Lovin' Your Feet Loofah Soap in Razz Nilla

Your feet are going to Thank You with this gem of a soap! We've taken a generous slice of loofah and submerged it in a luxurious helping of 100% Vegan Friendly Glycerin Soap. What can be better than a nice bar of scented soap that will both exfoliate and cleanse those rough, stinky feet? We've infused the soap with the essence of Razz Nilla ~ Perfect Union of Intoxicating Raspberry and Vanilla...YUM! Get yours today!

Customer Service Woes

Nothing is more frustrating than having to call Customer Service. It often requires a heavy dose of sedatives and massive quantities of booze to endure making a call to Customer Service. Eating a plate of glass and nails would be less painful.

With the downsizing of most companies, there are a bunch of pencil pushers sitting behind corporate desks concocting brainy ideas of how to streamline services. While computers and technology are great, the better investment as far as I am concerned is in the live representatives. Modern technology subjects the consumer to automated answering services and computers that are guessing what your needs are. Frequently there are no options to speak with a live person. Even more frustrating when you find a company that gives the option to speak with a live person, only to discover that the company has failed to educate/train their employees on how to be effective in Customer Service.

If someone doesn’t know how to handle your concerns, they transfer you to the next person, or guess where you need to go to obtain the help you seek. Most of the time the guess work and “I don’t know what to do’s” of the representative could have been answered if they had listened better and asked more questions of the consumer. It’s frustrating as the consumer to spend hours upon end in total frustration/exasperation, being transferred all over the globe and back before FINALLY getting your question answered (if you are lucky).

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve worked Customer Service for a major Insurance Company. We were required to complete Customer Service Skills and Telephone Skills and pass the tests prior to being able to answer the phones. I know all about answering questions and getting consumers off the phone as quickly as possible so to reduce wait times, etc. Awards and recognition are often given to the representatives that answer the most calls, keep talk times to a minimum, etc. However, in order to be effective as a Customer Service Representative you have to be patient and listen to the customer…after all, they are the ones that pay your paycheck.

All too often, companies don’t worry about the quality of customer service as they should. Is it good customer service if a consumer is rushed off the phone or transferred in a circle of representatives around the globe because of the time factor? Why is it that folks have to call in half a dozen times or more before a representative will take pity and stay with you to see that your concerns are FINALLY taken seriously so you get results?

Multiple phone calls to a company wastes time for both the consumer and company. Representatives have spent more time frustrating the consumer with unanswered questions. Time is wasted and phone costs increase over multiple calls. Money that would be better spent on better employee training if these companies hadn’t enticed the representative with a reward for ending the call quickly and allowed them to spend the time necessary to solve the problem with the first call.

Merry Christmas!
Many thanks to all of my followers, customers, Etsyblogger Friends, Blockhead Rod & Pluggers United Friends, CYA Team members, and Vermont Made Team members for a truly wonderful year. Each one of you has impacted my life and business in one way or another. I have been truly blessed to have each one of you as a part of my life. May God bless you and yours this Christmas.

Linda ~ aka Ms. Moo

Winter Storms ~ Just in time for Christmas

We've been stuck in a weather pattern since December 12 where we have had a significant winter storm every other day. Each storm bringing more precipitation than the last. Friday's storm left us with flurries into last evening, as the Nor'easter started dumping upon us early this AM. I just went outside my kitchen and took a few photos of the snow.

Frantic Friday Frenzy

Less than a week until Christmas...do you have your shopping done? Today as a special to all of my Blog and Twitter friends, I am offering a BUY ONE, GET ONE 1/2 OFF sale on the entire Christmas Section of my shop.

HOW TO GET DISCOUNT:
1. Purchase 2 items in our Christmas Section. Limited quantities available. 1/2 price item will be equal/lesser value. Both items must be listed in the Christmas Section to qualify.

2. At check out, mention "HO HO HO" in the message to seller and tell whether you found us via our Blog or Twitter. If you forget to mention the comment, discount will not be given, as this is only a special sale for my Bloggy & Twitter friends. If you forget, you can convo us and you will receive discount.

