Nuttin' But Pimp

Good Afternoon My Peeps!

Today, let us talk about swag. If you are unfamiliar with the term "swag" it quite literally means promotional merchandise, and it can include hats, t-shirts, and other assorted trinkets, and doodads. These items are usually given out for free in order to promote a company, brand, or even a special event.

Custom Hats like the one pictured above are a fun way to reward customers, or publicise an event. The hats are eye-catching, and the sky's the limit as to how creative you can get with them.

Above is another example in a different colour of the types of custom hats that can be printed up for you.

I had a look at the VistaPrint.co.uk website earlier on this afternoon (that is where the images you see above come from). The site is well designed, and easy for potential clients to navigate through. As well as the hats they have several other great promotional items that you can customise, and order.

I found that their prices are competitive, and they offer customers a safe, and secured online shopping experience. If you are in the market for swag surf on over, and check out their website, and current promotions!

Just picture one of these hats with the Nuttin But' logo .... coolio!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

My thanks to my sponsor.

I am currently re-reading the classic Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson

Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.

For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago.

Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?

Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final “class”: lessons in how to live.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world.

If you have not read it already you can grab a copy from my online bookshop for as little as $1.99 US. Just click on the link or image above.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Circa 1973, back in the day you couldn't say toilet, nor even show one! This commercial rawks!!! Makes me want to rush out and grab some Bowlene!

Enjoy!

Sue
XOX

Normally, I am nuttin' but pimp around here, but I wanted to share this with you my readers. I used to use products containing artificial sweeteners in order to control my weight, and in fact it did nothing positive for me. My diagnosis of Graves disease came hot on the heels of my diet kick where I cut out natural sugar all together for this crap. When I told my doctor about my dieting he told me to stopping ingesting anything with artificial sweetener in it immediately! I do genuinely feel better without it despite my thyroid condition that may or may not have been caused by aspartame.

"Consumers are not being told the entire truth about the long-term dangers of using artificial chemical sweeteners. Have you considered the fact that chemical sweeteners may be at the root of many unexplained disease symptoms that puzzle your doctor?

According to research referenced in the book, "giving sugar-free chemicals to your children or using them during pregnancy may be harmful to a child's emotional and physical maturation and to the normal development of a fetus."

Please stop using this product, and read Sweet Poison - The Book or check out the site for useful information on Aspartame poisoning, and how it is destroying the good health of millions! And very nearly my own....

Sue
XOX

I LOVE eBay!!!!

I sniped these really cute leather cowboy boots last night with 35 seconds to go in the auction.

Sweet!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For a list of the other Wordless Wednesday participants please click here.

According to the BBC Mohamed al Fayed has declared that Diana, Princess of Wales and his son Dodi Fayed were "murdered", as he gave evidence at their inquest.

It was among the first words he told the jury at the central London hearing.

He began by stating he would "make no allegations" and said he was simply declaring his beliefs about how the couple died.

But then he immediately told the court: "Princess Diana also told me personally before and during the holiday we shared in July 1997 of her fears.

"She told me that she knew Prince Philip and Prince Charles were trying to get rid of her."

Mr al Fayed insists the Paris car crash that killed Dodi, Diana and their driver, Henri Paul, on August 31, 1997 was the work of MI6 at the behest of the Duke of Edinburgh.

He claims that Diana was killed because she was pregnant with Dodi's child and about to become engaged to his son.

The Harrods boss also believes the Establishment could not accept an Egyptian Muslim as a stepfather to the future King of England.

These are definitely heavy charges, and not really anything new, but my heart has always gone out to Mohamed Al Fayed, and who knows.......

Rest in peace Dodi, and Diana.

Sue
XOX

Source: The Press Assoc.

Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use popular but powerful pain-relief patches.

The active ingredient could leak and result in potentially fatal reactions.

The skin patches are duragesic, sold by Janssen-Ortho, and ran fetanyl transdermal system patches made by Ranbaxy.

