Using Twitter as A Marketing Tool

As I mentioned previously I signed up for Twitter just on a whim...I really had no clue what this whole thing was all about. I thought, why not? It might be good for business. So I started tweeting...at first, about nothing significant. Then I saw the light and realized the power of this community. Now granted, I probably am not truly using it to its fullest potential. But I am learning. So I thought I might pass along some of this knowledge to you as well. Like I said...I am definately no pro, but I am learning...so learn along with me.

First and foremost....don't spam Twitter. Make your tweets meaningful and relevant. It may be tempting to do this...and sometimes you may not even realize you are doing this. But if you spam, eventually no one will want to read your tweets. And to be quite honest, I have started following people and they are spammer, which has led me to stop following them. I lost interest in what they had to say, because most of the time it was nonsense.

Second...know what you intend to promote when you start posting to Twitter. This is absolutely paramount when it comes to understanding how to get the most out of Twitter marketing in order to drive business to your website or your blog. If you know your product well, and you understand what it is going to take to market it, then you are already a step ahead of everyone else, and this is a really good place for you to be. And this is where I tend to fall down. I know what I want to promote...but I tend to drive most traffic to my blog...not my store. I need to work harder on this one...bring people into my store.

This next tip sort goes along with tip #1.....avoid over promoting your own product. While you can and should post about your product or service in your twitter posts, do not make this the sole focus of your Twitter account.

And the final tip I have to offer is in order to get the most out of your Twitter marketing, it is vitally important that you learn how to participate in the community and communicate properly in the process. Twitter is largely a community based SOCIAL networking site, so while you may be blogging on the site for your own business purposes, you will not get anywhere unless you are willing to participate in the conversation. Communicate with other businesses, customers and other individuals as well to get the word out about your business and to share something of yourself with the rest of the community.

Wordless Wednesday

So I break rules! I love living in Montana. For me....it is the best place in the world! One thing that you need to get used to is the weather. Springtime in the Bitterroot is a bit unpredictable. So while most of the country was enjoying record breaking temperatures yesterday...we had snow! Now...don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining...I love it! Some places (outside of Glacier National Park) are calling for upwards of 18-36 inches of snow...so I thought I would share with you a snow picture of Beautiful Montana!

Tag You're It!

A few days ago Vanessa at The Ohio Girl tagged me...and I didn't want her to think I was ignoring her, so here goes.....
What’s your current obsession? Hmmmm...probably Facebook and formulating new scrubs.
What’s your weirdest obsession? Smelling my new soap....I make a special trip into that room just to sniff the new soap...yummmm...garden mint and mango papaya...my new favorites!
What are you wearing today? Jeans and a Hoodie...my fav!
Why is today special? One day closer to Friday!! LOL
What would you like to learn to do? quilt....like I have time to learn that!
What’s the last thing you bought? Honey...getting ready for Farmer's Market on Saturday.
What are you listening to right now?I'm at work with the TV on...NCIS is on I think.
What’s your favorite weather? Either Snowy or sunny and temps right around 50! I'm a cold weather type of gal.
What’s your most challenging goal right now? Balancing everything...job, two businesses, keeping house, dogs....ugh I get tired just thinking about it.
What do you think about the person who tagged you? I don't know Vanessa very well, but my impression of her is she is very spirtited and happy person. Very kind as well.
If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? That's easy....right where I am now...MONTANA! But more specifically...I would like to live outside of Glacier National Park.
Favorite vacation spot? Yellowstone National Park...or anywhere camping.
What would you like to have in your hands right now? a nice tall glass of iced tea!
What would you like to get rid of? Hmmmm....can't think of anything right now.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Alaska
Which language do you want to learn? Just because in handy....spanish
What super power would you like to possess? The power to right the wrong in the world.
What’s your favorite thing about the city you live in? It's beauty! The mountains...the wildlife...and MOOSE!
What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet? my pink flame Big Dog hoodie
What’s your dream job? veterinarian
If you had $150 now what would you spend it on? buying a new printer
Do you admire anyone’s style? No...not into that sort of thing
Describe your personal style. Thrift Store! LOL Style...what's that? Casual, I guess. Comfortable.
If you could go back and change any event in your life, what would it be and why? I would have applied myself more in college (studied harder)...I graduated with a 3.25 gpa...but it still wasn't good enough to get me into vet school.
Who’s closet would you want to raid? Ummm...totally blank here....
What are you most proud of? My breads.
If you could choose one person who has passed to have lunch with who would it be and why? Hmmm this is hard....I guess it would be my friend Ellen who was killed in an auto accident....I choose her because she was a riot...always the life of the party.
Now the rules of this tag:1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.2. Tag 7 other people you would love to learn more about.

Here’s mine:
Angela at Pickles on Pizza
Pam at Playfully Smitten
Tessa at The Milkshake
Grammatically Delicious Designs
Julie at Gypsy Moon Designs
My Good friend Lori, at Harley and Me

Winners and Mother's Day Giveaway!

