As a Plus Size woman, there’s no reason to shy away from Slim or Skinny jeans. They can be a compliment to your outfit. It’s all about knowing when and how to wear!
Stumble Upon (SU) is a wonderful social bookmarking tool that if used effectively, can be of great benefit. It is your way of both bookmarking a page you like – maybe a recipe, fun shopping site, or how-to social media post – and a way of announcing to the SU world that “this post/site rocks and you don’t want to miss it.” SU can also be an effective tool to drive huge amounts of traffic to a particular post very quickly with effects lasting for days even weeks.
Using Stumble Upon effectively can boost both your profile and the posts / sites you stumble.
Set up your account. Then get ready to Stumble! It is easiest to use the SU toolbar that can be downloaded. You stay logged in have the buttons right there if you want to use them. This saves having to log in to the site each time you come across something you like.
Once you find that post or site is there a way to more effectively utilize SU? Use it the right way and you are on your way to becoming a Power Stumbler (someone who uses it often and on a regular basis) and a stumble by you will hold more weight than those of newer users.
Three ways to use Stumble Upon and become a Power Stumbler
Discoveries: You hit the thumbs up and you are the first person to Stumble this site. This is a discovery for you. The more discoveries you make, the more effective each of your stumbles become. When you discover a post, you will be asked if it’s safe for work (i.e. not porn) and you will be asked for a topic and some tags. Then you are asked to review…something short is fine, your first impressions, a synopsis, or even the first couple of lines from the story.
Thumbs Up or Down: You hit the Thumbs Up on the toolbar. If this has been stumbled before, then you will be asked for no other action. Your Thumbs Up or Down has registered on their page as a like or dislike. Do this anytime you like a site or post. It’s a quick and easy way to give recognition and improve your SU status.
Reviews: If you hit the “info” button on the toolbar, you can write a review, even if it isn’t your discovery. I recommend reviewing whenever you can.
Which is better to do? My experience has been that having a review done of my posts is what drives the traffic and the more reviews done the better. If you really want to draw attention to a post, give a brief review. A simple “Thumbs Up” is not as effective. Receive several reviews and in particular ones by big Stumblers and traffic may come in the hundreds or thousands. If you can get a lot of people to “Thumbs Up” your post, this is beneficial as well.
How do you get people to stumble? The best way is to make the “Stumble Button” visible and at the end of each post. Make it easy to find. I like the plug-in Sociable as it allows me to customize what is shown.
Look for cute social media icons that you can put in your sidebar to attract attention.
NO-NO’s – Stumble Upon is a social community, don’t abuse it
It is not cool and can violate SU’s terms of service if you blatantly ask for stumbles in your post or on twitter. I see many people do this in contest posts for extra entries and this may get your account closed by SU. It is also not cool to just stumble one or two people only and have them stumble you back. Again, you can get reprimanded. It’s ok to submit a few of your own sites, but this is also frowned upon. Best not to do it at all or just do it infrequently. This is a social bookmarking site. I use it to bookmark sites I want to visit again or remember to share. It’s fine to promote your friend’s sites, but make sure that’s not the only thing you are doing and the only reason you are involved. Ends up doing no good and could hurt you in the end.
There is so much more to this, and information can be found on the SU site. The best way to learn is to get involved and start using the system. You will find it fun and learn more about the fun sites on the web. Enjoy and let me know how it goes!!
THEY are stopping by. You need a dish quickly. It’s always great to have something on hand so you can whip an appetizer up for those friends who drop by WITHOUT THE REQUIRED 2 HOUR NOTICE….
Thanks to Heinz Chili Sauce and Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce, I’m going to be prepared!!
Mom Central recently introduced me to an awesome recipe that is so easy to make and have ingredients on hand. Good enough for a meal too!
*note, I made my own meatballs, cause I like them better*
The Ultimate Party Meatball
The recipe is…
Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.
With Slow cooker: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.
