Do You Use Pinterest? Should You?

We’re hearing a lot about the new social media sharing site — Pinterest. But a new survey of 4,851 U.S. online shopping consumers, conducted earlier this month by online shopping site PriceGrabber.com, found that just 10 percent of respondents had Pinterest accounts. About 58 percent did not have a Pinterest account, while another 32 percent didn’t know what the service was.
Pinterest allows users to create virtual bulletin boards of items and products. The site has quickly gained popularity, but most consumers who don’t already use Pinterest aren’t interested in it, according to the survey. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed who do not have a Pinterest account said they don’t plan to sign up for one.
When those who use the site were asked what type of items they pin, 70 percent said they share recipes or other cooking-related photos, while 65 percent said home decorating inspiration and 53 percent said craft ideas. Forty-one percent of users said they pin images of clothing, while 34 share entertaining tips and 33 percent pin gardening ideas.
The survey also found that most account holders login a few times a week, and have created two to five pinboards. Only ten percent of respondents said they login numerous times a day.
But there is good news for those of you who are gift retailers. Twenty-one percent said they have purchased a product after seeing it on Pinterest. According to a separate infographic released last month by Monetate, Pinterest is already driving more traffic to retailers’ websites than Google+.
So if you are a retailer, it is something you might want to consider adding to your marketing mix.
If you want to follow me on Pinterest I'm at http://pinterest.com/sassyshops/

Handwritten Notes Can Make a Difference!

What makes you, as a customer, feel more special — an email thanking you for your business or a handwritten note. Even though we, subconsciously know that most of the handwritten thank you business notes are sent out in bulk, psychologically they create an emotional response that an email just can’t do. I believe that sending handwritten notes, as either prelude or follow-up to a presentation, helps us establish that our business gives clients the service and attention they deserve.

Start a Collection!

Sometimes objects we work with can be as beautiful as flowers themselves. Gather various styles of one garden tool you love, such as a watering can. Artfully arrange them in the midst of your natural beauties, and let your collection bloom right alongside your flowers.

Ten Things I Want To Tell Teenage Girls!

1. If you choose to wear shirts that show off your boobs, you will attract boys. To be more specific, you will attract the kind of boys that like to look down girls’ shirts. If you want to date a guy who likes to look at other girls’ boobs and chase skirts, then great job; keep it up. If you don’t want to date a guy who ogles at the breasts of other women, then maybe you should stop offering your own breasts up for the ogling. All attention is not equal. You think you want attention, but you don’t. You want respect. All attention is not equal.
2. Don’t go to the tanning bed. You’ll thank me when you go to your high school reunion and you look like you’ve been airbrushed and then photoshopped compared to the tanning bed train wrecks formerly known as classmates – well, at least next to the ones that haven’t died from skin cancer.
3. When you talk about your friends “anonymously” on Facebook, we know exactly who you’re talking about. People are smarter than you think they are. Stop posting passive-aggressive statuses about the myriad of ways your friends disappoint you.
4. Newsflash: the number of times you say “I hate drama” is a pretty good indicator of how much you love drama. Non-dramatic people don’t feel the need to discuss all the drama they didn’t start and aren’t involved in.
5. “Follow your heart” is probably the worst advice ever.
6. Never let a man make you feel weak or inferior because you are an emotional being. Emotion is good; it is nothing to be ashamed of. Emotion makes us better – so long as it remains in it’s proper place: subject to truth and reason.
7. Smoking is not cool.
8. Stop saying things like, “I don’t care what anyone thinks about me.” First of all, that’s not true. And second of all, if it is true, you need a perspective shift. Your reputation matters – greatly. You should care what people think of you.
9. Don’t play coy or stupid or helpless to get attention. Don’t pretend something is too heavy so that a boy will carry it for you. Don’t play dumb to stroke someone’s ego. Don’t bat your eyelashes in exchange for attention and expect to be taken seriously, ever. You can’t have it both ways. Either you show the world that you have a brain and passions and skills, or you don’t. There are no damsels in distress managing corporations, running countries, or managing households. The minute you start batting eyelashes, eyelashes is all you’ve got.
10. You are beautiful. You are enough. The world we live in is twisted and broken and for your entire life you will be subjected to all kinds of lies that tell you that you are not enough. You are not thin enough. You are not tan enough. You are not smooth, soft, shiny, firm, tight, fit, silky, blonde, hairless enough. Your teeth are not white enough. Your legs are not long enough. Your clothes are not stylish enough. You are not educated enough. You don’t have enough experience. You are not creative enough.
There is a beauty industry, a fashion industry, a television industry, (and most unfortunately) a pornography industry: and all of these have unique ways of communicating to bright young women: you are not beautiful, sexy, smart or valuable enough.
You must have the clarity and common sense to know that none of that is true. None of it.
You were created for a purpose, exactly so. You have innate value. You are loved more than you could ever comprehend; it is mind-boggling how much you are adored. There has never been, and there will never be another you. Therefore, you have unique thoughts to offer the world. They are only yours, and we all lose out if you are too fearful to share them.
You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are enough.