So first off...I'll congratulate Tonja at Woods Ole Homestead. She got it right on the money....way to go! And now for the body candle winner(chosen randomly).....drumroll please.....Elizabear at The Bear Bunch! Congrats way to go! And for my Facebook winners....I have notified you directly...so just let me know the scents you all would like and I'll get them in the mail to you.

So, now what you all have been waiting for...the Mother's Day Giveaway! So what will you mom be receiving.....one body candle, one bath bomb, 2 bars of soap, a lotion bar, a lip butter and a 4 oz tub of body polish! That's over a $25 value. Awesome! So entry into this giveaway is going to involve a little bit of work. Here's how you enter......................simply tell me why your mom/wife/daughter/granddaugther/sister/friend is such and awesome mom and why they deserve to win! I will hand pick the winner myself from all the enteries received. So just leave me a comment or, if you choose email me directly at themuddymoose@wildblue.net.

Contest open to US and Canadian residents only. Contest will end on May 3, 2009 at midnight (mountain time) winner will be annouced on Monday, May 4, 2009. I will mail the gift directly to the winning mom, if you so choose, provided they are a resident of the US or Canada. You can enter more than once but each entry must include the name of the person being entered and their relationship to you. For example....I am writing to enter Cindy, she is my Aunt.....

So tell me your funny, touching, most memorable mom story....and good luck!

Scenic Sunday....

OOPSSS...sorry I wasn't thinking about the lemon blueberry muffins....you would still want to use lemon yogurt, just replace the blueberries for raspberries.....I have never made lemon blueberry muffins....so I mis-spoke....





Any Guesses....correct answer will get a prize.

Lemon Raspberry Muffins

As some of you may or may not know, I run a second small business, called Bitterroot Baked Goods. So in the summer along with all my bath goodies...I sell baked goods as well. Mainly bread.....This past fair season, my German Rye Bread took class champion...which I was pretty stoked, since this was my first fair entry in my entire life...my sourdough bread took second place.






Anyway I was recently presented with a challenge by a Sustainable Living Group here in the Valley. I needed 48 muffins made with as many local ingredients as possible....!? Wrong time of year I thought to myself...but I did rather well...in all the recipes...I would say nearly 80% were locally made/grown/produced! So I thought I would share with you one of the recipes I used.

LEMON RASPBERRY MUFFINS:
1/2 cup lemon yogurt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 -4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 egg whites
1-2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup frozen raspberries
coarse white sugar for decoration

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin tin, or line with liners(spend the extra money and get the tin muffin liners well worth it)
In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, oil, lemon juice, egg whites, honey and lemon extract. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until just blended. Gently stir in the frozen raspberries. Spoon batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle remaining sugar over the tops for decoration, if desired.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool muffins in the tin on a wire rack.

NOTE: Would be excellent with blueberries as well...just substitute blueberry or plain yogurt for lemon yogurt and the blueberries for raspberries.

Friday Favorites....A Few of My Pups Favorite Things.

Just a quick note...don't forget to sign up for my giveaway that I have going on right now, it ends on Sunday. The winner will be announced on Monday along with my new giveaway. This next one will be my Mother's Day Giveaway! This gift basket will include a little sneak peek of my new scrubs that have not yet been released!

So I thougt I would share a few more of my....well my pups favorite things.


This first nifty little gadget allow you to walk both pups at one time and they don't get tangled! It is awesome...definately high on their wish list! It comes from AlaskaLeash.


This next little gadget is an absolute must for any one with pups and that loves to take them for walks....you can look stylish and scoop poop all at the same time! This come to you from StudioJCrafts. Not only does it look good, but it is priced right at under $7! What a great deal!


And last, but certainly not least....the treats! They have many favorites in this catagory....some from LuckyDogTreatCo and DivineCanine...but they have been asking me to try out these goodies from 3DogsandaChick.


These Honey Hydrants from LuckyDogTreatCompany.


And these Carob Paws from DivineCanine.


I guess it's a good thing they don't know the password to my paypal account! LOL

A Great New Award!

I received this lovely award from Audrey, at Audrey's Country Crafts...who by the way is having her birthday giveaway going on right now...so be sure to stop over and enter and wish her a Happy Birthday. She has become a great friend who never ceases to amaze me with all she does!

The Renee Award. This Award was created by Bella and Ces in honour of their friend Renee, an incredible lady who in the face of a frightening life battle is tackling each day with great spirit and courage. Please check out the blogs of these three creative ladies.

Here is what Bella says of this award:
"this is a brand new award and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds it's way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak, giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns..."

Now to pass on the award. Here are the 7 blogs I picked.


