New Format!

Wow! The blog has really grown over the past few months with a lot of new features and additions! With that in mind, I thought that it would be a great idea to organize the blog for reader ease! So, with that in mind, I have broken down some of the routine features into individual pages- I think this will make manuevering on the blog much more functional and fun! You can get to just what you want without muddling through posts that you have either already read or are not interested in! So, the Share the Love Feature has its own page- Features- you can get to it by clicking on the "Features" link under the Pages heading at the left sidebar (second section down).

Also, we have talked about the mini market page for my handmade seller friends! I am still anxious to get this underway! For more visibility and more functionality- the Mini market will also have its own page- Remember, the mini market is totally free and just a way for us to help each other out with promotions! I will post one of your widgets on the page and promote the page as a mini marketplace. Readers can link directly to your store by clicking on the widget. Most marketplaces offer a mini store option- so if you use Winkelf, Etsy, or Artfire just go to your mini store tab, Rapid Cart tab, window tab, etc. and copy the code. Then email the code to me at Mommytyme70@yahoo.com with "mini market" in the subject line! I will let you know when you are up and running!

Also, for my selling friends- I often provide you with links, free traffic services, promotional tools, etc. These can now be found on their own page! Again, just for ease of use. You can link directly to that page simply by clicking on the link under the Pages heading.

For my shoppers and viewers- I have created a What's New page for all of the latest Mommy Tyme creations and a page of all of Mommy Tyme Gifts market outlets! Enjoy and please let me know if there are any shopping difficulties with these links.

Finally, the joy of Ning and social networking! I have set up a page of all the hot spots that Mommy Tyme participates in. I often get requests to send invitations for Ning networks or the facebook fan page link, etc. Now you can find all these great places in one spot. Just click on any of the icons or badges and you can sign up!

So, let me know if this system and lay out works better, is more confusing- etc!

Whats New with Mommy Tyme...

Wow!  this has been a really great week for Mommy Tyme Gifts!  Several cool things are going on...

First, Mommy Tyme is featured on Inspiration Avenue this week as an Introduction.  I am so excited about being part of this new group of Etsy sellers!  Amazing ideas, creativity and team work is found there- and I would like to show off the Inspiration Avenue Blog !!! So , check out the link or button below and go directly to the blog!  There are weekly contests, items from the Inspiration Avenue Store, and an array of information any handmade lover will not want to miss!
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com


Second... I wanted to show off the latest additions to the Mommy Tyme shop!  I have put together some set options for scent layering, getting the most out of your shipping costs, and gift ideas!  Plus, a few new crochet jewelry items I am really excited about!


handmade gifts from Mommy Tyme Bath and gifts!  Visit www.mommytyme.org and find all the great shopping links, ordering information and more!

 The facebook fan page contest is up and running!  Take a moment to check it out, see these great handmade entrants- and vote for your fav!  These fantastic items are a Must See!  Really!  So, you can vote for your choice of winner at
http://www.mommytyme.org/untitled1.html


I also just opened a new contest you do not want to miss out on...  You can find out more at http://www.mommytyme.org/untitled1.html

Customer Appreciation Days at Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts!  4 Random customers or email subscribers will be chosen to recieve one of the following:

10% off coupon
20% off coupon
Free Lavender Butter Bath Bar
Free Natural Sweet Pea Sugar Scrub (1.7 ounces)

What do you do?  Just sign up!  No purchase necessary!
http://signup.vpweb.com/ValeriePoling/signup.html.


Oh, yes.... I almost forgot!  Lately I have been finding some fantastic blogs in the handmade arena that I can only tweet and share so much... I would love to Reblog entries so my readers can see them, too!  This will give you a little more exposure and maybe a few new readers!  If you are interested in sharing some of your blog entries with my readers and participate in Zemanta or Reblog- just leave your blog url here!  It will only post a short paragraph from your blog, but enough to give the reader an idea of your post and the link!  So, if you are interested, just leave your blog url here- and I will share some of your fantastic ideas and links with Mommys Reviews Readers!

Facebbok Fan Page First Ever Contest- Sweetest Sweet for Your Sweety!

Check out the great contestants for the Sweets for Your Sweety Contest on the Mommy Tyme Facebook Fan Page!  wow!  Beautiful gift ideas... Need the shopping 411?  All entries left their URL's and shop information with their postings!  check them out on the fan page!


To vote- Visit http://www.mommytyme.org/untitled.html

New! New! New!

Ok, well I have a few different things I want to talk about this week...


First:  If you have not entered the Facebook Fan Page Challenge, there is a very short time left!  It is so easy, and it only benefits you... Just go to the fan page, become a fan!  Then in the share box, add your photo and shop URL!  If you want to add details about your entry, go right ahead... The fan page is for everyone to share and add their items to!  It is open for crafters, artists, handmade of all mediums!  Your hands had to help create the end result is the only catch!  I would love to see you there!

