon footprint?”  ”Melooooons!”

Well done, Geico. Simple.  Brilliant.  Hilarious.

BMW:

“Mummy, what is neu-ter-ing?”

 The Eagelman:

Okay, this one is unintentionally funny.  If you lived in the Chicago area during the early 90′s you surely remember this Eagleman commercial. (My pops lived in Chicago, that’s why I know this one.) It’s a classic.

“I’ve got something for yoouuuuuuu.”

Tell me what some of your favorite commercials are!  Also, if you have any ideas or funnies (is that a word…?) you want to send me for future Friday Funnies (there’s that words again…) just send them to my email here:

email

Happy Friday!

 

Social Media: Companies That Get It

15 Oct

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Geek Speak

Social Media: Companies That Get It

October 15, 2012 | By | 2 Comments

Remember when our parents warned us about the evils of social networking?  It’s the downward spiral of society!  Soon we won’t know how to maintain a relationship outside of a computer!  They had major concerns.  Albeit, some were legitimate.  Perhaps you should take down that picture of you bonging a beer at a frat party, friend…?  But mostly, people were concerned because they didn’t understand it fully.  There’s so much fear in the unknown.

But now…  Whew.  Now go to any job board and you’ll see plenty of job openings requesting people who know the ins and out of social media.  Even the good ol’ boy companies are finally getting it.  They can actually see purpose-driven results in posting a blog, maintaining a Facebook account and engaging their customers on Twitter.  Heck, even my future in-law sent me an email telling me about this fancy thing called: LinkedIn!  It was really quite sweet.

So how does your company make a lasting impression (for better or worse) on your customers and thus, help your bottom line?  Simple:  acknowledge them!

The following is a very brief list of how great, clued-in companies use social media to their benefit.

1.  Be present.

It’s pretty simple.  If I don’t know your company exists, then I won’t be visiting your store, viewing your television show, buying your product, etc.  This means more than being able to Google and find your phone number.  The business mainstay for years has been that word of mouth is the best way to bring in customers.  Consider social networking your new word of mouth! Whether you like it or not a vast majority of people would rather point and click than search and pick up a phone.  People want to see your product and read about your company – it leaves less room for misinterpretation.  That means your details need to be readily available on your website, Twitter or Facebook.  If I have to pick up a phone to figure out what your hours are, I will very quickly forget about your business and choose a similar one who my friend liked on Facebook.  See how that new word of mouth thing works?

2.  You followed us?  Thanks!

I recently moved to Florida and have used Twitter and Facebook to find different fun activities I can do while exploring my new area.  After learning that Ft. Lauderdale was the “Venice of America” (who knew?) I heard about these wonderful things called water taxis.  I hit the Google box.  Discovered Ft. Lauderdale Water Taxi.  Followed them on Twitter.  Received this nice message in my inbox:

Boom.  That was easy.  Was it most likely an auto-bot response? Yeah.  But it was nice to be recognized for following them.  Clearly, it left me with enough of an impression that I think of them anytime someone visits us and wants to explore the “Venice of America”.  Hook.  Line.  Sinker.  You got me as a customer now.

3. Taking 2 seconds to discover your customer will benefit both of you.

Before we moved, I began following @visitlauderdale so I could find out about fun events in our area.  The brilliant social media guru who runs that account saw they had a new follower (me).  Took 2 seconds to look at my profile and see my recent tweets.  Saw from my profile that I was vegan-ish.  (Really big emphasis on the ish…) Saw from recent tweets that I was moving to Florida.  They then tweeted me and told me about a great vegetarian/vegan restaurant in the area I should try out when I move to town.

 

 

↓↑

 

Cross promotion.

Do you see how that works, folks? I am now a paying customer and follower to both.  That extra 2 seconds = costumer loyalty. Brilliant.

4. Respond. Respond. Respond.

Sure, you’re busy.  Everyone is.  But if a customer calls you to either complain or compliment your company, do you simply remain quiet on your end of the line?  Of course not!  (And if you do, your business surely won’t last during this knee-jerk reaction of online complainers.)  The same goes for social media!

I have a deep love for Bloody Mary’s.  And they love me.  While living in Detroit, I discovered the amazing, local McClure’s Bloody Mary mix.  I must have talked about it a lot because when I moved, a dear friend and her husband gave us a CASE of McClures.  If you think I’m joking, check out what happened next.

I tweeted McClures and told them how we considered this new case of Bloody Mary’s precious cargo on our way down to Florida.  They saw and loved it so much they responded with many re-tweets and even posted it on their Facebook page.

 

Look ma’, I’m famous!  They even re-posted one of my blogs they enjoyed months later to their own page!