Both are being voluntarily recalled.

Source: 680 News

as this Pringles commercial with Brad Pitt demonstrates.....

I came across this ad while surfing for funny commercials via YouTube, and thought to myself damn I wish I lived in advertising land!

I don't know about you, but consuming a whole tube of Pringles would only serve to make me fat, and nasty!

With a body like that do you think he actually ever used this product????

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

"Two very special things about Mr. Potato Head: 1) he was the first toy to be advertised on television, and 2) he was the first toy that featured real produce. That's right the original toy came as a collection of eyes, ears, noses, a body and accessories that you'd "force" into a real potato. To be fair to Hasbro, Mr. Potato Head's creator, did include a styrofoam "potato" but it wasn't much fun.

In 1964 a molded plastic potato body became part of the toy. But back then, Mr. Potato Head also had friends including Carrots, Cucumbers, Oranges, Peppers and a love interest, Mrs. Potato Head. With Brother Spud and Sister Yam there was an entire Potato Head family, and all of the packaging carried the slogan "Lifelike Fruits Or Vegetables To Change Into Funny, Lovable Friends."

What's most amazing, however, is that Mr. Potato Head's appeal has garnered him many "spokespud" gigs.

In the American Cancer Society's annual "Great American Smokeout" campaign he handed his pipe to then Surgeon General C. Everett Koop and swore off the tobacco, he got up off the couch for the President's Council on Physical Fitness, and he even pitched in with the League of Women Voters for their "Get Out the Vote" initiative.

Of course, he's been involved in plenty of straight marketing campaigns, too: in 1997, he shilled for Burger King's "Try the Fry" introduction of their new French fries.

That said, our favorite thing about the spud is the sort of celebrity pull he has. After all, what other toy can claim they were voiced by Don Rickles?"

The above quote is actually a small portion of a very funny yet informative read entitled: Secrets behind your favorite toys over on American news site CNN. Naturally a headline like that insured it would be part of my morning reading.

Aside from the toy cult classic Mr. Potato Head the article discusses Erector Sets, Slinkys, and those baffling Lincoln Logs, remember those???? Gawd I'm getting old.....

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Hey my peeps! If you are stuck for a last minute Valentine gift idea here are a list of 10 products, and items that should suit just about every budget, and still show you care.

1. Bling-Bling!
2. Nice bottle of wine
3. Romantic CD
4. Box chocolates
5. Bouquet of flowers
6. Massage Oils
7. Candles
8. Book of love poetry
9. Romantic film
10. Perfume

Happy Shopping, and Happy Valentines Day!

Sue
XOX

This grandfather of all people-skills books was first published in 1937. It was an overnight hit, eventually selling 15 million copies. How to Win Friends and Influence People is just as useful today as it was when it was first published, because Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated. Financial success, Carnegie believed, is due 15 percent to professional knowledge and 85 percent to "the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people." He teaches these skills through underlying principles of dealing with people so that they feel important and appreciated. He also emphasizes fundamental techniques for handling people without making them feel manipulated. Carnegie says you can make someone want to do what you want them to by seeing the situation from the other person's point of view and "arousing in the other person an eager want." You learn how to make people like you, win people over to your way of thinking, and change people without causing offence or arousing resentment. For instance, "let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers," and "talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person." Carnegie illustrates his points with anecdotes of historical figures, leaders of the business world, and everyday folks.

You can grab a copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People for $7.99 US through my bookshop.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

American actress Kate Hudson arriving at this year's BAFTA awards. I LOVE the gold dress.

The BAFTA Film Awards, were held at the Royal Opera House in London.

Thanks for stopping!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For a list of the other Wordless Wednesday participants please click here.

Image Credit: BBC

It was with much sadness that I heard over the weekend that the famous Camden Market was on fire.

The blaze started in Camden Town's famous markets area on Saturday, and about 100 fire-fighters were reported to be at the scene.

