YouTube Tuesday!!

Tuning into the YouTube BoobTube............

I'm an Excellent Kisser

Doll Kiss Print by ChickenDogHasings

I bet you didn't know that. Well, only a handful of men do; I was never a lip-slut. But did you know that I have the paycheck to prove it? Oh yes. I'm so good, I was paid to do it.

Back when I was all gung-ho on acting, I auditioned for and got a small part in a Planned Parenthood video (through my agent, it was legit). I was 16, at the time, and I was paired up with a 25 year old guy. Good thing all we had to do was kiss and then discuss contraception. But, I made $70/hr.

Oh yeah. I'm a good kisser. Especially since the guy kept hitting on me all the way back to Portland. Um, can we say jail-bait? Seriously, it's called acting.

Anyway, I have never seen the video, and sometimes wonder if it will end up being the Sex-ed video one of my kids ends up watching in 5th grade. "Gosh Peri, that girl looks just like you!" I would have a good laugh but I have a feeling that my kids wouldn't find the humor in it.

Time for a Kiss collage by lynnetteaprilarts
Kiss Kiss pebble magnets by ksickles

Scavenger Hunt!

Come and play March's Scavenger Hunt and win $10 in FAM bucks. Just click on the image below or here. Instructions are listed at the bottom and the first clue is at the top. Have fun! :o)

Stinky Socks

Anyone on Etsy knows that the trolls usually come out in the form of sock puppet accounts (accounts created for the sole purpose of self promotion or just causing trouble). Most just want to wreak havoc in the forums on the weekends, but there are several buyer accounts who constantly promote the same sellers over and over (via the treasury) and it doesn't take an Einstein to realize that it's someone promoting themselves and not disclosing their other Etsy account like they're supposed to. There's even a blog dedicated to exposing some of these puppets and the sellers who are pulling the strings (http://www.etsypuppeteers.blogspot.com).

Once a puppet has been exposed, other Etsiers will click into those treasuries and overclick the offenders item to tip off other viewers that it's a totally bogus curator. I've even done this myself, just to see if the curator would change out the item or hopefully know that people were onto them and stop doing it. It's always a surefire 'yes' if the curator changes out the item to reset the views to zero so the red flag isn't on their item anymore.

Anyway, I've noticed that in the last couple of treasuries I've curated, one sellers' item is getting way overclicked. At first, I just thought it was weird, but I curated another treasury on 3/26 and the same thing happened with that seller's item. Honestly, one of the reasons I keep including her (seriously, only a couple of times) is because I'm crossing my fingers that the treasury goes front page because she is fabulous and deserves the exposure.

I'm somewhat amused that someone either thinks we're the same shop or somehow in cahoots with each other. Well, I'm here to burst the bubble, I am not Michon on Etsy. Leah's a fellow team member on FAM and just a wonderful person. She recently updated her images and they look awesome. So, click all you want because you're single handedly making the treasury "hot" so thanks! :o)

Or maybe I'm totally off-base and you just lurve Leah's items. Either way, it's great exposure for her and the treasury!

Products by MysticReflections, chetart and ToadstoolsNTreestump

.02

Apparently, in this tech-savvy-text-messaging-society, .02 means "my two cents worth." I did a Google search of chat language, and I was overwhelmed!
While I use the occasional acronym, I think it's sad that so many teenagers are losing the art of writing due to constant texting. English is becoming a second language and Text-speak has become common-place. Gone are the days of Pig-Latin and decoder rings, now we need chat acronym dictionaries.

While I don't think that teenagers actually use Text-speak when they're talking (though, I don't personally have teenagers yet), I've read about how some have a hard time writing research papers; and it's no wonder when some are sending up to 8,000 text messages a month! The comic Zits even makes fun of how texting has replaced speaking as a way to communicate.


While I'm all for technology and it's advancements, there comes a point where the convenience factor outweighs the benefits. I wonder what would happen if there was a National No-Texting Day. Would we cease to exist? Wander aimlessly wondering what to do with all of the free time? Curl into the fetal position and rock back and forth waiting for tomorrow?

I have witnessed the effects of no-texting as a punishment for a teenage boy. This boy could not get through eating dinner, playing a wii game or a having a normal conversation without answering/sending a text. When the phone was turned off he was pouting more and talking less. Perhaps it was out of anger, but apparently some people don't realize how rude it is to be carrying on another conversation when you're already in one.

Anyway, I've had my ".02" and I suppose I may look out-of-the-tech-loop, but hey, give me conversation and a cuppa coffee over an "OMG, did UC the QTPI @ the PRT?!" any day.

Thank goodness this commercial has subtitles! Ironically, going with unlimited text sounds like the wrong idea.

How I Met Your Mother - It's the Cheesiest!