**BORROWED THIS LIST FROM http://kateelizabethconner.com WHO I THINK HIT IT RIGHT ON THE MONEY SO I HAD TO SHARE!!

Sassy Deviled Eggs!

Makes 24 servings

1 dozen large eggs
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon salt
Garnish: fresh dill sprigs and whole fresh chives

1. Place eggs in a large saucepan. Cover eggs with water by 3 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 2 minutes. Cover, and remove from heat. Let eggs rest for 10 minutes.
2. Drain and peel eggs. Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks, and place yolks in a medium bowl. Set halved egg whites aside. Add sour cream and mayonnaise to yolks. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add chives, cilantro, dill, and salt, stirring well.
3. Spoon yolk mixture into halved egg whites. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with dill springs and whole chives just before serving, if desired.

March is the Birthday Month!

Hi Bloggin Friends!!  March is always a busy family month for me because my entire family's birthdays are this month!  My daughter celebrated her sweet 16 (a tough one for Mom!), my son celebrated his 10th birthday and my husband had his 46th birthday!  My daughter got tickets to a concert she really wanted to see and dinner at a Mexican restaurant with several of her friends but most importantly the hand me down car (in her case a very used Rodeo).  Do you remember your first car?  I do; it was an old pale yellow very large buick but I was so happy to have it!!  My son had his best friend come with us to celebrate his birthday at the Kemah Boardwalk near Galveston; rides, aquarium, dinner and really fun boat ride!)  As for my husband he had to be out of town on his birthday but he came home to lots of hugs and some gifts and we are taking him out with some friends to a Japanese steakhouse this weekend.  I love my family dearly but come March 30th I take a BIG sigh!! PHEW!!!!  Have a great weekend friends!!!! 

Sassy Easter Centerpiece!

The obvious choice for Easter decorating is eggs. But mix it up by using egg cups as small bud vases. Fill a gathering of cups with short-stemmed blooms and greenery, and finish with speckled eggs.

Soft Sassy Detail!

Extravagant floral arrangements are wonderful this time of year, but sometimes just a small embellishment can make all the difference. For each place setting, gather a napkin with a ribbon and tuck a few flower stems into the bow.

BRIGHT AND BOLD!

For your next get-together, make groupings of spring blooms in an array of colors and place in mason jars of varying heights. This centerpiece functions as a favor, too—at the end of the event, let guests take a jar home.

SASSY STRAWBERRY MOUSSE LADYFINGERS

Makes 8 servings 3 (3-ounce) packages soft split ladyfingers 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed 1/2 cup minced fresh strawberries 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/4 cup sour cream 1 (10.75-ounce) all-butter pound cake* 1/3 cup orange juice Garnish: 8 whole strawberries 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place ladyfingers on parchment paper–lined baking sheets. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes, or until very lightly toasted. Set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, whipped topping, minced strawberries, confectioners’ sugar, and sour cream. Refrigerate until ready to use. Slice pound cake lengthwise into long (1/4-inch-thick) slices. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut 8 circles of cake. Set aside. Cut one rounded end off ladyfingers so that they measure 2 1/4 inches long. 2. To assemble desserts, place a cake round in the center of a 3 1/2-inch ring mold. Brush inside surfaces of ladyfingers lightly with orange juice. Stand rounded end up inside ring mold around cake circle. Spoon about 1/3 cup mousse into mold. Repeat with remaining cake rounds, ladyfingers, orange juice, and mousse. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, remove ring mold, and tie with a pretty ribbon. Garnish each with a whole strawberry.

Sassy Blooming Bulbs!

For an easy way to display this tried-and-true sign of spring, arrange flowering tulips in everyday glassware of varying heights. Place in a sunny spot, and enjoy the warmth these seasonal beauties bring.

Sassy Simple Style!

Your porch is about to get a bit more use, so now’s the time to freshen its look. You could start by whitewashing a winter-weathered chair, but even just adding new pillows with elegant floral motifs can do the trick.

4 Things To Start After You Launch Your Business!

Starting your own business is simple...making it successful is the tough part. It takes a lot of effort and a little luck to get the ball rolling in the right direction, although there are some simple things that you can do to help put you on the right path from the beginning.
Here are 4 things you should start doing the minute you launch your business:

1. Start Small

When thinking about launching your business, start small and build up from there...remember, you have to walk before you can run.