3. Complete the transaction with payment and we will refund the discount when the shipping label is processed.

4. Only transactions completed with payment by MIDNIGHT Eastern will qualify for the sale.

All orders will ship priority or First Class Parcel on 12/20/08. The Postal service has indicated parcels should arrive in time for Christmas if shipped by 12/20/08.'

I am at work today, so if you have questions, don't panic if I don't get right back in touch with you. :D

Merry Christmas!

FREE Shipping Offer Ends Today

Finish up your last minute shopping for gifts and stocking stuffers AND take advantage of our FREE Shipping offer that ends today. We've conducted a final inventory on our Christmas Goodies and Stocking Stuffers...SO... what you see is what you get...when they are gone, we won't be making any more as we are currently working on our Valentine's & Spring Collection.

Winner of Gingerbread Dreams Chosen

We put everyone's name into a hat and Ashley pulled the lucky winner ~ Sew Happy Designs. WOOT! Cindy is such a sweetheart and I was so excited when her name was drawn because I know her family is going through a tough spot after losing a loved one. ((((HUGS))))) from the Cow to My Sew Happy friend! I hope this will help brighten your Christmas and thank you for being a faithful bloggy friend. It is going out in the mail today.

SNOW DAY SALE

Just barely got the call that we are officially having a Snow Day today. So, for all of those last minute shoppers out there, I'm offering 10% off my entire shop on top of the Free Domestic Shipping Sale.

Snow, Snow, Snow

One of my favorite movies this time of year is White Christmas. The talk of coming to Vermont where there is snow, only to find it a year without snow until the end of the movie when the snow magically appears. For those of you who have been following my blog for some time, this cow isn't exactly a big fan of the snow. I much prefer sun, beach, and heat over snow and cold. The ONLY time I enjoy snow storms is when they are big enough to shut down school for a day. SNOW DAY! I get just as excited about snow days now as I did when I was a child. A Snow Day means a day to kick back and be lazy. As a child it was a day off of school work. These days a snow day means a day off work. YIPPEEE!

And so what is the point to all this nonsense chatter about snow? Well, we are having our first big snow storm of the season. So, I'm giving you a heads up tonight that if I get a call from one of my favorite teachers/co-workers in the morning telling me to go back to bed because we're having a Snow Day, then I'm going to have a One Day Sale in my Shop on top of the Free Domestic Shipping Sale. So, check my blog, check my Shop in the morning to see if I am home on a Snow Day. WOOT!

Pluggers United Cool Finds

Brunswick Bag Red Black and White by ceejaybags
This is the perfect everyday bag at an affordable price!

ceejaybags states that this beautiful handbag is made of Red, Black and White medium weight fabric, with solid black handles and white topstitching. Black and White lining is 100% cotton. Fully lined and interfaced with batting for a soft and durable structure. The bag measures 9"H, 11" W and 3"D; the handles are 22" end to end. The bag includes an interior pocket and magnetic closure.

~WOOT!~

IT IS FINISHED!!!

A custom request from a local customer. Whew...and I'm relieved it is finished and ready for delivery in ample time for Christmas so they can get it framed and wrapped up for gift giving!


Now what to do with my "idle" hands? LOL

Short Notice...It's Another Giveaway

Less than a month ago we celebrated the #300 sale in our shop and we are now nearing our #500 sale. So that means I'm up for another giveaway in celebration. So, when I make the #500 sale, I'll be drawing out the winner. Could be today or tomorrow...who knows! Everyone that comments here is in for the drawing.

What are we giving away? An entire collection of Gingerbread Dreams will be given to one lucky winner.

Good Luck...and spread the word about this short notice giveaway.

Double Chocolate Brownies

3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. water
1 (12 oz) package chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In small bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt.

In small saucepan heat the butter, sugar and water just to a boil. Remove from heat. Add 1 cup of chocolate chips and vanilla, stir until the chips are melted and are smooth.

Put melted ingredients in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well. Blend in the flour mixture.

Stir in the remaining chocolate chips and nuts. Spread in a greased 9 inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.

Cyber Monday Bonus

Today is the last day for our big pre-Christmas sale.