Pickles on Pizza, whose blog I follow faithfully and love to hear what she has to say.
A talented young Etsian, The Milkshake
Elizabear at The Bear Bunch whose blogs posts always make me smile.
Vanessa at The Ohio Girl
Another young talented Etsian, Princess Catlin at Catlinesque
My friend and fellow Montanan, Gypsy Moon Designs
And last but not least...my pups are a huge fan of this fine lady, Marlene at Lucky Dog Treat Company!

Please visit these blogs, and thank you to Audrey for this wonderful award!!

Wednesday Wisdom: Sleep!

For many of my readers....sleep is a precious commodity and sometimes just a fleeting thought. On average I get about 5 hours of sleep a night...not a lot, probably not enough. So who needs sleep anyway? Do we really NEED sleep anyway? So we are SUPPOSED to get about 8 hours of sleep every night....do you relize that's like 1/3 of your (my) day? Do you know how much I can/should be accomplishing in that time? But all joking aside, when people get less than 6 or 7 hours of sleep each night, their risk for developing diseases begins to increase. Sleep is more than just rest; it is an essential time for your body to perform routine maintenance and repair damage from your day. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night assures that your body and mind will function well the next day. Here are some myths about sleep:

1. Losing an Hour of Sleep is No Big Deal! FALSE! If you get less sleep than you need, your ability to do certain cognitive and physical tasks is decreased. If that sleep loss builds over time, it can interfere with the hormones that monitor appetite, changing your mood and increasing your risk of some chronic illnesses.

2. You Adjust to Sleep Changes Easily. FALSE! Your body gets on schedule based on your activity and exposure to daylight. When you travel across many time zones or work night shifts, you confuse body's sense of time, making sleep difficult and inhibiting some necessary sleep functions. For every one- to two-hour time change, it takes your body 1 day to adjust. That means it could take your body 6 to 12 days to adjust to a trip from New York to China.

3. Older People Need Less Sleep. FALSE! Older people need the same amount of sleep as everyone else, 7 to 9 hours per night.

4. You Can 'Catch Up' During the Weekend. FALSE! Hmmm..too bad! Many people sleep late on Saturdays and Sundays hoping to compensate for sleep lost during the week. While sleeping late helps catch up on your sleep debt, it also in fact, alters your sleep schedule. Sleeping late one or two days and then wakeing up early again on Monday. Your body must adjust to these changes. During this adjustment, your quality of sleep is poor.

5. Naps are Wasteful. FALSE! Oh...gotta love a good nap! When I was young my mom couldn't get me to take a nap...I think I was like under a year old when I stopped napping...wow have times changed....I think nap has got to be my favorite word! Naps can be a great way to catch up on lost sleep. After taking naps, people function better and do certain cognitive tasks quicker. Napping can also help you train yourself to fall asleep quicker.

So now..go on...take a nap...don't feel guilty...it will make you more productive!

Current Giveaways Going On!

Like many of you already know...I love giveaways! I love to host 'em, I love to run 'em....I LOVE everything about them! So I decided to a post on some current giveaways going on!

The first one I want to mention is going on at Old But New. She has a fun giveaway going on right now, called Guilty Pleasures Giveaway. Very simple to enter...if you dare to confess YOUR guilty pleasure! The prize is your choice of one item from the sale section in her shop! Better hurry because this one ends on April 22nd!

The next blog, Caitlinesque, is having her VERY FIRST giveaway. This contest is super easy to enter as well! PLUS if you win, the prize is you get to choose one item from her lovely shop.

Nature Manipulated has a great giveaway going on at her blog. You have the opportunity to win this Munk Critter Bluefly. Be sure to stop over to her blog for all the details!

My friend, Tori, over at The Sweet Jellybean, is also hosting a giveaway...it's an awesome board game! Be sure to stop HERE to enter this great giveaway!

Now, last but certainly not least, my friend, Audrey, over at Audrey's Country Crafts is having her Birthday Giveaway! Be sure to stop HERE for all the details. I have donated some of my items for this giveaway too! So stop over, enter to win and be sure to wish her a happy birthday while you're there!

New Giveaway: New Body Candle Scents!

(sorry for using the old pictures, but have been working overtime and didn't get a chance to take pics with the new labels)
What a better way to kick of a new work week than with another great giveaway! In honor of the release of my new Body Candle scents...I thought I would give them away!
The new scents are Sandalwood Vanilla, Black Tea and Roses, Vanilla Oak and Spa Tranquility. So new scents, new name and new lables...what more could you want?

Never heard of a Body Candle? Well, you don't know what you are missing! These "candles" are chocked full with loads of skin loving oils. They contain shea butter, cocoa buter, avocado oil and soy wax. They are so simple to use. Light your Body Candle and allow all those wonderful oils melt. Once you have enough oil, extinguish the flame and pour the melted oils into your hand. Rub into your parched, dry skin. Enjoy alone or with someone special. Pure bliss (even if I do say so myself). The oils will be a bit greasy at first to allow for you to massage those dry areas, but will quickly absorb into your skin. So now on with the giveaway.

