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By Janet Evans
Friday, Nov 21 2008, 06:45 AM
By Janet Evans
Friday, Nov 14 2008, 01:05 PM
Finally marketing firms are realizing that when we watch television and we watch a commercial, they really need to focus on the item that they are selling. I mean really, how many times have you watched a commercial and when it was over, you can't remember what the hell the item was that was being promoted? That's usually when the commercial was too good. It was a funny or entertaining commercial.
Let's get real, unless it's the Super Bowl, we really could care less about commercials. That's why with DVR's, etc we are breezing right through them.
So marketing has figured out that they need to just flash that brand so our eyes pick it up.
"With such a short exposure, and the sound disabled, the fast-forwarded ads that work best are those that contain little information and are simply intended to reinforce awareness of a brand, says Dr Brasel. The strength of such split-second ads was evaluated by inserting ads for two different brands of British chocolate bars, Aero and Flake, which are not sold in America and should therefore not have been familiar to the viewers. By a factor of two to one, those who were exposed to a brand image promoted in the centre of the screen during fast-forwarding ended up choosing that brand. So when you start to see TV ads in which the brand image takes centre stage, you will know why."
Read the entire article from the Economist HERE
But, you know, years ago, they really knew how to do commercials. They alway focused on the brand. And that's illustrated in one of my favorite T.V. shows by one of my favorite comedians...Lucille Ball....
Who wouldn't want to buy Vitameatavagamin !
You know you want it!
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Nov 11 2008, 09:05 AM
Vermont Beef Jerky Company
I went to the factory...I tested...I tasted....
It's very good.
Original, Teriyaki, Maple & Spice, and Hickory Smoked.
Teriyaki used to be my favorite...but now I'm a fan of Maple...it's very subtle, just a hint to add sweetness.
__________________________
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
What can I say...they're cute...
They're very well made. They have a lifetime warranty.
They come in outfits ( I once had surgery and was on crutches and mine came with it's leg wrapped in gauze, in a hospital gown, with a crutch : )
Okay...they're expensive...I admit it. But so are cookie grams and bouquets of flowers...but they don't last.
Click on the Bear to go to the website.
P.S.
Don't forget Vermont Maple Syrup from a past shopping trip way down at the end of this post. All three of these items are from the area I visited on my trip to Vermont last week.
_______________________________________
Previous Shopping Trips:
It's the grown-up's version of the old Sears Wish Book...
The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.
Make sure to check out the WOW! Gifts. I can think of lots I "wish" I had from this Christmas Book.
_________________________________
LCI Papers has everything needed for homemade invitations, including kits. And they have specialty papers, envelopes, and blank cards for everyday and other occasions, along with scrap booking papers, too. Great customer service!
_________________________
The Popcorn Factory has gift tins, baskets and popcorn for every season and holiday.
_______________________________
prAna.
While they have active wear…they have quality, stylish everyday clothing, too. It’s a great apparel store.
________________________________
Ballard Designs collection is created to give a feeling of a European open-air market.
You can find everything from candle wall sconces to dining room tables to hand made rugs and luxurious fabrics…everything you need to decorate with style.
__________________________________ Have you ever checked out the Bose site? If you want quality sound it's definitely the place to go....the prices aren't for the faint of heart; but you get what you pay for. They have everything from headphones and iPod setups, to full entertainment systems.  __________________________________ Napa Style has items for the kitchen, yard and garden, and of course, food and wine items. There are cooking items and recipes from Michael Chiarello, who has the show Easy Entertaining on the Food Network. Great, unusual stuff here.  ____________________________________ Wireless catalog offers casual apparel, unique gifts, fashion accessories, jewelry, collectibles, framed prints, home and garden decorative accents and more. .
WIRELESS
__________________________________
Wind and Weather has weather, home and garden products for students, gardeners, bird watchers, sports enthusiasts, pilots, hobbyists, and pros.
__________________________________
Lee Valley sells gardening, woodworking, tools, home supplies and gifts.
____________________________________
Get the same hair products you buy at the hair salon for a fraction of the cost. They have men's products too.   _______________________________
Sur la Table is one of the best places for a great cook to shop.
_____________________________
Cherchies Specialty Foods has a complete line of gourmet food items and gift assortments. They have peppers, preserves, soups, seasonings, and sauces, including champagne mustard.