~ LAST SALE BEFORE CHRISTMAS ~
20% Off our entire shop (Shipping & Custom Orders excluded)
FREE Domestic Shipping on all orders over $75 (Before Discount, Shipping not included)

Details: When you are ready to check out, simply pay for your order and we'll refund the sale discount and excess shipping fees (if applicable) via Pay Pal when we process the shipping label. Happy Shopping ~ Your Skin Will Thank You!

Being Cyber Monday I have a special gift for shoppers. Everyone placing an order today will receive a Christmas gift from me. I can't tell you exactly what it is because, well...it's a gift from me to you! I don't want to spoil ALL of the fun, after all.

Gingerbread Dreams

What a fabulous luxury treat for the skin. Only available for a limited time.

Gingerbread Soap
Gingerbread Whipped Sugar Scrub
Gingerbread Whipped Soap
Gingerbread Bath Fizzies

Candy Cane Lane

We've created a festive treat for your skin!
Candy Cane Soap

Candy Cane Whipped Sugar Scrub

Candy Cane Bath Fizzies

This series is a Limited Edition and are selling out quickly.

Stocking Stuffers ~ Saturday Night Special

Get 'em before they are gone. These half bars of soap make great guest soaps, hostess gifts, and they are the perfect size for Stocking Stuffers. The soap comes dressed up in an awesome black velveteen bag that has been hand stenciled. These are excluded from the storewide 20% discount BUT they come to you with FREE Domestic Shipping during SNS. Available in Season's Greetings or Vermont Christmas Tree. Good until 6 AM Eastern Time on November 30. Quantity is limited so grab them while you can!

~Thank You to Two Awesome Ladies~

I have met some of the most amazing people since I opened my shop on Etsy. I was taught from a young age that it is better to give than receive. I tend to be a giver and find great pleasure in giving. I give never expecting anything in return.

The past couple weeks have been hectic with craft shows, physical therapy sessions, Thanksgiving preparations, etc. We've had our 20 year old move back home and then less than 2 days later take off again. We can only hope that she smartens up when she has that baby.

I can't begin to describe how blessed I felt when I received not one, but TWO surprise packages in the mail this week.

A while back I called for product testers, and Lucky Ladybug Designs was selected as one of the testers. She gave me her review along with this fabulous scarf! I will get a lot of use out of that scarf this winter!
Lucky Ladybug Designs has some awesome soap pouches that are very reasonably priced. You must stop by and give her shop some love.


And let me tell you what! My favorite Witch from The Copper Cauldron has THE most awesome Chocolate Raspberry Cream Roll Soap. I personally own a bar of this awesome soap, but can't seem to get it dislodged from my nose (I look pretty funny). I'm amazed at the talent and awesome swirls in her soap...looks good enough to eat.

What an awesome surprise when Witchy Woman sent me a bar of her Chocolover's Milk Soap made with Goatsmilk.

Chocolate and soap ~ this cow is doing the happy dance! Be sure to stop by The Copper Cauldron and give her shop a little love.

TurDuck...Tee Hee....

Living with a hunter you never know what will end up in the kitchen and be required to fix for a Holiday meal. I can remember several years ago when hubby brought home a wood duck from a hunt. He was delighted with his catch and insisted the duck be cooked for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Now, if you've never seen a wood duck dressed out, you might be surprised to know that they are not exactly the largest bird. To compare the size, this one dressed out about the size of a cornish hen. There was no way this little, I mean, LARGE duck would feed the masses for Thanksgiving Dinner. Hubby suggested we tuck the duck inside the turkey to roast. Perfect fit!

Family started to arrive, my mother helped me put the final touches on the big feast. Hubby was raving and bragging about his wonderful prized catch to the family. The time came to carve the beast, but first the duck had to be removed....hubby's pride and joy. He reaches inside the cavity of the turkey and reveals his prized catch.

Coming from a family of non-hunters, they were just as shocked as I was over the "large" size of this duck. My mother started laughing and asked "Did you remember to pull the pacifier out of its mouth before you shot him?" The room errupted into laughter, and it's a good thing hubby has a great sense of humor about him.