Image from boopsie.daisy on flickr

When Jim and I first met, we used to lie and say we met while I was away at school, which is only half true. Originally, we met online. He worked for AOL and, at the time, I was getting ready to leave for college and was looking for someone who was into hockey (and lived in the state of my school) who also happened to be online at the same time (trying to check out the upcoming hockey scene). I found Jim's profile and IM'd him. We chatted for a while online and occasionally exchanged emails. We somewhat bonded and became friends over a love of hockey. He talked about the girls he liked and I talked about the guys I hated. :oP We weren't romantically interested in each other, but we did enjoy chatting.
After I got to school, the first time he called, we talked for about 4 hours and found out we had more in common than just hockey. We arranged to meet the next time he called. Jim lived about an hour and a half north of my school and he and his friend Clint decided they would drive down to visit. The dorm I was in allowed visitors until 10 and people in the lobby until 11, and Jim had made the decision to visit at about 9:30pm. During our conversation I'd mentioned that I was living off of mac and cheese and had just run out that day. He offered to bring me some when he came down.
About 45 minutes later, my roommates and I decided to go wait outside because our dorm was set back in the trees and I wasn't sure if Jim would find it. We stood out on the corner and eventually a white Celica drove by. A few times actually. I wasn't sure if it was him, but after the third pass, the car pulled over next to us. Someone leaned out the passenger window and looked and me and said, "Are you Holly?" I said, "Yes. Jim I assume?" "Yeah." My roommate, ever the skeptic, gave him a once over and said, "Prove it." So Jim pulled out a box of mac and cheese. (insert collective "ahhhhhhh").

The Plateaued Loser

This year is the big 3-0 and I am bound and determined to look better (ie hotter) at 30 than I did at 29. So, I joined a gym and have been working out regularly. It's been about 3 months and I haven't seen any changes yet in my clothes; I don't rely on the "kindness" of scales. They tend to stretch the truth; in a fat way. I have more of a size goal than a weight goal, anyway. Heck, if I can wear a size 6 and be 150 lbs, woot! :o) Ironically, the scale image above is about what I imagine I'll weigh when I get to my goal size.
Since I'm not really seeing any changes, I've started thinking that maybe I need to add some kind of diet supplement. I keep seeing those ads for SlimQuick and how it targets the reasons that women can't lose weight. Things like stress, hormones, metabolism and energy, to name a few.
I have yet to see a diet pill that will likely work for me. My ideal pill will target all of my reasons. In addition to stress and my slowing metabolism, it needs to target kids, spouse, responsiblitlies, mortgage and lack of time. I imagine, that after a week of taking this miracle weight-loss pill *poof* I will be 20 again.

I guess that's one way to avoid 30. :oP

"Mattie Turns 30" by artsyorange

Restraining Order!

Sleeping and Awake Babushka Doll by snollygosters

I think I may start another business. I want to manufacture "fun" ways to keep children in their beds for an entire night.
Lately, my four year old has taken to getting up in the wee hours of the morning and either crawling into the master bed and flailing her limbs every which way, or she sleeps downstairs on the couch. I'm not sure why this all started, and she can't explain it, but it must be stopped! Aside from losing sleep when she's in my bed, it worries me when she's not sleeping in her own. I have to wonder, "what is she getting into?" Maybe she's raiding the refrigerator because she wouldn't eat her dinner, yet again. I don't know, but there has to be a way to keep her in her own bed.
Perhaps making velour covered bungee cords that hook onto either side of the bed across the child? Or maybe turn the bunk bed into a fort. Yeah, Fort Knox. But it will be the other way around and it can't be broken out of. Or perhaps a potent dose of Dramamine and a Kenny G cd. That last one does seem kind of cruel.
In any event, I could take a cue from Bob Ross and call them "Happy Little Restraints" for peace of mind and a good night's sleep. ;oP

Spending Time Painting by kmberggren

Don't Get Pinched!!

Lucky Four Leaf Clover Ring by KiraFerrer

Not sure what undertone my skin has, but I cannot pull off wearing any shade of green without looking sickly and just plain wrong. I never liked St. Patrick's Day because I would inevitably get pinched. Several times. Pinning a green shamrock to my shirt didn't dissuade anyone. It always looked kind of lame anyway. Seriously, people, I didn't forget the day, I just can't (shouldn't) wear green. I guess I was either going to be bombarded with pinches or asked constantly if I was feeling okay. Sigh.
Pinching and pallid color aside, it is an eat, drink and be merry holiday. Heavy on the drink part. Although, there is something disturbing about the green beer they serve annually; just doesn't look right. Anyway, if you can't wear it (like me) there are plenty of other ways to get lucky! Oh wait, that came out wrong. Um, if you can't wear it, don't? It's easy to get lucky? Sham-rock your world? Pinch me, I'm lucky, you can be too?