Once Again, this will be relatively simple to enter and you will get multiple chances to win, ok here are the rules:

1. The contest is open to EVERYONE EVERYWHERE! You don't even have to have an etsy store to enter.

2. The contest will run until midnight Sunday April 26, 2009 (mountain time), with the winner being announced Monday, April 27, 2009. Winners will be picked randomly.

3. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT RULE: YOU MUST DO A COMMENT FOR EACH DIFFERENT ENTRY TO QUALIFY!

4. You must include in your post a way to contact you....email, etsy shop address...something! If you do not include a way to contact you, your entry will not be counted.


ENTRY CHANCES:
1. You get one for simply following me! (please post a comment to say that you are following me)
2. You get one entry for commenting about my shop..your fave from my shop, something you want to see, something I need to change, ect!
3. You will get 2 entries for grabbing my button and posting it on your blog. Please post that you have my button and the link to where it is.
4. You will get 2 entries for blogging about my giveaway, with a link back to here. So simply blog about it (first) then return to my blog and post a comment with the link to your blog. Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment....I won't go back again and again to check...I will only check once...if it's not there....no entry.

There will only be one winner that will get their choice of scent! So get going...enter! Tell your friends!

Oh I almost forgot...the picture from "Scenic Sunday" was from Yellowstone National Park. Congrats to my mom who guessed correctly!

Scenic Sunday...

So in honor of not blogging on Sundays...(um, ok, sorta)...I thought I would share one of Mr, Moose's many pictures! If anyone can guess where this picture was taken....something a little more specific than (for example) the state of Washington...will get a prize (nothing GRAND...so don't get too excited)!

So go ahead and post your guesses in the comments...if there are multiple people with correct guesses, I will randomly draw from them.

Twitter Terminology

Ok, so this post was inspired by Tickleworm. I decided it would be a great idea to sit down and research all the twitter terminology that is being thrown around out there not to mention, it would also get me up to speed as well!

I guess a good place to start is at the beginning...the basics.

Twitter: an online social micro-blogging community, where users have 140 characters or less to get their message heard!

Tweet: When a user posts an update to their account. That update is often referred to as a "tweet" and the user is said to have "tweeted". Tweet can be used as a noun, referring to the actual written update, or a verb, referring to the action of publishing an update.

Follow: You can either sign up to follow other Twitter users or they can sign up to follow you. If you follow someone, it simply means that you automatically receive that person's Twitter updates. Each time that person posts an update on Twitter, it appears on your Twitter home page instantly

@reply: @reply precedes messages sent from one person to another that are public. In other words, anyone who can see your Twitter updates can see the @replies that you send or that are sent to you, whether or not they are following you or you are following them. These messages appear on Twitter updates as @username (with "username" replaced by the person's actual username from their Twitter account).

Direct Message: A direct message is a private message from one Twitter user to another. You can only view your direct messages.

Ok, so those are the basics....here are a few more obscure....um not so widely used terminology that I have come across....these were all taken from the twictionary.

Celebritweet: A celebrity who uses Twitter

Dweet: A tweet made, perhaps regrettably, while under the influence of alcohol.

Egotwistical: Tending to talk excessively about oneself on Twitter

Fly-Bye: Signing off of Twitter

Illtwitterate: The uninitiated. Those who "don't get it".

Miss# or Mr# : A way of referring to kids. "Miss3 = 3-year-old daughter"

MRT: Modified ReTweet: Use when you have to edit the original tweet for grammer, spelling, or space for your comments

RT: Retweet: tweeting content posted by another user

Tweed: Twitter + feed: A stream of tweets.

Tweeps: Twitter + peeps (friends)

Tweetjacking: Hijacking someone's tweet by switching their link for your own and retweeting it, piggybacking on their authority to drive traffic to your own target page.

Tweetup: Twitter + meetup: a gathering of folks based on a twitter conversation (often impromptu)

Twetiquette: (n) Etiquette for Twitters

Twip: A tip about using twitter

Twiply: An reply to tweet

Twittercide: To commit twittercide is to decide to close (or kill) your Twitter account.

And with that, I think I will STOP! I could go on and on and on....There are a ton of them...so be sure to check out the "twictionary"....some of them are pretty funny!

Friday Favorites....A Few Of My Favorite Things.

I am in love with these little easels by WHIMSYlove! They are perfect for holding recipes or your favorite pictures. And soooo unique. They are priced right too, at under $10.00 each!


First off, I love dragonflies! And although I don't usually wear a ton of jewelry, I do love rings. Especially the big, chunky rings. I think this would look awesome as a thumb ring or on you index finger. Best of all these are made to order! This awesome ring comes from LavenderCottage.


Bullies....gotta love 'em! They are sooo sweet. I absolutely love the expression on this little pup! This picture comes from the talented shop, trotalo. Be sure to stop over and check out his other great pics!