Mommy Tyme Bath and Unique Gifts on Facebook

Second, Squidoo... What is Squidoo you ask?  Wow!  I found this a year back, but never messed with it!  However, I really see the potential now!  It is a fantastic tool to use for all your shops, URL's, blogs, etc!  It is a seperate web location where you can add all of your many venues and it will refer your readers!  See the idea?  You can publish parts of your blog, post your shop, post your items, etc.... Similar to a Ning but without all the groups (but there are lens organizations you can join!)  I am not sure which came first, the Squid or the Ning... but they are both fantastic means by which to promote and share your craft with others.  Squidoo is more individualized, but it really has the forethought to expand and open opportunities for you!  Your etsy can feed directly to your squidoo, your blog feed can be added, you can even add the Squid this to your toolbar and as you float around on the web finding great spots, you can click the tab and share with your readers!  So, if you do not have a squidoo- I suggest you get one!  Then add the URL here!  I will add it to my link list and tweet it for you!  Get you some readers!  We will talk more about all the cool things you can do there in the upcoming weeks (I am still learning!)

Ok, so when you are ready to  sign up for Squidoo (and it is totally free!) go here: 
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/MommyTyme

Then comment with your link so I can get busy!


Next... Some people had commented a while back when I first threw out the idea of the Mini Market here on the blog... Ok, the idea is simply that you can put your etsy, winkelf, or artfire mini here on my blog!  I will keep it up for about a month, and do a feature on you to share all the fantastic items in your shop!  That is all there is to it!  Is it free?  Well, heck yes!  It is all about helping one another out!  I would hope that in return, you could post the link to the blog on your blog, site, etc to help promote me!  That is it!  You do have to send me your code to you mini, though. 

Features.... Oh, I think they are a fantastic idea!  I love to pursue the handmade!  Most of you know I believe strongly in supporting the arts and helping one another!  So, my pursuit series has been lacking some the past few weeks... I am ready to get busy!  Coming this weekend is a fantastic artisan!  I cant give it away, but hope you stay tuned and come back to check her out!  If you would like me to pursue your shop or URL, just comment and leave me the info!  I will let you know when you are about to be posted!

Finally... I wanted to share a few new items I have been working on.. Open for ideas for improvement, what you think, comments...

I have been working on a new jewelry line I call Junk to jewels!  Here is one of the new pieces for this collection- it is a 37" black thread lariat with beads, and rings.  One of the rings is actually a stitch marker (You know how you only need one, but you have to buy a pack of 6?)  the silver ring is the end off of a piece of chain that I used for something else, and the beads are stragglers...

So....

I have this one for sale at my Etsy http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com

Oh... I almost forgot!  dont forget to check out the latest Share the Love!  It is Tuesday, so I have a new Artist to expose!

Facebbok Fan Page First Ever Contest- Sweetest Sweet for Your Sweety!

If you have not had a chance to check it out, I am so excited about the new contest we are running on the Mommy Tyme Facebook Fan Page!  if you have not seen my ads for this, then really, you should stop by and add your item!  It's one entry per person, you MUST be a fan of the page, but really... That is the only catch!  Just post your picture of your item, a link to your shop, and your email or contact for me!  Thats it!  Oh, deadline for posting is 2/1!  I will put all the photos and shops together in a scrapbook style page, post it on facebook, the fan page, my blogs, and my website!  I will also give you all the code, if you want to post it!  We will all vote (and guests can vote,too!  so get your family and friends involved!) for the Sweetest Sweet for your Sweety!  The winner receives a cute little mini bath box I created with handmade mini bath bars, lip balms, and solid all natural fragrance!  Hope you enjoy, and just in time for Valentines Day... So check out the facebook posting at the top of this page, click on Fan, and come in to join the fun!

http://www.facebook.com/MommyTyme?ref=name#/pages/Mommy-Tyme-Bath-and-Unique-Gifts/87968482686?ref=mf
For those who do not create or sell handmade items... That is ok!  Jump on in and see the fantastic items people are listing!  Wow, there is some gorgeous jewelry, great scarves, and so much more... You can help us find the sweetest gift by voting!

Few freebies you might be interested in...

I wanted to give you all a few freebies I found on the web this week! Some involve a quick survey, but not too time consuming! let me know if any of the links do not work for you!

Free Kool Aid
http://www.favoriteconsumerbrands.com/?config=6630&src=WC-182232aaa:232233:

Free sample of Surf Detergent!
http://www.surf.com/laundry_tips/send_tips.php

Free Starbucks Coffee 3 Pack! Yummy...
https://whathub.com/outreach.html

See these Great Find, Articles, and giveaways you don't want to miss!

Get a free Burger if you visit McDonalds in costume...

http://www.mcdonalds.com/

Free Aquafresh toothpaste coupon...
http://www.aquafresh.com/Savings.aspx

Free 2Pk of Special Needs Diapers
http://www.especialneeds.com/diaper-request.php

Free Books and Audio Books!
Over 300 to choose from!

http://www.freebookclub.biz/fiction6.html

Hey, Looking for free advertising for your blog, site, shop, or really just about anything? check out the contest I have going on right Now at Mishaps of Mommy located at http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com

You can win free banner, link, avatar advertising PLUS one of my Giant 5ounce butter bath bars!