Makes about 30 appetizer servings
There’s more to see… visit http://ultimatepartymeatballs.com/
Thinking about the holidays already? I know! It’s already time to deck the halls people! That means time to get the perfect photo shot for the family photo card. And if you are thinking about making the card yourself, you don’t even need a creative side to make the cutest holiday photo cards. Creative Memories has done all the work for you.
Their line of pre-made holiday cards are as easy as drag and drop! You place your photos into their pre-made designs right there online, add personalized text, and you are ready to purchase. Nothing could be easier, and there are designs to suit all tastes and styles from classic to whimsical. Check out their great selection of holiday photo cards.
Interested in showing your own creative side in your photo cards? You will want to consider the Storybook Creator Plus 3 Software software where you can create your own 4×8 cards that you can then order online at the Creative Memories Digital Center. Here you can start with a blank canvas and create a one of a kind piece of photo art that your family and friends will love!
I know what you’re thinking, I’m going to crop my head on something for the card…you are PROBABLY RIGHT!!
And have fun later with the software creating scrapbook pages of your holiday festivities!
Remember, all the Creative Memories photo cards include envelopes! So get started today! Creative Memories photo card pricing is very comparable to many other online photo card companies. Order extras, because you are going to want to keep one or several for you! And if I really have your creative juices flowing, check back here after January 1, because I will be showcasing some fabulous Valentine ideas!
This post is a part of a promotional campaign for Creative Memories by Blissful Media! My opinions?.. always my own, pinky swear…
I’m participating with some pretty awesome bloggers, *AHEM* in Toy Tuesday blogger campaign by Bill Me Later. People will have the chance to win $250 gift cards to the Toy Tuesday participating stores…a different blogger has a contest each day…
….and more details about the campaign and some fun stuff in store for the winners…but you’ll have to wait until the posts to up to see!
These are the fabulous bloggers that are participating!!!
- November 27th – Ellen Seidman – Love That Max
- November 28th – Cassidy Engle – First Time Around Blogger
- November 29th – Elizabeth – A Nut in a Nutshell
- November 30th – Linsey B. Knerl – Lille Punkin Reviews
- December 1st – Carissa Rogers – Good N Crazy
- December 2nd – ME, Linda Sellers – Short Pump Preppy
- December 3rd – Kim Becker – Mommy Knows
- December 4th – Jodi Grundig – Moms Favorite Stuff
- December 5th – Laurie Turk – Tip Junkie
- December 6th – Briana – Bargain Briana
- December 7th - Lana Barhum – Lovin’ It, Lovin It & Examiner.com
- December 8th – Elizabeth Edwards – Table 4 Five
Book mark this page and the Toy Tuesday site. Enter on each blogger’s site on their day and see what they have in store for you!
You may recall my giveaway for the Popcorn Factory a few weeks ago. I have another fun giveaway from them, this time a big assortment of tasty treats. You can find snack packs that make a great gift for those who live far away, or just as a fun snack to have at your home for the holidays.
And aren’t these tins cool too? Something fun to keep afterward!
Of course having a horse named Frosty we are always collecting snowman stuff.
Cookies, popcorn, popcorn balls, chocoalte and more…this treat has a huge assortment of goodies.
There is a whole category on Snacks For Students. I’m keeping this in mind for College Girl and her roomies.
And the Towers look like great gifts to send that boss or family member that you are scratching your head trying to figure out…
And now you can personalize your messages for just $4.99. See the Popcorn Factory site for details.
Enter now to win this Popcorn Snowman Snack Assortment pictured above.
All you have to do is tell me what product at the Popcorn Factory is tops on your yum yum factor
Extra Entries for-and leave a separate comment for EACH one you do.
Subscribing to this blog
Somehow promoting this post on FB, twitter, blog…however you want! Your choice. Go to town and do them all! Just leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do….