This is another chunky ring that I love. I do really like this nature inspired ring. However, I waited a little too long. She did have a dragonfly wing ring that I absolutely adored...but oh well...my fault I waited! This ring comes from tigerlillyshop. Be sure to stop over to her shop, she has tons of nature inspired jewelry that I am sure you will love!

Tweet Tweet....What's All The Fuss?

A few months ago I was asked "Do you Twitter?". "Ummmm....Huh?" was my response. Totally oblivous to this newest social community in cyberworld. So I decided I would sign up for an account. Ok...now what? I don't get it....140 characters....to do what? So I posted a few comments and lo and behold, I got some followers! What, at that particular moment in time, they were following was confusion. I truly had no clue. Then I let it sit idle for a month or so...but even then...I still managed to pick up a few followers from time to time. Then I decided to give it another look. I've got 140 characters to get my message out there...to be heard...so I'd better make it good. So around the same time I became dedicated to my blog...I also became dedicated to Twitter. I'll be the first to admit when started back up, I did not really enjoy "tweeting". But now, I use it as a tool...to draw people to my store or my blog.

Still not sure what Twitter is? It is best described as micro-blogging. As I mentioned before, you've got 140 characters to get your message out there for all the world to see.

Why not use it as a business tool? First...it's free! Free advertising...free publicity...FREE! Need I say more. Now this statistic is possibly a little off, I couldn't find a date, but with 4-5 MILLION users...what other form of media could possibly reach that many people? Not to mention....I LOVE that little bird...LOL!

What Have Been Up To?

Well aside from not being a very productive blogger. I have been experimenting with all sorts of scrub formulas! This is the part of the bath and body business that I love. I guess that is the chemist in me(I have a minor in chemistry. No, seriously, I do). Creamsicle Body Polish, Chocolate Truffle Scrub and Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Scrub as well as your basic Brown Sugar Scrub. I am also still formulating a foot scrub.

So the next step on the road to releasing these products is to get some feedback from the public. The way I am going about that is I have formed a Facebook group. By joining, members are the first to get to try out new products and also get exclusive offers as well. So if you are on Facebook, just go to groups and search for The Muddy Moose Bath Boutique and join...that simple. I have also been busy making my new massage candle scents...OOPS I mean Body Candles: Black Tea and Roses, Spa Tranquility and Sandalwood Vanilla. In honor of their release, I plan on doing a giveaway starting next week...so stay tuned for that!

Skalkaho Falls

Today I thought I would share another picture from my neck of the woods. I'm not sure what has been up with me lately, but haven't been up to par lately with my posts...and I apologize for that. Hopefully I will be able to get back on track after today.

Any way about a 30 minute drive from where I live. There is a road called Skalkaho (pronounced Skal-Ka-Ho)Highway. And by highway they mean....at times....a dirt trail. It is a narrow winding road over the top of a mountain. During the winter, this road is closed. But as you make your way to the top, you are rewarded with this awesome waterfall. It is kinda daunting. It is REALLY close to the road and REALLY loud. But it is definately worth the trip with the mountain. Also...I chose to include myself in this picture as a size reference....so look closely. THis is one of the few pictures you will see with me in it. I hate to have my picture taken. So tomorrow I promise to be back on track...enjoy!

Ahhhh...Springtime!

Don't you just love everything spring? The song of the birds returning, the greening up of all the trees, the arrival of beautiful spring flowers. What's not to love? Well....I've got two words for you: SPRING CLEANING! UGHH! It's the pits. Time to dust off all the dirt and grime that has accumulated over the long winter! With all the years of driving cross country....I've never fully experienced a true spring cleaning. WOW! I spent all morning cleaning only 1 room! That's it...that's all I got done today. What I am hoping it that it is the most difficult room to clean. I did the kitchen.

So I am turning this question over to some more seasoned house keepers....please tell me the kitchen is the hardest room!

Also if you have any cleaning tips you want to share to make things go quicker, I'm open for suggestions....so let's hear 'em!

Happy Easter!!

Have a Happy Easter Everyone! Don't eat too much candy!

The Day Before Easter

T'was The Day Before Easter

By Tammy Fuller

Twas the day before Easter and all through the woods,
The bunnies were busy packing their goods.
The eggs were all colored so pretty and bright,
All things were "go" for the big, special night.

The baskets were waiting, all decorated with care,
In hopes that the Bunny soon would be there.
My little brother Sam was asleep in his bed,
While visions of Easter eggs rolled round his head.

And I in my pajamas with the cat on my lap,
I had just settled down for a quick little nap.
When outside the window I heard a great noise,
I sprang from my chair and jumped over some toys.

As quick as a flash to the window I flew,
I pulled up the shade and , OH, what a view.
The moon on the meadow cast a bright golden glow
And the wind blew the flowers to and then fro.

Then all of a sudden from out of nowhere,
Came some lively bunnies, hopping here, hopping there!
Leading the group with ears long and funny
Was a plump all-white rabbit...
That's right...the EASTER BUNNY!