________________________
L.L. Bean, out of Freeport, Maine has been around since 1912. L.L. Bean can still be trusted for quality. They have everything from kayaks, fishing equipment, shoes and boots, and clothes.
________
Oxo is a great brand of Kitchen tools in the store. But you can't always find the item you want. So why not check out all the products available right from the source, online?
OXO Good Grips
_________
Neato.com is a trusted place to shop online for deals on computer related media...DVDs, CDs, cases, labels, photo paper, all kinds of stuff. I know you can get this stuff at the store... but if you want to shop online, this is the place to go.
______________
You can't get more beautiful bouquets than from Martha Stewart Flowers. They are simply gorgeous, top quality flowers. You can't keep your eyes off of them when they are in a room. Unless you are looking at that special somebody! They are delivered straight to you door in a flower box. 
__________________________________________
Moonstruck Chocolate Company is out of Portland, Oregon.
You've got to see their chocolates to believe them! But tasting them is even better. Their truffles are outrageous!
______________________________________________
Starwest Botanicals is out of Sacramento, CA. They offer bulk organics, herbs, spices & teas, essential oils, aromatherapy, extracts, and many other products.
_________________________
WEST ELM in California, is a great store for quality household items from furniture to towels.  ______________________________ Peeperspecs
______________________________
Red Envelope unique gifts for everyone in the family, including home decor, gourmet food, and flowers. They have specialty gifts for current holidays, too.
_____________________________
ALTERRA
_______________________
Koeze Company features cashews, mixed nuts, chocolate confections, and natural peanut butter.
_______________________
Z Gallerie Eclectic gifts with something for everyone and beautiful artwork, too!
_________________________
Hale Groves
_____________________________
Couture's Maple Syrup Shop
________________________________
.
Gifts for the intelligent person on your list, or for the person who is just "way out there."
_____________________________
Mrs. Hanes Hand-Made Moravian Cookies
________________________________
ZABAR'S
Jewish deli out of New York with Smoked Fish, Deli Meats, Cheeses, Coffee, even Babka almost as good as my homemade recipe :)
_______________________________________
 All types of crafts and supplies in one place, online.
______________________________________
Beautiful, unique and quality greeting cards.
___________________________________
Harbor Sweets
_______________________________
Hilltop Restaurant
GIGANTIC SWEET ROLLS.
_____________________________
Barbara Ford Doyle Calendars
____________________________
Zingerman's
Fresh Jewish rye bread and other breads and fresh finds.
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By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Oct 15 2008, 11:56 AM
Every great cook will have their own opinion of what is essential for the well stocked kitchen. An everyday cook has their own ideas of what they think they need. But maybe they aren’t quite sure. Sometimes it helps to have another opinion. Usually the best way to become an expert in the kitchen is by repetition, and tweaking…until you get it right. Or from experimenting over enough years until you have found just the right product.
Two cooks weigh in on the Los Angeles Times with their opinions on some kitchen essentials. I have to say they are pretty right on with most of what they suggest, at least from my viewpoint. And I’ve been cooking for a very long time.
I have one disagreement and one addition
my addition…
I can’t live without a Chinese cleaver.
While these cooks say they get by with just paring knives, a cooks knife is also in my home, but I haven’t been without a Chinese cleaver since I can remember and don’t make a meal without it.
One of the most important cooking ingredients I use, and grew up with in my family, is red wine vinegar. I have found one that excels above all others, and was first given to me as a gift when my children toured wineries in Napa Valley. It’s Robert Mondavi Red Wine Cabernet Vinegar and I savor it as though it’s fine wine. That’s how good it is. That’s how much flavor it adds to whatever dish I add it.
The Kitchen Essentials, and Items You Can Pass By - HERE
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Oct 14 2008, 06:35 AM
It's the grown-up's version of the old Sears Wish Book...
The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.
Make sure to check out the WOW! Gifts. I can think of lots I "wish" I had from this Christmas Book.
_________________________________
LCI Papers has everything needed for homemade invitations, including kits. And they have specialty papers, envelopes, and blank cards for everyday and other occasions, along with scrap booking papers, too. Great customer service!
_________________________
The Popcorn Factory has gift tins, baskets and popcorn for every season and holiday, including Halloween. Check out their special 2-gallon Dancing Skeleton Can. Scary!