Laughter always seems to be key to any family gathering. It doesn't matter what we eat around the table for Thanksgiving, or any other family gathering, the laughter with loved ones around the table is the best part. Even silly TurDuck stories from years gone past.

Lovin' Your Feet Gift Set

This is a very yummy Foot Lovin' Gift Set. Smells every bit as yummy as it looks (but we don't advise eating this). After scrubbing the rough spots on your feet with our loofah soap, slather the rich goodness of the yummy parfait on your feet for a refreshing and moisturizing experience.


The Lotion Parfait is chock full of skin loving goodies and layered with aloe vera gel. This set is bursting with the essence of Rosemary Mint ~ the perfect union of mint and rosemary creating a minty herbal scent that is highly aromatic and invigorating.

Hurry on over to our shop before they are all gone.

Holiday Gift Basket Sets

Currently available in Energy or Lemongrass ~ more to follow in the coming days. Subscribe to our shop RSS feed and you will be one of the first to know when something new is added to our shop.

Lucky Winner Chosen

Ashley picked the winner for me this morning It's....

~ Leslie from Unique Charms~

Congratulations!!! Leslie ~ Please send me your address to "joyful_1963 at Yahoo dot com" and we'll send your soap right out to you!

Last Chance

When I get up tomorrow morning I'll be selecting the winner for my blog giveaway. Wanna see what it's all about and how you can enter? Click here.

WOOT WOOT ~ IT'S PARTY TIME AGAIN!!!

Ms. Moo has her party hat on and celebrating...

Today we hit 300 sales in our Etsy store so that means another giveaway! WOOT WOOT!!! Post a comment on this blog post and you are IN the drawing. On Saturday morning, November 15, I'll be drawing out the winner and contacting them. I've got some delicious new soaps to give away...A bar of each of the following:

Candy Cane Soap

Gingerbread Soap

Sneak Attacks at The Handmade Movement ~ A Treasury

There's nothing more rewarding than being a sponsor for a Sneak Attack taking place on Etsy. What is a Sneak Attack? At an appointed time and date, a relatively undiscovered shop on Etsy is revealed and shoppers make their way over to buy, buy, buy. The shop owner is taken by surprise, and watch as sales come piling in. Phippsart started the Sneak Attacks and formed The Handmade Movement. I have been fortunate to have been a sponsor and plan to do it again. Today Winemakerssister, a recent Sneak Attack Host, created a beautiful treasury as a tribute to recent Sneak Attack victims and hosts.

November 2008 ~ Etsyblogger of the Month ~ Storybeader

Not only does Storybeader create beautiful jewelry, she also writes a story to accompany each piece. This is one of my favorites:

“Doves Rising”

The young woman looked
Out the tipi towards the white
Doves and rising sun.
- Deborah Baroff, the Storybeader