How about, celebrate and avoid the pinch! :o)

St. Patrick's Day Card by OrangeTwist

Jar of Luck Painting by GollyBard

St. Patrick's Day - Lucky Three by goosegrease

St. Patrick's Day Screened Tee by midTownTees

Green Clover and Flowers Pendant Necklace by dwilcox

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! :o)

Unfortunately, I'm Neither Naughty or Nice

Warlock Hair Falls by hairfromhell

A few weeks ago, my friend Marisa (ElegantSnobbery) started a thread in the Etsy Forums called Unfortunately, (Your Name Here). The idea was to google the words "unfortunately" and then your name and see what pops up. The thread was a hoot and I thought it would be funny to post some of my favorites pertaining to me and people I'm close to.

Holly (me)
"Unfortunately, Holly’s birth also attracts the attention of Herrikhan, an evil warlock who freezes Holly’s heart, leaving her unable to survive in warm temperatures."
This explains a LOT!

"Unfortunately Holly is neither naughty nor nice."
Don't I know it.

Jim - The Husband
"Unfortuately, Jim's orange dry suit made him look like a carrot."
Anyone else think this is in reference to a prison jumpsuit? Hmmmm.

"Unfortunately Jim's not feeling that well and Mr Yakamoto hates him."
Mr. Yakamoto was always a jerk anyway. :oP

Peri - The Older Daughter
"Unfortunately, Peri believes that the path to child genius involves allowing the twins to do whatever they like."
You know what's weird? She's pre-dispositioned to have twins when she has kids of her own. Yikes!

Ryah - The Younger Daughter
"Unfortunately, Ryah doesn't care for the show."
This is true, she's still more interested in toys. This is also the only "unfortunately" I could find.

Patricia - The Mother-in-law
"Unfortunately, Patricia had a problem with her back after an argument with a rock, so a number of us chipped in to lighten her load."
Rocks can be notoriously unsociable. I completely understand.

William - The Father-in-law
"Unfortunately, William slipped into robbery and, caught by Spider-Man, was sent to Ravencroft and later the Cage, where he was nearly set free by the Rhino."
Wow, I had no idea your life was so complicated. But you met Spider-Man; that's cool.

Feel free to add your own in a comment. I love reading these. :o)

Images top to bottom: Carrot crochet by chimeracrochet, twin print by Dilkabear, single pebble by cupcakequeen11.

Potty Train Your Cat!

No really! Jim trained our cat, Pink, in about a month (Pink is one half of the band, our dog's name was Floyd, in case you were wondering). If you're patient enough and you have a cat that's willing (um, yeah, good luck with that part), it can be done! This was years ago, long before Meet the Parents came out, so I feel a little ahead of the curve. The crazy curve, that is.

How to:
Step 1: Place the litter box on top of the toilet seat to get the cat used to jumping up there.
Step 2: Once the cat is used to that (it took about a week for ours) get a metal bowl that will fit inside the toilet and fill it with kitty litter.
Step 3: Gradually decrease the amount of litter in the bowl until it's empty. This will take about another week.
Step 4: Let the cat use the empty bowl for a week.
Step 5: Gradually start adding water to the bowl. If the cat refuses to use it, give him a stern talking to or take a step back. Whatever works for you. I found that revoking tv privileges worked well in our situation. :oP
Step 6: Remove the bowl all together, and voila, you have a potty trained cat.

While the obvious perk to this is no longer needing a litter box, there is the drawback that you now have to share your porcelain throne with your cat. There's also nothing weirder than sitting in the other room and doing a double take when you hear someone peeing in the bathroom and you realize you're the only one home. You also somehow feel like you're imposing if you happen to walk in on your cat doing their business. Seriously, Step 7 should be learning to shut the door.

This cat is giving you the "dirty" eye.

I Was a Hockey Stalker

In my humble opinion, hockey is the only sport worth watching and I've felt this way since the age of 16 when I went to my first game. Never mind the fact that I originally fell in love with the sport because of the oh-so-cute teenage players. Now it's almost weird going to a local game where the oldest player is 20 and I feel a bit creepy. It's a good thing I no longer rely on the cuteness of players and solely base my team picks on their jersey colors. But I digress....

My friends, Heidi, Jenny D., Jenny H. and I used to go to the practices. We'd pile into my parents blue Ford Tempo (keep the giggling to a minimum please) and head off to the practice rink. I suppose we were "puck bunnies" but I honestly don't know what I would have done if any of the players actually said anything to me. My friend Heidi took it a step further and actually drove around the neighborhood, where one of the players lived, just to see if she could find his house. All while listening to the Verve Pipe's "The Freshmen" on repeat. I cannot hear that song without remembering riding shotgun during her hockey stalker days. Though I wasn't officially stalking I would have to admit to being an accomplice since I didn't have her committed.