2. Start Talking To Others

Get involved and join a group (online or offline) with other entrepreneurs or those with similar interests...talking to others will help you learn about the mistakes to avoid and the best practices to follow to grow your own business.

3. Start Your Social Media

Social media...it's definitely one of the best ways to market yourself and your business, but set a time limit for your social media activities each day and stick to it. Start with a few minutes a day and then work your way up.

4. Start Blogging

Start blogging about your work...blogs enable you to create dialogue with your audience and a forum for people to connect and engage with you and with one another, through comments and responses.
What did you start after launching your business?

Sassy Idea!

OPEN YOUR HOME
Finish the season by gathering those you care for most. Host a fun-filled night of karaoke and hot cocoa. Set out different types of marshmallows and other cocoa toppings, and round up your favorite tunes. Don’t forget the karaoke machine!  

Mixing Sassy China Patterns!

SPRING-BECKONING SHADES
Mix and match your china colors and patterns when setting your table to add a bit of life and whimsy to any occasion. Soft pinks and pale blues echo the delicate hues of winter, but floral patterns set the mood for spring.

Sassy Lighting!

I think lighting is one of the most important aspects of interior decorating.  The style you choose can make a big impact on the look and feel of a room.  I personally love shiny chandeliers and think they look great in any room even a over the bathtub in a master bathroom.  I have several in my home. Here are a few photos of some beautiful chandeliers each unique -- enjoy!!!

Sassy Valentine's Cake!!!!

ITTY BITTY CHOCOLATE CAKES
Makes 2 small (2-layer) cakes

1 1/4 cups cake flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup dark cocoa powder*
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole buttermilk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (recipe follows)
Garnish: conversation hearts candies

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray an 8x8-inch square cake pan with nonstick baking spray with flour. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, combine butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla; add to flour mixture. Beat at medium-low speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, or until well combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Pour into prepared pan, and bake for 24 to 26 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and cool completely on a wire rack.
3. If surface of cake is rounded, level with a long, serrated knife. Using a 3 1/2-inch round cutter, cut into 4 rounds. (Place cake, unwrapped, in freezer for up to 2 hours to make it easier to cut.) To assemble, spread frosting on top of two layers. Top each layer with one of the remaining layers, and frost top and sides. Garnish with conversation hearts, if desired.

*We tested with Hershey's.
VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTINGMakes 2 cups

3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 cup salted butter, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a large bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, and vanilla at low speed with an electric mixer until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Increase mixer speed to high, and beat for 1 minute, adding half-and-half, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed, until smooth.

Spending Time Outdoors!

Greetings to all my blogger friends!! I hope all of you are doing well.  My family and I are doing great but lately I am finding myself feeling a little spring feverish!  Maybe it's because we live in Houston, Texas and we have had a very mild winter even for here but I also think it might have something to do with my latest addiction; http://www.pinterest.com WOW!  It's like looking through an inspirational magazine every day.  You create your own pinboards on any subject you want and you follow people and they follow you and you get to see theirs and can repin them if you want.  One of my pinboards if called "lovely outdoor spaces" and I am sharing a few of those photos here.  One of them is of the Texas Bluebonnets which I look forward to seeing every spring; one of my favorite things about living in Texas.  I also love to entertain outside. I usually have a spring tea in my backyard by the pond every spring for my friends where I frou frou up the table with lots and lots of pink and roses and lace similar to a couple of these photos. It's a scene that men just don't appreciate. lol   I also have a pretty flowers pinboard because I love to see those popping up all over the place come spring. I'm not the best gardener in the world but hey a girl can dream can't she?    If you want to follow me on pinterest just click this link; hope to see you there.  Happy Pinning Friends!!  http://pinterest.com/sassyshops/

Sassy Romance Bouquet!

Be bold with color when preparing your display. This arrangement features sweetheart shades with pink anemones, red tulips, hot pink peonies, and pink hyacinths, just to name a few. A cube-shaped vase adds a dose of modern flair.

Unique Fun Funky Sassy Ways to Display Flowers!

Hey Blogger Friends!! Here are some way out of the box photos I would like to share with you of how some people have displayed flowers; so neat!!!!  The pictures speak for themselves so here they are!!  Have a great day!!!!

Sassy Banana Fritters!

5 10 15

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 beaten egg
• 3 mashed bananas
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar

Directions:

1. 
   Mix dry ingredients; whisk in half-and-half and egg. Stir in bananas. In pot, heat 1 inch of oil to 365°. In batches, fry tablespoons of batter until golden on all sides, 2 minutes; drain. Roll in granulated sugar.

Some Sassy Photos!

Here are some photos that inspire me. They are not related in any way; I just really like them!  Enjoy!!!