A few of my friends took notice and guess what?  McClure’s just gained a bigger customer base.  And I’ve very quickly become a conosuier of Bloody Mary mix — I pretty much complain about the taste of anything else but McClure’s mix.

Speaking of complaining, while My Main Squeeze has threatened many times to create a Twitter account simply to complain about services (empty threats get you nowhere, my dear) that is the perfect opportunity for a company to turn around a bad situation.

I fly a lot.  And I’m really hoping those miles come in handy when we get married overseas next summer… Delta is my go-to airline mostly because that’s who I’ve racked up the most points with and their hubs are in Detroit and Minneapolis, both cities that I have family located.  When it became apparent that my grandmother’s health was quickly declining, I bought a last minute plane ticket so I could see her and share her last birthday with her.  The ticket was so last minute that I didn’t have a seat assignment.  All of us regular business travelers know what that means…overbooked. <wah. waaaaaaaah.>  I know your trickery, Delta and I’m not going to put up with it!

So did what any normal, passive aggressive person would do.  I took to Twitter.

A (social media) agent responded within the day asking for my Flight and Confirmation #’s.  I gave him/her both and quickly had a response that I was all set.

I don’t know if the agent had the means to get me a seat or check to see if the flight was, in fact, full.  But needless to say, I got to the airport, had a seat and got to celebrate my grandmother’s last birthday with her. This act did not go unrecognized.  I thanked Delta on Twitter to make sure my followers saw and I now go to their website first before booking through major travel websites.

Somebody simply responded to me.  That’s it.  They may not have even touched the magical “get Caroline a seat” button.  But they responded.  Half the battle, my friends.

5. Talk about social media!

Engage your clientele by telling them you have a blog, Facebook  or Twitter account.  Seriously.  It can be that easy.  Being present (go back to #1) is key to this step.  In your newsletter, direct them to your Twitter account and you’ve built yourself a great, dynamic customer base.  Especially if you offer free products by simply asking people to “Like” your page on Facebook…  Thanks Target!

Core3Solutions provides tons of updates about social media trends via Twitter and Facebook.  The irony isn’t lost on me…   Here’s a great blog about maintaining your social media presence in minutes a day: http://core3solutions.com/web/blog/online-marketing/social-media-marketing-in-minutes-a-day/  Constantly talking about social media creates the notion that it’s necessary for your company to be involved in the social media machine (and it is!) and gives your customers a chance to see that you actually are!

 

So aside from the pictures you’ve posted after winning the Jello wrestling championship years ago, social media can be a huge advantage to you.  Be sure you stay on top of its ever-changing ways and you’ll be doing you and your customers a great service.  If you have any questions about increasing your web presence, use my contact form to ask me and/or give me your best suggestions in the handy-dandy comments section below!

Just remember, Twitter’s very own tagline is quite simple: Find out what’s happening, right now, with the people and organizations you care about.  

Do you want to be a part of that? 

Psst…the answer should be yes.

 

Halloween Candy Corn Decorations

13 Oct

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DIY

Halloween Candy Corn Decorations

October 13, 2012 | By | No Comments

Anyone who knows me, knows I love Halloween.  Some may even say I <heart> it.  That’s about as far as you’ll get me using teenage internet lingo for the day…  I mean, I even convinced My Main Squeeze to dress up as a Garden Gnome for Halloween a few years ago.  THAT’S how much I <heart> Halloween.  He’s so good to me.


Uh oh.  I did the <heart> thing again.

So last Halloween, when I saw how easy this project was, I immediately headed to Joann Fabrics and scooped up the few materials I would need to put my own spin on the project.  This is a very easy project and even kid friendly. (If they are old enough to use a glue gun…no lawsuits here!)

How to make Halloween Candy Corn Decorations

This is what you’ll need:

Styrofoam or foam cones

Yarn

Hot glue gun

Start at the base of the cone and work your way up with the varying yarn colors.  Use the glue gun at the start and end of each new color of yarn by holding it down until you can’t feel the tip of your finger anymore.  Jokes.  Just hold it as long as it needs to stay down on it’s own.  Shouldn’t take long because, you know, you’re using glue.  You can also use the glue sparingly in between sections as you feel you need it.  Be careful using too much hot glue.  For 1) OUCH! and 2) you can melt the foam if you use too much in one place.  When you get to the top of the cone (if it is a flat-topped cone), just swirl the yarn around in a flat circle so it covers the top completely.

That’s it.

No, seriously.

People think I’ve spent sooooooooo much time on making these when they see them.  And while I may lead them to believe it takes hours and Martha Stewart talent.  It doesn’t.

If you do this project, I would love to know or any of your Halloween projects for that matter! Let me know if you have any questions!

Happy Halloween!