Previous Shopping Trips:
prAna.
While they have active wear…they have quality, stylish everyday clothing, too. It’s a great apparel store.
________________________________
Ballard Designs collection is created to give a feeling of a European open-air market.
You can find everything from candle wall sconces to dining room tables to hand made rugs and luxurious fabrics…everything you need to decorate with style.
__________________________________ Have you ever checked out the Bose site? If you want quality sound it's definitely the place to go....the prices aren't for the faint of heart; but you get what you pay for. They have everything from headphones and iPod setups, to full entertainment systems. __________________________________ Napa Style has items for the kitchen, yard and garden, and of course, food and wine items. There are cooking items and recipes from Michael Chiarello, who has the show Easy Entertaining on the Food Network. Great, unusual stuff here. ____________________________________ Wireless catalog offers casual apparel, unique gifts, fashion accessories, jewelry, collectibles, framed prints, home and garden decorative accents and more. .
WIRELESS
__________________________________
Wind and Weather has weather, home and garden products for students, gardeners, bird watchers, sports enthusiasts, pilots, hobbyists, and pros.
__________________________________
Lee Valley sells gardening, woodworking, tools, home supplies and gifts.
____________________________________
Get the same hair products you buy at the hair salon for a fraction of the cost. They have men's products too. _______________________________
Sur la Table is one of the best places for a great cook to shop.
_____________________________
Cherchies Specialty Foods has a complete line of gourmet food items and gift assortments. They have peppers, preserves, soups, seasonings, and sauces, including champagne mustard.
________________________
L.L. Bean, out of Freeport, Maine has been around since 1912. L.L. Bean can still be trusted for quality. They have everything from kayaks, fishing equipment, shoes and boots, and clothes.
________
Oxo is a great brand of Kitchen tools in the store. But you can't always find the item you want. So why not check out all the products available right from the source, online?
OXO Good Grips
_________
Neato.com is a trusted place to shop online for deals on computer related media...DVDs, CDs, cases, labels, photo paper, all kinds of stuff. I know you can get this stuff at the store... but if you want to shop online, this is the place to go.
______________
You can't get more beautiful bouquets than from Martha Stewart Flowers. They are simply gorgeous, top quality flowers. You can't keep your eyes off of them when they are in a room. Unless you are looking at that special somebody! They are delivered straight to you door in a flower box.
__________________________________________
Moonstruck Chocolate Company is out of Portland, Oregon.
You've got to see their chocolates to believe them! But tasting them is even better. Their truffles are outrageous!
______________________________________________
Starwest Botanicals is out of Sacramento, CA. They offer bulk organics, herbs, spices & teas, essential oils, aromatherapy, extracts, and many other products.
_________________________
WEST ELM in California, is a great store for quality household items from furniture to towels. ______________________________ Peeperspecs
______________________________
Red Envelope unique gifts for everyone in the family, including home decor, gourmet food, and flowers. They have specialty gifts for current holidays, too.
_____________________________
ALTERRA
_______________________
Koeze Company features cashews, mixed nuts, chocolate confections, and natural peanut butter.
_______________________
Z Gallerie Eclectic gifts with something for everyone and beautiful artwork, too!
_________________________
Hale Groves
_____________________________
Couture's Maple Syrup Shop
________________________________
.
Gifts for the intelligent person on your list, or for the person who is just "way out there."
_____________________________
Mrs. Hanes Hand-Made Moravian Cookies
________________________________
ZABAR'S
Jewish deli out of New York with Smoked Fish, Deli Meats, Cheeses, Coffee, even Babka almost as good as my homemade recipe :)
_______________________________________
All types of crafts and supplies in one place, online.
______________________________________
Beautiful, unique and quality greeting cards.
___________________________________
Harbor Sweets
_______________________________
Hilltop Restaurant
GIGANTIC SWEET ROLLS.
_____________________________
Barbara Ford Doyle Calendars
____________________________
Zingerman's
Fresh Jewish rye bread and other breads and fresh finds.
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By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Oct 7 2008, 06:40 AM
Don’t Forget Bosses Day ~ October 16th
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My son and daughter-in-law live in Boulder, Colorado and are power hikers.
One of their favorite stores is prAna.
While it has active wear…it has quality, stylish everyday clothing, too. It’s a great apparel store.
