Facebook Timeline Advice

Since Facebook has switched all the fan pages to the timeline format I know it has been a bit confusing. 


Some people have been a bit upset by the change and I know that at times it can also be frustrating- Facebook changing all the time that is. I do know that Facebook is very smart in their way of constant changes (yes I said it, I agree with how Facebook is constantly changing). Facebook is a form of social media and social media is a constant evolution. Can you even remember what Facebook looked like when you joined? Facebook in my opinion is smart for their constant evolving. They are not a company that gets "stuck in the times". They know that to survive they must constantly stay ahead of the times. 


The problem with the constant evolution is that people have to constantly understand a new Facebook format every so often and that is frustrating. At first we all become annoyed and confused by Facebook's changes, but we all stick around in the end and eventually pick up on a new Facebook format. 


Lately we are all trying to adapt to the timeline version of Facebook and especially trying to adapt as brands and businesses on Facebook;s timeline. 


Today I hope to give you a few tips to update your brand or businesses' page for the timeline format. 

We are going to go through a brief summary of a handful of pieces of the new Facebook timeline for brands and businesses. 


1. Profile Picture:: 


When updating your profile picture for Facebook timeline the ideal image size is 180 x 180 pixels. There are endless options to choose for your profile image, but it is important to remember this is the image that people will see when you are posting on other pages or when you appear in someone's live feed. This is why I have chosen  my logo and brand name for my picture. I want to represent my brand and name when I am using Facebook as "The Elephant's Trunk". This is why I pick my logo so it sticks in people's brain- the simple image of an elephant. Hopefully people will remember that one comment I left on that one page by my profile with a picture of an elephant. Make an impact with your profile picture... an impact that relates back to your brand or business. 


2. Cover Photo:: 


The cover photo is one of the most noticeable changes to Facebook since installing the timeline as the main layout for brands and businesses. A great idea to stay on your reader's time lines is to update your cover photo every now and then. The important thing to remember about the cover photo is that there are some sticky restrictions by Facebook as to what can be on your cover photo and these are important to keep in mind when you update your cover photo. Here is a great post illustrating those restrictions.


3. Custom Tag:: 


Using the short stack app I was able to create a custom tab for my Facebook page that allowed me to form a newsletter sign up. People can simply click this tab and sign up for my Mail Chimp newsletter straight from my Facebook. Short Stack is an easy to use program and will help you install a newsletter sign up to your Facebook page. It will also help you install a lot of other cool options such as a Facebook contest, photo promotion, video voting contest or more. 


How to customize what the tabs look like on your Facebook timeline:: 

1. You are going to need to head to your Facebook page and hit the "edit page" button. 

2. Hit the apps button on the side menu. 

3. Select the edit settings button.

4. Red Arrow- change the name of the tab here to whatever you would like it to read when it shows up on your main business/brand page.

Blue Arrow- here is where you will change the image of your application as it appears on your main Facebook timeline. You can create a custom image that is 160 pixels by 160 pixels and upload it here. For example: My Etsy Shop App's image on my page I updated it to an image that was 160x160 pixels that simply read "shop". This way people could easily access my shop from the main page of Facebook. 

I hope these tips are able to help you navigate and customize your Facebook timeline page a bit more. Please let me know if you have any questions.

The Oh Baby Series

I'm so excited about this new series- "The Oh Baby" cards that have been added to the shop. These cards are so versatile in that they can congratulate anyone on the addition of a baby to the family. 

Congratulate a new::

-mommy

-daddy

-grandma

-grandpa

-uncle

-aunt

.....you see where this is going? 

The colors of the card can also be changed to whatever color(s) you may fancy. 

Tweet With A Purpose

Twitter can be such a positive social media tool to use for the growth of a business or blog, but it is important to tweet with a purpose. 

It is easiest to always try to think of a Twitter as a magazine. Would you subscribe to a magazine that was predominately advertisements? It is safe to say that most would not. This is why it is smart to think of Twitter in the same way you would a magazine- your tweets should be full of content with an occasional "advertisement". 

If you only tweet your new blog post or your new shop posting and that's it, chances are you aren't going to gain followers. It possibly will be a waste of time even to tweet that new blog post or shop listing. 

Make sure you are tweeting content as well as an occasional plug for your blog post, new product, etc. 

Content can be defined as an interesting link to a story you found online, a funny video, a picture, a quote or even what are you up to. I enjoy reading what my Twitter friends are up to or what they have to share- I enjoy getting to know the people behind the brand/business/or blog through Twitter. Without these Tweeters posting content via their Twitter I would not be able to feel as if I "known them". When I feel as though I know someone through Twitter I consider that a successful tweeter. 

Twitter is not a one way street it is a small town with numerous and endless off streets. These off streets are your followers and people you follow. 

It is important to interact with these people. Ask questions on Twitter. Answer questions of others on Twitter. 

This is how you can make connections on Twitter that can possibly translate into sales, views or other business opportunities. 

If you are able to you should RT (retweet) a Twitter friend's tweets or tweet a link to a Twitter friend's blog/shop. 