The bunnies hopped past, one, two , three, four,
The rabbit called out and then there were more.
"Come Peter! Come, Flopsy! Come, Benny! Come, Joe!
Now hop along! Hop along! Hop along! GO!"

So up on each doorstep the bunnies did hop,
With baskets of eggs. (Let's hope they don't drop)!
Just at that moment, on the porch down below,
Came the stomping of feet 'Twas the rabbit I know!

As I stepped from my window I heard a loud sound.
Through the door came the rabbit with a leap and a bound.
He was furry and soft from his head to his feet.
To see him so close was really quite neat.

He was surrounded by eggs that had been carefully dyed.
Easter eggs galore he soon would hide.
His eyes were all twinkles, His nose was so pink,
And I can't be too sure but I think he did wink.

He had a kind face and a big fluffy tail
That bobbed up and down like a boat with a sail.
A twitch of his nose and a flick of his ear
Was his way of saying "You've nothing to fear"

He uttered no sound as he hopped all about,
Hiding the eggs and leaving no doubt,
That the Easter Bunny had come like he does every year...
Bringing baskets of happiness to children so dear

Fun Easter Quiz

1. What does Mardi Gras have to do with Easter?

a)Mardi Gras is the first day of Lent.
b)Mardi Gras is the last day to indulge before Lent.
c)Mardi Gras has nothing to do with Easter.

2. What is the origin of the word "Easter"?

a) It was a sky deity associated with rain and agriculture.
b) It was the name of a spring goddess.
c) It was a mythical beast that was crucified

3. What is the difference between a rabbit and a hare?

a) Rabbits are usually seen in the daytime.
b) Rabbits generally have shorter ears and legs than hares.
c) Rabbits are born covered with fur and with their eyes open.

4. Which President inaugurated the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll?

a) Calvin Coolidge
b) Theodore Roosevelt
c) Andrew Johnson

5. Where does the White House Easter Egg Roll take place?

a) Capitol Hill
b) The South Lawn
c) The West Wing

6. How is the date for Easter Sunday calculated?

a) The first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
b) The second Sunday following the harvest moon.
c) It is always on the second Sunday in April.

7. What is an Easter candle usually made of?

a) Beeswax
b) Vegetable wax
c) Tallow wax

Peeps and Jelly Beans...The Best Thing About Easter!

In honor of Easter being just around the corner...the next couple of posts will be dedicated to just that! I will be the first to admit, Easter is not my favorite holiday, nor is spring my favorite season (um, that honor goes to Fall). But I do love the goodies that go along with this holiday: peeps and jelly beans! So I did a little research on these two sweets and I thought I would share them with you!


Jellybeans are likely descended from the Middle Eastern confection known as Turkish Delight, a jelly-like confection coated with confectioners sugar. The method making the sugar shell coating was developed in 17th century France, and is known as 'panning'.

The first advertisement for jelly beans was supposedly published in the Chicago Daily News on July 5, 1905.

Jelly beans became associated with Easter in the U.S. during the 1930's.

On October 15, 1999, the world’s largest jar of jelly beans was unveiled. It weighed 6,050 pounds

April 22nd is National Jelly Bean Day


Each year, U.S. manufacturers produce more than 16 billion jelly beans for Easter -- that's enough to completely fill a plastic Easter egg 89 feet high and 60 feet wide (about the height of a nine-story office building)

Just on a personal note, my favorite are the red, black and pink jelly beans(the spiced ones, of course). What's your favorite??

Mr Moose's family hails from Bethlehem, PA. Why is that so important...well the manufactures of the famous marshmallow peeps are located there! Just Born also manufactures Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Peanut Chews. On an interesting side note, Just Born was also the inventor of those famous chocolate "jimmies"! The were named after the employee that created them! (all peep/just born information was obtained from here)Now back to the topics at hand....

Americans buy more than 700 million MARSHMALLOW PEEPS during the Easter holiday, which makes Peeps the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy!

In 1953, it took 27 hours to create one PEEPS® Marshmallow Chick. Today, thanks to advances in technology, it takes six minutes.

Just Born produces enough PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow Candies in one year to circle the earth twice.

In the late 1950's PEEPS® wings were "clipped" to give them a sleek, modern look.

Yellow is America's best selling color of PEEPS® chicks and bunnies.
Yellow and white PEEPS® chicks and bunnies came first, followed by pink, lavender, blue, green and orange (making their debut for Easter 2009).

PEEPS® branded products have made celebrity appearances with the likes of Diane Sawyer, Emeril Lagasse, Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno and Reba McEntire.

If you had 8,000 PEEPS® bunnies, and you stood them in a straight vertical line, you could reach the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago.

Each PEEPS® chick has 28 calories and 0 grams of fat.

PEEPS® have become gourmet favorites as fondues, crème brule ingredients and cappuccino toppings!
Be sure to check out THIS homemade marshmallow peep recipe....I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to give it a try...but alas, I have no time...If anyone tackles this...I need to know about it! PLEASE!