Camden Market is well known to both Londoners, and tourists alike for having a great mix of products, and items to suit just about every taste, and pocketbook.

My thoughts go out to all of those business owners who have lost so much, and the people of Camden.

Sue
XOX

Is it me or....do you find this product...well...disturbing too?

I have no idea who manufactured this switch plate so don't ask. I came across it on this site whilst surfing the net this morning....and my coffee came very close to being spit out all over my screen.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Now this dude is what I call a winner! Apparently he has been entering contests since he was a child, and has an entire house full of the prizes he has one! I LOVE the photo above.

Here is a snippet from the news item hubby sent to me this morning:

Tom Wethern’s house brims with more prizes than the free-toy wing at the Cracker Jack factory. Two slanted-ceilinged trophy rooms on the third floor of the 100-year-old Lower Allston home more than live up to the billing. The right room — with space for only one person to enter at a time — is overflowing with cardboard boxes, all filled with years’ worth of spoils. The left room feels as though prizes are practically oozing from its walls: there’s a Schecter guitar signed by members of the Cure, an elaborate Super Soaker water gun called a Hydroblade, a radio-controlled car begging to be freed from its box, and T-shirts and hats strewn about like confetti.

Read The Full Article Here

The article really put a smile on my face, and has inspired me to enter a contest or two myself. Wish me lucks!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

According to an article I was reading earlier this afternoon, lenders in the United Kingdom are asking for tighter rules in order to combat fraud within their industry.

Commercial Mortgage and Residential Mortgage are at risk of being higher than the actual property value, which is very bad news for both borrowers, and lenders.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has stated that the concern comes from the uncertainty of the property market. This could lead developers to being less than honest with their offers of cash backs, vacations, free legal fees etc.

"The CML is the trade association for the industry of mortgage lending."

Hopefully these rules will be tightened, and perhaps this is something to consider when it comes to the US market as well.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Ford Models' Gelila incorporates flax seeds into her diet for healthier skin. Now I am not disputing this beauty tip, but I do believe Gelila would still be gorgeous whether she ingested this product or not!

I've also heard these seeds really make you toot!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Today I had the opportunity to check out a casino online, which I found to be quite a treat as I have not had the chance to visit many online casinos in the past.

Firstly the website itself is very well designed! It was a pleasure to surf through as every page is easily navigated to from the main one. Have a look at the screen shot here:

If you are a beginner or an online gaming veteran you should find something to suit your tastes from the wide variety of games being offered through the casino joyland has put together.

Luck is definitely a lady over at joyland casino with its hot promotions, and offers. You can get free cash just for signing up, earn through referrals etc. When you click on their linky above just surf on over to their promotions page for more details!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

You know how much I LOVE BOGO (buy one get one half off) at Payless Shoes!! Well here is a hot tip for you courtesy Kendra:

"Last week I was at payless, I have a relative that works for them. She said the next bogo is going to start 02/11/08!!!!"

How cool is that!!!!! I had a feeling they would launch a BOGO sale just before Valentine's Day!!! Mark February 11th on your calendars shoppers.

Thanks so much to Kendra for this hot, hot, tip!!! A girl can never have enough shoes!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Good morning my peeps!

Today I am having a look at Toronto Major League Search which endeavours to bring the best in T.O right to your computer screen via an easy to use search function.

Firstly, let me outline how simple it is to use this site. Just surf on over to the Toronto Major League Search site, and you will find two search boxes. The first one is where you plug in the type of establishment you are looking for. In my example below I used Japanese Restaurants. The second box is for a location if desired (this is optional) and I used Queen street.

Here is the result:

Pretty cool eh! The screen shows a detailed map of Japanese restaurants near Queen street. The list over to the right shows the top 10 out of my criteria (you can increase your results per page). You can click on one of the listings to the right, or you can click on one of the pincushions you see on the map for further details.