Native Americans face their tipi to the east. This way, when a person first goes out in the morning, they will be greeted by the sun.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Deb was one of the first Etsybloggers to greet and make me feel a welcome part of the team. She is very deserving of being named Etsyblogger of the Month. In addition to her wonderful shop, Deb also keeps an awesome blog ~ Stroll Through Storyland that you really must check out!

~~~*Veteran's Day Sale*~~~

☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:VETERAN'S DAY SALE:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆

SPOTTED COW SOAPS is having a big sale....

Good November 11 Until 5 AM Eastern Time Wednesday, November 12

·:*¨¨*:·.THE.·:*¨¨*:·.MORE.·:*¨¨*:·.YOU.·:*¨¨*:·.SPEND.·:*¨¨*:·.
·:*¨¨*:·.THE.·:*¨¨*:·.MORE.·:*¨¨*:·.YOU.·:*¨¨*:·.SAVE.·:*¨¨*:·.

10% Off purchases up to $19.99 (Before shipping; Custom Orders not included)
15% Off purchases $20.00 - $29.99 (Before shipping; Custom Orders not included)
20% Off purchases over $30.00 (Before shipping; Custom Orders not included)

Soap, Toiletries and Bath Accessories all Handcrafted in the heart of the Vermont. 100% Pure and Natural the way Mother Nature intended it to be!

Sale Discount will be calculated before shipping and cannot be combined with any other discounts and does not apply to custom orders.

*•-:¦:-•Free Sample with every order.
*•-:¦:-•We can fit up to 8 bars of soap in a flat rate envelope.
*•-:¦:-•We will combine shipping fees and will refund the difference.
*•-:¦:-•We do ship Internationally


Please mention "Veteran's Day Sale" in comments on order to receive discount. When you are ready to check out, simply pay for your order and we'll refund discount via Pay Pal. OR, if you prefer, wait for a revised invoice before paying. Just let us know if you want a revised invoice in comments on order. Happy Shopping ~ Your Skin Will Thank You!

☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆

Spotted Cow's Cranberry Madness

Cranberry Garland Bath Salts ~ Stocking Stuffer Size

Cranberry Garland Whipped Sugar Scrub

Cranberry Garland Soap

Five Months

Showing off my daughter's growing belly...

Feature in Storque Article Today

The discovery that my Kitchen Soap has been featured in a Storque Article on Etsy sent shivers down my spine. I am deeply touched, and delighted to say the least.

Snowman Fixins

I just love primitive decor. Particularly at Christmas. To me there's something magical about Christmas decorations that are or look old fashioned. These Snowman Fixins are just too cute! They are created by the talented artist behind Skunk Hollow Country Store. Her store is chock full of all sorts of great primitive items. You've just got to see for yourself!

Skunk Hollow Country Store is a fellow artisan on the The Artisans Shoppe that was launched on November 1, 2008 ~ just in time for the Holidays.

The Artisan Shoppe Launches

30 Artisans of quality and diverse genre.
The Artisans Shoppe

Cranberry Garland Dead Sea Salts ~ Great Stocking Stuffer Size!

Cranberry Garland is THE hot fragrance going out of my shop the past couple weeks. These Dead Sea Bath Salts are a companion to the Cranberry line in my shop and come packaged in perfect portions for single use bathing ~ the perfect size and presentation for those stocking stuffer needs. Keep watch for more Cranberry companions as they make their way to our shop this week.

Senior Pictures

There was some debate over which one to choose. These were taken way back in July. I'm just getting around to posting them~ but only because we are on a serious deadline to get the digital image submitted for her Yearbook page.

This is the image I selected. It also happens to be the same image that Tony, Ashley's boyfriend, liked the best. So we did the main package with this image, but only because the boyfriend sided with me. :)


This is the image Ashley & my hubby wanted so badly. I love the picture, and would have loved to purchase it in color. BUT, Ashley was in love with the black and white and hubby loved the way she looked in the picture. To me black and white is so old fashioned!


In the end, Ashley ended up with a bunch of wallets because she had obtained names and addresses of fellow classmates for the photographer. As her reward, she was given the wallets in the pose she wanted so badly. So, in the end we both won.

The photographer ~ Janet Osha Miller ~ does outstanding work. Even when we lived in the midwest, she had taken some family photos when we would come out this way for a visit. The photo shoots included both indoor and outdoor photos. The images are presented on CD that she sets to music...brings a tear to any mother's eye when you finally get to preview the images. She includes that CD with the proof booklet that you get to keep...forever! With over 100 photos to choose from, it's a miracle we could narrow our selection down to just two!

October Etsyblogger of the Month

This month's Featured Etsyblogger is Jen from Mama's Magic Studio and Baby Friendly Beads." . I love this set of Fraternal Earrings that she has listed on Mama's Magic Studio.

Jen's description ~ like fraternal twins… not identical, but definitely a pair! She has named this pair after the famous feminist quote: “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.” How fun!

