A Couple of Blogging Tips, and an Ethical Question

I have no idea where the days are going...it's definitely that time of year...but I have missed all of you!

As I was clicking around and through the One Room Challenge Linking Party, I noticed a theme that was bothering me. I made a mental note of it (first mistake) and then forgot to tell all of you about it (second mistake). I like to think it is my premenopausal brain, and not early dementia...you just never know...or not know, bad dementia joke.

Many of you bloggers don't have your name on your blog. I know that most of us want to remain semi-anonymous, so I get it. However, it also prevents you from having a better relationship with your audience. For myself, I use it as a screening mechanism that I will tell you about in a moment.

I remain optimistically hopeful that I can cure the internet of 'No Reply' Bloggers. Never did I try, and fail, at this more than during the linking party. As I desperately tried to reply back to so many of you and continually found that you were a 'no-reply' (as the name implies, you cannot receive a reply back...it's not about the ability to leave a comment), I managed to find my way back to your blog. Again, so many of you don't have a direct link back to your site. Google + is the worst for that and trust me when I say that is the easiest form of free traffic that you are missing. Once I found your blog, I could not find an email address. Seriously, I have devoted 3 or 4 clicks into this feat, and I did not have it in me to hunt all over and into your profile in hopes of obtaining an email address. So I moved on.

Please put your name and email address on your blog!

If you are thinking, Linda, you know my name. Yes, I know many of your names...however...back to the early dementia, I cannot remember it when you may be the 12th blog I have visited that day. I don't have the energy or time to go into your profile to find this information. And if I don't, neither do PR firms or Corporations.

This brings me to my screening mechanism that I mentioned earlier. I receive lots of requests from individuals, Corporations, and PR Firms wanting to reach my audience. I turn down most of them, and I always tell you when I am working with an outside source on a post. In fact, I recently turned down requests from 3 extremely well know corporations because I did not like the terms. 

Company #1 wanted me to join their 'network' of bloggers. You know I am all about networking, so I asked them to provide me with a list of the other bloggers in that network. Their reply was "that's confidential" (hardly a networking opportunity). I graciously declined that offer, moreover, my Pinterest following is 400% larger than theirs.

Company #2 wanted me to feature something that I felt was insulting to women. This is a National brand that should reach my audience, but not in a condescending way....EVER!! I actually gave them my two cents on that one and probably won't hear back from them.... until they change PR Firms, and that happens more often than you would think.

Company #3 wanted me to feature their product. A product that I am familiar with, and would  use. I don't want to tell you what I asked them, but the reply back to me we definitely a lie. Again, I graciously declined and gave them a bit of unsolicited advice. I will probably hear back from them when the 'Intern Rotation' at the PR Firm happens.

All of these examples would never have happened if the Corporations mentioned did not refer to me by my first name (displayed on my blog). I will never (politely, anyway) reply back to a request if that person could not be bothered to grab my name off my blog, and use it. Everything else, is a mass produced form letter and they really don't want me.....so why would I want them?

That's more than enough rambling....now for the ethical question;

If you find money in the pocket of clothes when you are doing laundry, do consider that a tip?

 

Frozen Turkey Reminder, and a Trip

Did you have a good weekend? Mine went extremely fast, although I did manage to organize my garage quite a bit. I can hardly believe that we are only ten days away from Thanksgiving. 

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I wanted to give you a suggestion on what to do with your frozen turkey. Many supermarkets reward their customers with a free frozen turkey for Thanksgiving. If you are going to eat yours....you can skip to the bottom of this post. 

However, if you will not be using your free turkey then please consider donating it to your local food bank. This time of year, our local schools have a food drive and some of the items they ask for are the frozen turkeys that many people will not be using. A turkey can feed a lot of hungry people. It would be a shame to let the supermarket keep it. After all, their prices are high enough and you have earned it. 

#FeedTheWorld

Since this is the travel season, Sandy from You May Be Wandering is having a travel linking party. She has invited everyone to share anything travel related. 

I'm sharing my trip to London.

Come on over and share your travel stories, ideas, or dreams.

 

Coastal Christmas at One Kings Lane

I don't normally post twice in one day, but I just ran across this sale and wanted to tell you about it. 

One Kings Lane is having a Coastal Christmas Sale!