From a consumer, and web surfer's perspective I find this site to be useful, and convenient. It should in my opinion be an attractive online marketing option to advertisers as well.

If you are a Toronto area advertiser you may just want to have a look at their site's details for submitting your business, and the flat-fee prices they are offering. Toronto Major League Search is a valuable service in my opinion, and I have bookmarked the site for my own future reference.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Thank you to my sponsor.

The Brazilian Carnival is an annual festival in Brazil held 4 days and marks the beginning of Lent.

The modern Brazilian Carnival finds its roots in Rio de Janeiro in the 1845, when the city's bourgeoisie imported the practice of holding balls and masquerade parties from Paris. It originally mimicked the European form of the festival, over time acquiring elements derived from African and Amerindian cultures.

I would love to attend carnival in Rio one day.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For a list of the other Wordless Wednesday participants please click here.

Image Credit: BBC

By now pretty much everyone already knows that Microsoft wants to buy internet legend Yahoo. And according to the BBC news, Microsoft's Yahoo bid should get approval.

Here is a snippet:

With US politicians due to meet later this week to discuss Microsoft's offer for Yahoo, analysts ultimately expect any deal to secure regulatory approval.

As Yahoo's board mulls Microsoft's $44.6bn (£22.4bn) takeover proposal, a key congressional committee said it will scrutinise the bid on 8 February.

Members of the US Congress Judiciary Committee said any sale of Yahoo would raise important competition issues.

European regulators have said they would give the deal a fair hearing.

Full Article Here

So who exactly will benefit from this? I am all for competition, but will this actually make the internet search engine market better? Two giants to dominate cyber space instead of one....

Sue
XOX

Words are not really necessary for this ad are they?

Apparently 4 out of 5 doctors recommend ... oh just kidding....but when I saw this vintage ad my first thought was "EGADS" and my second was while not perfect we have come along way (thanks to legislation) as far as truth in advertising goes.....

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Uncle Sam wants you to quit, but apparently you should not be doing it with the help of Champix, or as it is known as in the United States Chandrix. Are drugs not tested any more before being put out to market? Read on:

A warning is being issued about a stop-smoking drug sold by prescription in Canada and the United States.

In Canada, the drug is sold under the name "Champix,'' while it's known as "Chandrix'' in the U-S.

The US Food and Drug Administration says the drug has been linked to serious psychiatric side-effects, including depression and thoughts of suicide.

The F-D-A says it has received more than 35 reports of suicides linked to "Champix".

The warning comes two weeks after "Pfizer", the manufacturer, added stronger warnings to the drug.

"Champix", which was approved by Health Canada a year ago, acts on the part of the brain affected by nicotine.

Officials say patients with psychiatric troubles were not included in studies that were done for the drug's approval.

Full 680 News Article Here

I quit for good this past year, and after many attempts I can tell you it was worth quitting cold turkey. It was hard especially those first two weeks, but it can be done. I was a smoker for over 25 years, and am very happy to be rid of that filthy habit.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

The Neti Pot if you are not in the know is like a watering can for your nose. It was featured on the Oprah Winfrey show, and the above clip is a how-to where you can see it in action.

Neti Pot is designed to clean out the nose, and while I admit it is gross it does work! Do NOT however expect to see a video of me demonstrating one...lol!

Sue
XOX

Good Friday morning my peeps! Today I am bring you the buzz on Buzzfuse, a really easy, and cool way to drive more traffic your way!

Lets get right down to business shall we this service is absolutely free! Well there is a premium service, but the basic is very easy to use, and that is what I have signed up to for now.

I tried it out this morning, and like I said it is very easy. The set-up process, which involved a few simple questions took only minutes to complete. From there I went to "Market Content" feature chose web page (youi can also use this service for photos, audio clips etc) grabbed the code, and voila!

It was very easy, and promises to send that much more traffic my way! Two thumbs up for this service!!!

Happy Blogging!
Sue
XOX

Thank you to my sponsor.