Sucker for Marketing

Anyone who knows me, has heard me say “I am a sucker for marketing.”. I can’t help it, so I don’t try to. I like it when something calls to me from across the store. I like clean packaging, colorful print, or beautiful artwork on what I purchase. For instance, (and no, they are not sponsors though maybe I should look into it) Publix store brand has very clean packaging. There is a white label with words, telling you what is in the can or box and a small picture of the product for us visual folks. I like the look of it in my pantry. On the other hand, Celestial seasoning’s newer line of green teas all have this beautiful artwork on them that makes me want to keep the box even when I am finished with the tea. I don’t care for big stamps across the front of things that say things like “33% less sodium than the leading brand” or “New look, same great taste.”. Pretty or clean, those are the things that catch my eye. I also don’t care for things with a ton of tiny words that are hard to read, especially in the ingredients. Really, the less ingredients, the better. Not just for healthy eating purposes, but for reading material. I like interestingly shaped containers as well. Like the orange juice that comes in the cool plastic containers that look like the old glass containers my grandmother uses (I only get the ones that can be recycled). I also love spice jars, though I seldom purchase them. Why? 1) You only need so much oregano 2) I like to grow my own oregano 3) They are costly. When I do get them, I’ll get a pretty bottle IF I have a good coupon. Coupons… well that is a topic for another blog. Anyway, I would like to thank the people who package the things that I like the way that I like, you do good work…. I like it.

Sowing the Seeds of Love

Spring has begun! I don’t know about any of you out there, but I get really antsy this time of year. I just want to plant some seeds. All of the stores have these huge, full-color, beautiful seed displays that call to me. I could spend hours just looking at all of the different varieties of squash or tomatoes.

Every single store seems to understand my desire. It is like they hire someone to see where I shop, then they go around putting up these seed displays everywhere within a 10 mile radius. Do gas stations USUALLY carry marigold seeds? “Is this normal?” I ask as I buy the seeds. It is like I can’t resist the power of seeds.

The fact that something so tiny can grow into a big beautiful plant of your chosen variety is just pure magic. AND THEN to top everything off, you get to eat the fruit of some of your choices… WHOA! As I wile away the hours loitering next to the seed display of enormous capacity, with a stack of seeds lovingly placed in the fold of my t-shirt (because I have WAY too many to fit in my hand), the voice of reason (Dave) surfaces and asks “Where are you going to plant all of that?!”. Both the question and the response are the same year after year. “I’ll find a place!” I say. And so we get the seeds, a cartload of dirt (even though we have a bag in the garage already), and some extra clay pots (so that I have a place to plant to seeds).

I love getting my hands in the dirt. There is something right about it. It feels like tapping into something ancient, repeating a process that humans have been doing for years and years.

A few years ago we started getting organic seeds exclusively. They are a little more expensive to begin with, but it is nice to know that my plants are coming from the best stock.

One of the best things about planting vegetables is being able to share. Half the time, I plant an extra zucchini plant just so the neighbors can have some. Plus, I found this really simple and tasty zucchini ribbon recipe. So, if you are like me, enjoy the picking process, enjoy the nurturing of the seedling, take pride as your plant presents its first blossoms, and share the fruit of your labors with those around you.

HOUSE Party!!! 8 Steps to a Rockin' Good Time

Okay, so we have pretty much had to face the fact that our economy here in the U.S. is hurting. Even if, as the experts say, it is on the mend; we are all feeling the effects. That being said, we humans are social beings and we really want to have a good time whether our bank accounts trend in the “good time” arena or more toward the “just squeaking by” category. Now the problem clearly stated…. WANTED- good time with friends, but don’t have much moolah. Solution: A HOUSE PARTY! This is a relatively new idea that is sweeping the nation, due in part, to the above stated issue we all face. The idea behind the house party is this. You (the house party host) invite a band or other live entertainment into your home for the evening in exchange for a reasonable amount of cash. You also invite let’s say 10-20 of your friends. These friends are instructed to each bring some food (you can do finger foods, a full on meal, or just dessert and coffee) and a small cover charge ($5.00-$10.00 each should do it) to cover that aforementioned “reasonable amount of cash”.

Soon, your invited entertainment arrives, your guests arrive, everyone enjoys some music or comedy or whatever you got for about 45 mins to an hour. Then, you break out the food. Everyone has a chance to eat, mix and mingle, and get to know your invited artist. Then another set of entertainment and you wind down the evening. Everyone wins! You just threw a SLAMMIN’ party, your guests just got to eat, visit, and enjoy live entertainment in an intimate setting for less than the price of ONE movie ticket, and the artist made some new fans and contacts, snacked on some tasty cuisine, and made a little money to help in the pursuit of their passion.

Here are some tips for setting up your own house party.

1) Don’t be afraid to have a band over to your house because you think it will be too loud- most bands now days have a scaled back coffee house version of their electric show (Sugar Lime Blue does)

2) If you do want to have a full band (with drums/etc) over be sure to invite the neighbors so you don’t have anyone to complain about any noise that does bleed over. Know your local noise ordinance, if applicable, and share this information with the band. (If your HOA wants quiet by 10PM make sure the party is wrapping up by then)

3) If you don’t have enough chairs, ask the guests to bring some of their own, camp chairs work great, or maybe bring some of those gigantic floor pillows.

4) If you choose to have your party outside, have a back up plan for inclement weather. And be sure to have access to whatever power that the performer may need.

5) Have open and clear communication with the performer. Find out what their needs and preferences are and make yours known to them.

6) Have a beginning and an end. Even if your friends want to hang out after the party, there must be a set “release” time for your artist. (They may have a long drive, an early day at the office the next day, or child care issues)

7) For a little twist, consider a theme for your party, or costumes.

8) Have a good time, it’s a party after all!

So, as you plan for your house party please keep Sugar Lime Blue in mind, we would love the chance to meet with you and your friends!