How cool is this newest addition to Baby Friendly Beads." .

The colors are soothing and reminds me of a lifesaver candy. What a great idea to keep baby from pinching during breastfeeding!

Jen says, "I am the Mama in Mama's Magic Studio. I'm also a published poet, an aspiring children's book author, a proud SAHM, and a maker of beautiful things, including Baby Friendly Beads." She has a great blog to read so stop on over and say Hi ~ Mama's Magic.

Sneak Attack Successful!

What an awesome experience to sponsor such a successful event. I could not have done it without the help of my Etsyblogger and Vermont Made friends.

Last night, just before 7 PM, I had the pleasure of sending a quick convo message to Joooles Design, indicating "THIS IS YOUR LUCKY DAY!" along with details about the sneak attack. She had 36 items in her shop with no sales. In less than 20 minutes 13 of those items had sold and by this morning she is up to 33 sales. AWESOME!!!

This is what I bought in the Sneak Attack. I am absolutely in love with her Orange Boy.



Sneak Attacks are ongoing. If you would like to see what it is all about, participate in one, or perhaps even sponsor an Attack, visit Handmade Movement. Ooooo...and did I mention that they have ongoing contests on that site? What are you still reading my blog for? Get over there and enter already!!!

Sneak Attack on Etsy

When I opened my shop on Etsy I knew sales were not going to come pouring in right off the bat. It was going to take hard work and dedication to make that first sale and every sale thereafter. That is the realistic dreams about owning an online shop.

Secretly, however, most shop owners (myself included) dream of waking up or coming home to a staggering number of multiple sales, or a near empty shop.

Different sponsors scour Etsy to locate a shop that has little to no sales in their shop. Then, at the appointed date and time, after hours of promotion about the attack, the unsuspecting shop owner is notified of the Sneak Attack mere minutes before fellow Etsians pounce and shop in the Attackee's shop.

Tonight at 7 PM EST I am sponsoring a Sneak Attack on a wonderful fellow Etsian who could definitely use a boost in their shop sales. To read more about Sneak Attacks, and to see shops that have previously been the victims of an attack, please visit The Handmade Movement. A link to my discussion thread about the attack will be posted on The Handmade Movement site as soon as it is started in the Etsy forum. Come join me for the discussion and help to promote this wonderful cause by clicking here.

And the Winner Is.....

CONGRATULATIONS TO....
Lucky Commenter #38 - Marigold!
She happened upon my blog via one of her favorite portals to the crafting world, Everything Up Close. I'm always interested to learn how readers find my blog because Google alerts isn't necessarily very reliable in notifying me when someone links to my blog. Marigold will be receiving this basket of bath fizzies:


Marigold found the Chocoholics Unite Whipped Sugar Scrub to be her favorite item from my shop. As a special Thank You for taking the time to visit my shop, I'll be including a jar of this delightful pampering treat as well!


I wish I could have sent a basket of goodies to everyone that took the time to stop by my shop for a visit. Rest assured, with the Holiday's coming upon us, I'll be finding more reasons to celebrate, I'm sure! Keep checking back for more opportunities.

Blog Giveaway Winner Chosen

Details coming shortly.......

Hubby's Moose

I realize that everyone does not embrace hunting. My husband is an avid hunter and was thrilled to have had his name drawn in the Moose Lottery this year. It has been a life dream of his to go on a Moose hunt. Second day of the first season his hunting adventure was a success. Just before 6 PM my technology disadvantaged husband in an attempt to save the image of his moose to his cell phone accidentally sent a text and image to me. Now I, this technology disadvantaged cell phone user, can't figure out how to get the image off the phone and on the computer so we took photos at home when he finally made it home this evening. I'm great on the computer, these cell phones and text messaging capabilities is something new to be discovered.

What are the chances that our son would also draw a tag for second season. This will not be Josh's first Moose hunt, he took a cow moose 4 years ago with his first Moose Tag. If their hunt is a success, we will not keep this second moose as Josh has invited one of his closest friends and his father to go with him on his hunt with the goal of them keeping the moose. Due to sticky state hunting regulations, hubby cannot hunt with Josh.

Oooo La La......

Vanilla Whipped Sugar Scrub

Chocoholics Unite Whipped Sugar Scrub

It's Time to Celebrate!

I'm celebrating for two reasons this week...I hit 175 sales in my shop, and my graduation today. I've got a basket of bath fizzies in assorted scents just screaming for a new home. Here's the deal...visit my Etsy shop and post the link to your favorite item in my shop right here in the comments on this post. On Monday, October 20 I will draw one lucky winner from all qualifying comments.

Thank you for looking at my shop...I look forward to your responses.

I Did It!