Also, check out the new look at Mommy's Tyme shopping page! Super new deals when you are shopping handmade!
http://www.mommytyme.org/testimonials.html

Visit http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com for A Contest/drawing! Win free advertising for one month and a great gift!

For 2 weeks I am doing a drive to get more subscribers here at Mishaps of Mommy! I love to help promote, and I want to share all the tips and tricks I learn along the way with you...
So, Here is what is up for grabs....

I will give you one month Front page advertising on my website at http://www.mommytyme.org Banner and link
I will give you one month advertising on my Spotlight page (avatar and link) at http://www.mommytyme.org/contact.html
I will give you avatar size free advertising on my blog at http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com
Plus, check out any of my shops, pick one free giant bath bar and I will send that to your free! You won, so celebrate and relax!
check out the shops at:
http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com
http://fuzzb.com/MommyTyme
http://www.MommyTyme.winkelf.com
http://shophandmade.com/MommyTyme


Here is what you have to do:
1. Subscribe to the blog here at Mishaps
2. Comment on what type of promoting, ideas, tips or tricks you need help with...

That is it! One free entry!
Want extra entries?

1. Follow me on facebook
2. Tweet this contest
3. Visit my shops and comment on which of the soaps you will choose
4. Subscribe to my other blog at
http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com
5. Sign the guestbook at my website http://www.mommytyme.org

For each of the above, comment that you have completed it here and you will get an extra entry. Tweet me more than once, blog about this contest more than once, mention it here and I will add extra entries for you!

Grab my banner at the bottom of the page and get 5 extra entries! Leave a link here of where you posted it!

Have fun! This is a win! win! situation!

Visit http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com to enter!

Reminding you all about the contest!

Go to http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com for more information!

Mommy Tyme Gifts ig going to join in the contest fun! I am always giving away something on the website, but I think this time I will post it to potential new fans and see what happens!

Up for grabs is 1 Extra Large handmade bath bar or butter bar in your choice of scents! You choose. Visit my shop at http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com and browse which item you would like! Then go to the blog and do the following:

Here is how to Enter:

1. Comment which product you would choose for the giveaway
2. Follow me on facebook (see the become a fan widget on this page)
3. Tweet the contest with a link to http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com (you can just copy and paste this in your twitter bar or use the share button in the sidebar)
4. Sign the guestbook at http://www.mommytyme.org

Want Extra entries:

Just blog about this contest on your blog-
Subscribe to my blog-

2 extra entries each for completing either of those options!

When you leave your comment please leave your link to twitter and your blog where I can see you shared the contest information (Plus, I will follow you back!)

Lets get going! Contest closes 10/10/09!!!

Give Away at Mommy Tyme!

So far, I have had some great responses... but, the contest is open until 10/10! So, keep tweeting, commenting, andmore! The more you hsare and comment, the more entries you have! That really increases your odds! Thanks for your participation, folks! I enjoy reviewing your "about me" on blogger, and finding your blogs! Wow! so many interesting and talented people I have met with one little old blog!


Mommy Tyme Gifts is going to join in the contest fun! I am always giving away something on the website, but I think this time I will post it to potential new fans and see what happens!

Up for grabs is 1 Extra Large handmade bath bar or butter bar in your choice of scents! You choose. Visit my shop at http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com and browse which item you would like!

Here is how to Enter:

1. Comment which product you would choose for the giveaway
2. Follow me on facebook (see the become a fan widget on this page)
3. Tweet the contest with a link to http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com (you can just copy and paste this in your twitter bar or use the share button in the sidebar)
4. Sign the guestbook at http://www.mommytyme.org

Want Extra entries:

Just blog about this contest on your blog-
Subscribe to my blog-

2 extra entries each for completing either of those options!

When you leave your comment please leave your link to twitter and your blog where I can see you shared the contest information (Plus, I will follow you back!)

Lets get going! Contest closes 10/10/09!!!

Hi all. I wanted to take a moment to share an email I received today- I realize this is a form email (so to speak), but it really, truly offended me. I belong to several social networks and I take time to read most of the invites, emails, etc. that I receive. Many time does not allow me to attend, but I do acknowledge the fact that my social network friends thought to invite me. I also read sales pitches and have been added to many vendors email lists. If it is something I am not interested in, I just delete it. I never send rude or hurtful mails back to people. I am a member of facebook, Yahoo, Twitter, etc. so I receive tons of mail. I also have my own webstie, 4 stores, and 3 blogs- so I expect a lot of mail. Today, however, I received the following:

"Hello Valerie,

This message serves as notification that you will not receive any more courtesy notices from our members for two days. Messages you have sent will remain in a lower priority queue for our member to review at their leisure.

Future messages will be more likely to be viewed if you are on our member's priority Guest List. "

Now, currently I do not belong to Boxbe, nor do I have the time or interest to set up an account. I feel as if I am being blackmailed into doing this, otherwise individuals will not receive my emails. I am unfamiliar with Boxbe, so could someone please enlighten me. Does the user have control over these settings? Is this the users choice? Or is it automatic? Do you think receiving messages like this are rude? Or am I overreacting? I am just curious on your thoughts...