One of my favorite stories is when the four of us girls were on our way to a hockey practice. I was driving down the highway and noticed that the car seemed to swerve a bit, like there was a strong wind pushing us to the side. I kept looking out the windows and made the comment that it felt windy but it didn't look like it outside. Heidi immediately rolled down her passenger side window, stuck her arm out and then declared, "You're right. It is really windy today."
I'm willing to bet the wind was going about 55 mph. :oP Ah, I miss Heidi.

Shall I Tell You What I Think of You? Okay!

I thought I might write a few posts on different promotional tools I have used. Which ones were good, bad and downright ugly. Maybe I can help you save a few headaches or at least give you something to think about. Or I can help you hit the promotional lottery. We all want that!
Back in October, I'd read about The Little Black Box in the Etsy Forums. The idea is to send in your promotional products which are then sorted into outgoing boxes that go on sale monthly. You don't pay to do it, nor do you get money in return, but hopefully the exposure will bring you some new business. So I thought, "Hey, I'll try it out." I had read on the site that the more promos you sent, obviously, the more exposure you'll gain. Makes sense.
I spent a month assembling 150 single korker hair pony-o's to send out using my snowflake holiday ribbon. I was going to be in November's Little Black Box and thought it would be perfect for Winter. The whole thing turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself. Even the packaging was perfect. I included the bow on a hang card, a business card and a coupon for 15% off a single item in the store. Everything was sealed with a cute little mouse round sticker.
I shipped them out and waited to see what would happen.
On the LBB site there is a section in the forums for promotional item reviews. It's broken out into the monthly features and every participant has their own thread for customers to post reviews.
November came and went. I didn't gain any increase in traffic to the store. I didn't notice a change in items being hearted either. I also didn't have a single redemption on the coupon. I wondered if my items even went out. I assumed they did since I was included in the November box listing but I didn't even have one single review posted in the forum either. 150 samples were sent out and I didn't have anything to show for it.
Now mind you, all I knew about my audience was that they were interested in buying handmade items. I didn't know if any of them had any kids or knew someone with young kids. Perhaps some didn't even know what it was I'd sent them.
In any case, I would call my experience with The Little Black Box completely unsuccessful. You may have better luck (I've heard that some do really well), but don't invest too much time and effort. Maybe only submit a small number of samples, like 25, and see what happens.
I, for one, will not be doing The Little Black Box again and will try something that directly targets my intended audience rather than just "throwing it out there" and hoping it hits someone who may be interested.

Bottom Line: Mixed-Bag

Just a Small Giveaway

Occasionally, I have leftover ribbon from making korker hair bows. Not enough to make another set, but enough for a remnant bow. Remnant bows are made the same, so rest assured they're still quality bows, there's just only one of them instead of two. Which is perfect if you know a little girl who loves wearing ponytails.
Here is my first remnant bow up for grabs: Luck of the Irish pony-o.


To enter the giveaway, visit my shop here, then come back and leave a comment on your favorite item. And if you have any ideas for items you'd like to see, feel free to leave a comment on that as well. Make sure you leave a way to contact you. I will draw a name Sunday, February 8th, so that there's plenty of time to get the bow shipped and have it arrive before St. Patrick's Day. Good luck! :o)

Speaking of Friends......

Hello, Friend by

ElegantSnobbery

Don't you miss the days when you could just walk up to someone and say, "Hey, wanna be my friend?" It was so much easier back then. You can't really pull that off now without looking like some psycho stalker or overly needy person, possibly pathetic.
Finding friends as an adult is one of the hardest things to do, right along with sitting through an entire Paulie Shore movie or pretending you understand half of the technical job terms your husband brings home from work. Just nod and smile. :o)
How I wish I had my group of girlfriends, and we got together at least once a week, a la Sex and the City style. Most of my friends either live out of state or have started families which, I understand, really cuts into a personal life.
But, now that my kids are getting older, hopefully I'll be getting out more and hanging with my current friends and making new ones. You tend to lose your sense of self when you don't spend time with people older than 5. Oh to eat a meal you didn't prepare or have to cut up for someone else while having meaningful adult conversation that doesn't get interrupted with "Seriously Child, eat your dinner." Or even to see a movie that wasn't produced by Disney or is rated more than PG.
So, here's to good friends past, present and future.

You Are My Very Best Friend by

dazeychic

Hello My Dear Friend stationary set by

maddoxandklaus

My Friend Print by

tuttistudio

Orange Giraffe Pendant by

ItsAllAboutThePrint