This contest is open to US residents 18+ and is over December 11, at 8pm et.
product received for review, and all opinions are my own, pinky swear
I know I said there were things I was grateful that weren’t all about chocolate.
OK, I’m grateful for chocolate too. You woudn’t believe this fortune cookie I got…from Fancy Fortune Cookies.
GIANT…LOVE IT.You can order personalized fortunes for it too. This would make a great gift for the holidays, or to celebrate an engagement or anniversary…something where you are wishing good luck…
They have regular sized flavored fortune cookies, and regular sized chocoalte dipped as well. So many varieties, you need to check them out for yourself. I love the novelty. We’ve already ordered a second! That will be a SGIBIA post coming up!
Who has kids who love to build? Girls and boys love to make believe and using toys to build and create is so much fun! We have always had tons of K’NEX products for the kids to play with. Granted they are older now, but there is always someone at my house who needs something to occupy their time. I know with K’NEX, I’ve got a good quality, imagination triggering toy for them to use.
And they have products for all ages. These Sesame Street K’NEX are for ages 2-5 while the 400 Piece Value tub is for ages 7+. You can find at all the big stores like Target, Toys R Us, Walmart…
I made something NOT ON THE BOX, thus showing my skillz. Ok, I had someone make it for me. She’s younger and smarter than I am.
And the box of 400 pieces is huge, and as shown has plenty of room for your other K’NEX. We LOVE storage!!
Yes it’s 400 little pieces, and a cool book of things you can make.
Oh and this…
K’NEX is also holding a Make a K’NEXion contest. Now you and your readers have the chance to win over $1,000 worth of K’NEX Toys and be featured on the KNEX.com web site. How? Make a video and include select K’NEX products. The possibilities are endless. Construct your own story or showcase your child’s K’NEX building skills – use your imagination!
The 10 best videos will be featured on KNEX.com and the winning video will receive $1,000 worth of K’NEX Toys.
Official Rules are available at www.KNEX.com. Ends December 7th, 2009 and you must be 18 years or older.
This product was provided for review by K’NEX and Team Mom.
Looking for gift ideas? If you can’t make the treats to send to loved ones or maybe aren’t up to the task this year then I’ve got some ideas for some great places to have a tasty treat delivered right to their door.
I mean who doesn’t love food?
The Popcorn Factory offers Big Snow design tins ($24.99-$39.99), Cheryl&Co. Buttercream Frosted Brownies ($28.95 – $65.95) and Fannie May a truffle assortment gift box ($17.99-$25.99).
I got a chance to sample all 3. (Yes I love my life too) We have always been a fan of the Popcorn Factory assortments. And we all 3 like something different, I’m buttered, Cute and Sassy is cheese and the Big Guy goes for the caramel. Good stuff.
The truffels were the next biggest hit, until the dog ate the last one…yes he got something off the table AGAIN – he’s got stretch paws or something…and we paid the price with an overly hyper dog…and worried all night about him, but that’s a different post all together.
The brownies?…well Cute and Sassy says they are good. I DID NOT GET ONE…but that’s ok. Make sure you refrigerate them or something if it’s warm outside…they come a little soft if it’s a nice sunny day and the ups man leaves them on your doorstep. But each one is individually wrapped, so they would be nice for stockings too!
Happy Holidays, and eat fun and eat happy!!
Classy Clara the twitter social media icon beautifully framed to beautify your blog
Classy Clara is a pearl wearing, hair curling twitter birdie. She loves to tweet the day and night away. Besides the occasional scotch on the rocks, she has no bad habits, and loves her kids and great dane.
Oh and she’s free. Not easy…just free. She’s yours to enjoy on your blog or twitter page, but not for commercial use…
Just right click (if you have an apple i have no idea what YOU do) and save as .png to your comp. Give her a good home!
Want something for the holidays? Here you go! Holly, snow and stuff like that…all for you. Because I get bored and need to Photoshop and Picnik!
enjoy! check back for more fun with Classy Clara!