Somewhere.....

So Mr Moose is somewhat of a photographer. When we took a 6 week camping trip during the summer of '07 we had like over 10,000 pics....no kidding! So I thought I would share a little bit of his talent with you. This photo was taken last summer in the field across from our house. All the photography skills I have acquired from him...he has taught me a lot. So from time to time, I will share his talent with you all. Thanks for looking and letting me share!

I am an addict!

So last night, pretty much ALL of last night, I sat in front of the computer and thought....and thought.....AND thought. It took up pretty much the entire evening. What was I thinking? What should I blog about tomorrow? Of course, I was sitting in front of the computer the entire time...."thinking". What did I accomplish? Nada, zilch, zippo. I think that this is quite possibly the hardest post I have ever had to write! Case of writers block? Quite possibly. So in all my "thinking"...I found two more friends on Facebook, found tons of things I wanted to purchase on Etsy, checked my email tons of times, just to make sure some "extremely urgent" email hadn't popped into my inbox and I signed up for an artfire account.

So in the midst of all this "thinking", it dawned on me.....could I possibly be? No, it can't be true! Am I addicted to the internet? Hi, my name is Deb and I am an internet addict. There I said it! I said it out loud!

So how have all these sites managed to suck all the life out of me? They are like cocaine! I feel myself getting antsy if Mr Moose is on the computer....even if I was just on it....what is HE thinking? What IF I need to do something important on there.....I MIGHT need to answer someone's message.....someone MIGHT send me an email! UGHHHH! WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS? (LOL) It's the last thing I do before I go to bed and the first thing I do in the morning. Of course....I check like a bazillion times from the time I get up and the time I go to work. I guess what makes my "addiction" worse, is that when we made the move from PA to MT over a year ago....our TV stayed behind....no room on the UHaul. Since we have no TV in the house, the internet feels like my only connection to the media.

Maybe I should join a group...better yet form a group called internetters anonymous!
So am I alone with this addiction...am I the only one who sits down "JUST" to check email and then look and like over an hour has gone by? Please let me know!

Oh, please be sure to take my poll too!

Monday Morning Blues

Wow, Monday morning rolls around way too fast! Where exactly did the weekend go? Lately I have to be careful not to blink for fear I might miss them! High hopes for wonderful weekend plans and then dread as you begin another work week! Monday Morning Blues...everyone has them from time to time. Well why wouldn't you? Spend a fun, carefree weekend only to be faced Monday morning with a "to-do" list that is a mile long. Not to mention that next weekend seems like it is a million miles away. Well, you're not alone. At least 75% of the working world suffers from Monday Morning Blues! Come on, admit it....you know the feeling. The comforter feels like it weighs a thousand pounds....such an effort to throw it off of you and hop into that shower....best to just lay here a few more minutes.

So here are a few quick tips to help you make it through that dreaded Monday Morning:

1. Read something inspirational. Now, I don't mean break out some full length novel, just some little quip or quote. Something uplifting and happy!
2. Wear a new outfit today! Now, here again....you don't need to go out and break the bank. Even that awesome bargain you found at the thrift store over the weekend....something pretty and NEW TO YOU! Not only are you wearing something new....then you get to brag about your awesome find too!
3. Treat yourself to little treat today. On your way to work or to do your errands...grab your fave drink or treat....whether it be hot chocolate, that cup of latte or that ice cream cone from Baskin Robbins. Indulge and enjoy! Make it special.
4. Do something nice for someone else today. Drop someone a little card, bake some cookies for your elderly neighbor...brightening someone else's day will brighten your day as well.
5. Finally....plan for a special Monday night....make special family dinner, plan for a game night. Having something to look forward to at the end of the day, will make your day brighter and go by a little faster as well!

So now....go out and have a happy Monday Morning!

Sunday Is A Day For Rest....

Rest, what the heck is that? As like many of you...I run two small businesses, work full time, keep house....ok....*try* to keep house (LOL), and we are now currently in the process of becoming certified Pet CPR/First Aid instructors for the Red Cross. Thank goodness there are no children in the mix! Not that we don't want them...but with our lives sooooo hectic, I don't think they fit into our lives right at this particular moment...but soon...the biological clock is starting on it's downward spiral! So anyway, where was I...oh, yes....I have made the executive decision that Sundays will be my day "off" from blogging...wait...what am I doing right now...hmmmm....am I serously writing a blog on a Sunday about not blogging on Sundays?!?! I think I might need some serious help! Maybe I'm just a work-aholic. I NEVER put my etsy shop on vacation for fear I might miss something...what, I guess I'll never know...but I'm pretty sure it is something of epic proportions! So maybe I'll have to revise my "Executive Decision"...to I *might* not blog on Sundays. LOL

Custom Lip Butters: red6red

So, I'm just going to come right out and say this...I'm really ok, exceptionally pleased with how this latest custom order turned out! So I thought I would share. I designed the label myself. Of course, the basic logo design was hers. The only thing that needs done is to shrink wrap them. These are going to a new boutique opening in Idaho, so hopefully she will be a repeat in the future! So if you need any little "favors" for anything...I can do your custom label for you. Great for weddings, showers, parties, reunions, promotional items. Wholesale pricing available!