This is a tiny sample of what they have....and things were selling fast. I am really in love with the lanterns. They would look amazing with garland or ornaments in them.

Pottery Barn

There are so many items and you can see all of them here.

I am really getting into the spirit this year. Maybe because it is my last white winter?

Happy Shopping!

 

14,000 Things About Me

I may be exaggerating a bit..... You know that "7 Things About Me" tagging question game going around? Well, I was tagged twice. I am well aware of the fact that I am not interesting. In fact, I would not judge you one bit if clicked away now. 

I am going to proceed with my answers and when it is over I will ask you a few questions. I really want to hear your answers. You always make me smile with your remarks and comments.

The first set of questions is from Brittany @ Classically B. 

1. Favorite Season? 

Summer - I love when we all slow down and relax.

2. Dream Vacation Destination?
Cannes, France - I was lucky enough to spend two days there, and I am dying to go back.

via

3. Favorite Design Trend?
Nantucket Chinoiserie - Beth and I made up the name. It's coastal with blue and white.

Ralph Lauren

4. Black Tie or BBQ?
Barbecue

via

5. If you won a million dollars, what would you buy?

Fabulous gifts for friends and family. It really is better to give than receive.

6. Where are you your happiest?

At home watching my husband make the kids laugh....usually at him, but sometimes with him. 

7. Who is your style icon?
Jackie Onassis when she was just living her life.

Are you still with me? Here is the next set of questions from Elisa @ Fancy Free Me. 

1. Necklace or earrings?
Necklace

via

2. Who inspires you?

My husband for his work ethic. My daughter for her kindness. My son for his humor and wit. 

3. Silver or gold?
Both - I like to live dangerously and mix them.

C. Wonder

4. Favorite decor shop?
Mecox Gardens

source?

5. Favorite product on your vanity?
Nars Blush in 'Orgasm' (sorry mom) - everything you have read about this is TRUE!

Nars Blush

6. What is your favorite quote?
This one.

7. Dessert you can't live without?

Creme Brulee

via

I would say that was more than enough about me. Now let's let to you. 

I am tagging Kimber, Emily V, Heather, and Vel. 

And of course, all of you. Consider yourself invited to answer the questions in the comments, or on your own blog. You know me, it's always better when there are more of us.

1. Why do you blog?

2. Top 3 favorite books.

3. What is your daily uniform?

4. Cook from scratch or ready-made?

5. Favorite purchase of 2013?

6. Dream Career?

7. Red or White?

I can't wait to read your answers.

 

Some Great Bargains

Happy Monday! I am feeling really energized today, and that almost never happens on a Monday. It probably has something to do with the fact that I have no deadlines ahead of me....other than the Holiday's.

I decided to get a jump on some of my Holiday shopping (online, of course), and wound up finding some fantastic bargains....for me...and you. Since I love when we are 'twinsies', here ya go

I am in love with this place setting, and can NOT get over the sale price

Available Here

I have this steamer and used it just the other day on my drapes. There is an extra 40% off at check out on this one, but you only have 2 days to take advantage of the sale....ugh, the pressure.

Available Here

I am dying to update my everyday dishes, and think I should get these.

Available Here

For a little fun jingle jangle, the Sequin bangles that I love are also on sale at Nordstrom

Available Here

And finally, this Jonathan Adler red tray that would be perfect for the Holidays and everyday, is on clearance. This one won't last.

Available Here

Today is Veterans Day. I am sincerely grateful to all of those who have or are currently serving in the military. Because of you, all things are possible. Thank you for your service.

 

One Room Challenge Linking Party - the Pretty After's

I have been waiting for this day for six weeks. It has been so entertaining and inspiring to watch all of these rooms take shape. I am not surprised by all of the talent, I am just shocked that all of you have gathered in one place and are an easy click away for everyone to see. 

Thank you for joining in. I hope that you have enjoyed linking up and participating or watching and looking for inspiration. This ends as the Holiday Season begins.

Soon, it will be time to celebrate with family and friends.

AND

THEN

Let's do it again!

I have received many emails from people wanting to join in next time. This seems like a great opportunity to give everyone plenty of notice. 

And remember, if you are linking up please put a link in your blog letting your readers know where you are today. All of these rooms deserve to be seen by your readers, too.

I can't think of a better way to support all of these bloggers than with a visit. I hope you join me.