Tuesday, December 30, 2008

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!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

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.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

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

Sunday, December 21, 2008

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.



Friday, December 19, 2008

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!

Monday, December 15, 2008

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.

Friday, December 12, 2008

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.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

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!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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!~

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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

Sunday, December 7, 2008

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.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

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.

Monday, December 1, 2008

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.