Designer Dogs Revisited (Funny)

About two weeks ago, I did a post on "Designer Dogs" and how much they irk me! Well, I went to the mailbox today and I got a newsletter from our Vet's office today and on the back page there were these newly "formed" Designer Dogs. They were tooo funny and I had to share!

Collie + Lhasa Apso gives you a CALLAPSO, a dog that folds up for easy transport.

Poiner + Setter gives you a POINTSETTER, a traditional Christmas pet.

Pekingese + Lhasa Apso gives you a PEEKASSO, an abstract dog.

Newfoundland + Basset Hound gives you a NEWFOUND ASSET HOUND, a dog for financial advisors.

Terrier + Bulldog gives you a TERRIBULL, a dog that makes awful mistakes.

Bloodhound + Labrador gives you a BLABADOR, a dog that barks incessantly.

Malamute + Pointer gives you a MOOT POINT, owned by...oh, well, it doesn't really matter anyhow!

Collie + Malamute gives you a COMMUTE, a dog that travels to work.

Deerhound + Terrier gives you a DERRIERE, a dog that's true to the end.

And finally we have a Retriever + Irish Setter gives you a RESETTER, a dog that can set your VCR for you.

Thanks for letting me post this little funny! Hope you enjoyed it!

How 'bout all you clever people out there...what can you come up with PLEASE SHARE!!

Hot Off The Presses! New Edition of Crafters In The News

Ok, so I am always a day late and a dollar short...story of my life! LOL! So yesterday I failed to inform you of the latest edition of Crafter In The News. It was released yesterday...so please be sure to check out this newest edition. It is chocked full of great articles, new recipes and tutorials.

Choosing A Moisturizer Right For Your Skin Type

Yesterday I spoke about some basic moisturizing terminology, as well as citing a few examples. Today, I'd like to guide you on how to choose a mositurizer that is right for your skin. There are 5 skin categories that I would like to address: oily, dry, normal, mature and sensitive.

Oily skin is generally problematic and prone to acne and breakouts. It is widely thought that oily skin does not need moisturizers. However this is farthest from the truth. Cleansers designed for oily skin do just that. They clean and remove the oil, and sometimes so much so, they leave behind dry, flaky skin. People with oily skin should look for water based moisturizers to help protect your skin. These moisturizes are generally used only after cleansing. People with oily skin should also pay close attention and look for products labeled "noncomedogenic", meaning that it will not clog your pores. Be on the lookout for products that contain the essential oils cedarwood, lemon and rosemary, which are all know to benefit oily skin. Look for products that contain oils such as sweet almond oil or avocado oil, which are know for their low comedogenic properties and will be less prone to clogging your pores.

Normal skin is neither too dry or too oily. When choosing a moisturizer for this skin type, your goal should be to maintain your natural moisture balance. It is best to look for mositurizers that are water-based. These type of moisturizers will have a light, nongreasy feel and contain lightweight oils such as grapeseed oil or apricot kernel oil, just to name a few.

People with sensitive skin are susceptible to skin irritations. Ingredients that can set off sensitive skin range anywhere from dyes to fragrances. Even though a product may be labeled all natural, that does not imply that it will not irritate your skin. People with sensitive skin will need to be especially vigilant and pay special attention to ingredients to learn what causes their skin to flare up. Look for moisturizers that are fragrance and dye free. Althought I just mentioned to steer clear of fragrances, people with sensitive skin have found that the essential oils Chamomile , Lavender , Neroli , Rose and Sandalwood tend to help their sensitive skin, so be on the lookout for products containing these essential oils.

Mature skin is characterized by wrinkles, crow's-feet, and blemishes. Age spots start to appear. The skin begins to lose its elasticity and cells are not replaced as quickly. The glands that are responsible for producing the skin's natural oils slow down dramatically. With that in mind, it is best to choose a moisturizer that is oil based. Mature skin will benefit from mositurizers that contain the essential oils carrot seed, which helps with revitalization and frankincense, which is thought to reduce the signs of wrinkles. Other essential oils to look out for are chamomile, patchouli, and sandalwood. Also be on the lookout for products that contain either avocado oil or butter and shea butter are just a few to look for.

The final skin type: dry skin. The obvious goal of a mositurizer for dry skin is to restore moisture. You will want to look for a heavier, oil based product. Good oils to be on the look out for are evening primrose oil, hempseed oil and emu oil. Emu oil is very pricey, but well worth the extra cost. Look for products that contain the essential oils lavender, rose or sandalwood.