________________________________
Ballard Designs collection is created to give a feeling of a European open-air market.
You can find everything from candle wall sconces to dining room tables to hand made rugs and luxurious fabrics…everything you need to decorate with style.
Previous Shopping Trips:__________________________________ Have you ever checked out the Bose site? If you want quality sound it's definitely the place to go....the prices aren't for the faint of heart; but you get what you pay for. They have everything from headphones and iPod setups, to full entertainment systems. __________________________________ Napa Style has items for the kitchen, yard and garden, and of course, food and wine items. There are cooking items and recipes from Michael Chiarello, who has the show Easy Entertaining on the Food Network. Great, unusual stuff here. ____________________________________ Wireless catalog offers casual apparel, unique gifts, fashion accessories, jewelry, collectibles, framed prints, home and garden decorative accents and more. .
WIRELESS
__________________________________
Wind and Weather has weather, home and garden products for students, gardeners, bird watchers, sports enthusiasts, pilots, hobbyists, and pros.
__________________________________
Lee Valley sells gardening, woodworking, tools, home supplies and gifts.
____________________________________
Get the same hair products you buy at the hair salon for a fraction of the cost. They have men's products too. _______________________________
Sur la Table is one of the best places for a great cook to shop.
_____________________________
Cherchies Specialty Foods has a complete line of gourmet food items and gift assortments. They have peppers, preserves, soups, seasonings, and sauces, including champagne mustard.
________________________
L.L. Bean, out of Freeport, Maine has been around since 1912. L.L. Bean can still be trusted for quality. They have everything from kayaks, fishing equipment, shoes and boots, and clothes.
________
Oxo is a great brand of Kitchen tools in the store. But you can't always find the item you want. So why not check out all the products available right from the source, online?
OXO Good Grips
_________
Neato.com is a trusted place to shop online for deals on computer related media...DVDs, CDs, cases, labels, photo paper, all kinds of stuff. I know you can get this stuff at the store... but if you want to shop online, this is the place to go.
______________
You can't get more beautiful bouquets than from Martha Stewart Flowers. They are simply gorgeous, top quality flowers. You can't keep your eyes off of them when they are in a room. Unless you are looking at that special somebody! They are delivered straight to you door in a flower box.
__________________________________________
Moonstruck Chocolate Company is out of Portland, Oregon.
You've got to see their chocolates to believe them! But tasting them is even better. Their truffles are outrageous!
______________________________________________
Starwest Botanicals is out of Sacramento, CA. They offer bulk organics, herbs, spices & teas, essential oils, aromatherapy, extracts, and many other products.
_________________________
WEST ELM in California, is a great store for quality household items from furniture to towels. ______________________________ Peeperspecs
______________________________
Red Envelope unique gifts for everyone in the family, including home decor, gourmet food, and flowers. They have specialty gifts for current holidays, too.
_____________________________
ALTERRA
_______________________
Koeze Company features cashews, mixed nuts, chocolate confections, and natural peanut butter.
_______________________
Z Gallerie Eclectic gifts with something for everyone and beautiful artwork, too!
_________________________
Hale Groves
_____________________________
Couture's Maple Syrup Shop
________________________________
.
Gifts for the intelligent person on your list, or for the person who is just "way out there."
_____________________________
Mrs. Hanes Hand-Made Moravian Cookies
________________________________
ZABAR'S
Jewish deli out of New York with Smoked Fish, Deli Meats, Cheeses, Coffee, even Babka almost as good as my homemade recipe :)
_______________________________________
All types of crafts and supplies in one place, online.
______________________________________
Beautiful, unique and quality greeting cards.
___________________________________
Harbor Sweets
_______________________________
Hilltop Restaurant
GIGANTIC SWEET ROLLS.
_____________________________
Barbara Ford Doyle Calendars
____________________________
Zingerman's
Fresh Jewish rye bread and other breads and fresh finds.
|
By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Aug 19 2008, 11:54 AM
If there is anything that gets me going it’s poor customer service. Maybe that’s one of the main reasons I would rather shop on the internet rather than venture out into the stores. Granted, glitches can happen on the web, too, but at least I don’t have to deal with rude sales people, standing in long lines, or cashiers who can’t count money and acknowledge my presence or say hello or thank you.
With a slow economy, some businesses are looking into ways to make sure your business is a return business.
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