By actively helping others hopefully good karma will come your way and you are soon able to see your tweets RT'ed or your links tweeted by others. 

Twitter is a community and it does not work if you aren't willing to be an active member of the community. 

Take a couple minutes a day to check your Twitter timeline and be aware of what others are tweeting. Is there something you could contribute to? If so jump in and do it. Twitter is a place to get a little brave and tweet yourself out there. 

 What do you believe is the most successful way to use twitter? 

@elephantstrunk4

Bridesmaids

I recently became engaged (March 2nd). I'm learning all there is to know about wedding planning and so far things are great (a date is set for June 8th, 2013). 


I asked some very special ladies to be my bridesmaids for my wedding. I didn't want to ask them by just a simple phone call so I did some thinking and came up with this. 

I sent each of my bridesmaids a package that included a custom block from my friend Andrea of BubbleWrapp'd as well as a ring from Mon Cadeau.  

I loved the way the blocks were pulled together as well as the rings. The ring boxes were all decorated with silver and gold washi tape. 

The significance of a ring for a wedding is such a profound symbol and since Brendan gave me a ring I wanted to give each of my bridesmaids a ring as well. I fell in love with this silver and gold heart ring because my wedding colors are going to be metallic and this ring was perfect for that color scheme. 

The blocks were exactly what I had imagined and I highly suggest BubbleWrapp'd to any of you looking for a custom gift or even a gift for yourself. Such a high quality product for a great low price. 

I hope my bridesmaids appreciated their gifts and I can't wait to share this special day with them. 

Sponsor The Elephant's Trunk

I have such a passion for promoting small businesses. I think the growth of small business is so important and whether that small business be a blog or a shop doesn't matter to me. I want to help small business grow and the best way I know how to do that is through my little place on the world wide web. 


I promise to use multiple outlets of social media to raise awareness of your business. 


Keep the Elephant's Trunk in mind when you are shopping around for advertising and I promise my passion for small business will shine through in your time here a The Trunk.

Stats: 

The Elephant’s Trunk started in August 2010 and has drastically grown and continues to do so.

-Monthly Page Views: 8,000+

-Google Connect Followers: 950+

-Twitter Followers: 960+

-Facebook: 400+
-Pinterest: 650+
-Hello Cotton (joined in Feb 2012): 35+




I've recently changed things up a bit for advertising options. Now advertising spots can be purchased anytime and once your ad button is approved your ad will be live for 30 days. 

Stats: 

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Who loves chocolate chip cookies? Was that the dumbest question I've ever asked. Possibly. Do you think there is a way to improve chocolate chip cookies? I wasn't sure but I'm thinking now that I know there just might be a way. Add peanut butter chocolate chips. 


Chocolate and peanut butter are a better combination to me than peanut butter and jelly. Am I right? 


These cookies are so delicious- Just when you think you're eating a traditional classic your mouth is hit with a flavor blast of peanut butter. 


Ingredients:: 
-2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
-1 teaspoon of baking powder
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1 cup and 1/2 of softened butter
-1/2 cup of sugar
-1 cup of packed light brown sugar
-1 1/2 of vanilla extract
-2 large eggs
-1 cup of milk chocolate chips
-1 cup of peanut butter chips




Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix together flour, baking soda, and both salts- set aside your bowl for later. 


Place your butter in a mixer and allow your mixer to break down the butter completely. This was a trick picked up from my mom, she places her butter in the mixer and allows it to run for about five minutes before she added anything else (My Mom by the way is the best baker I know so any tips she has I take). After your butter is thoroughly mixed add sugar and brown sugar to the mixture and allow to cream together. 


In a separate bowl beat together your vanilla and eggs. Add your vanilla and eggs to the mixer. Slowly add your dry ingredients to the mixer and continue to mix until a fluffy dough forms. Fold in your chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.


(I like big cookies so adjust the size of your cookies depending on your preference). Scoop 1/4 a cup of cookie dough in your hands and form a ball. Space each ball 3 inches apart on on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. 


Bake your cookies for 13 minutes (I know 13 is a random number but this is the perfect combo of slightly chewy but a bit crispy). 


Once your cookies have slightly cooled pour yourself a glass of milk, take a big dunk and enjoy! 

Recipe adapted from Tyler Florence. 


I'm linking the cookies up to these link parties.

Share The Beauty 7

Welcome to another addition of Share the Beauty with Leonora, Heather and myself. Thanks to all those who linked up last week! I enjoyed reading all the posts. Check out Port of Thought's post from last week where she talks about a concealer I am dying to try.


This week we are discussing face beauty...blushes, bronzers, primers, etc.  


Bronzer: Mac Bronzing Powder

For Bronzer I tend to become a bit of a bronzer snob. I mean honestly I don't want to end up leaving the house looking like Snooki's 5'8" sister. This Mac Bronzing Powder gives me just enough of a sun kissed color without people looking at me and assuming I'm going to fist pump any moment.


Blush: Mac Powder Blush

I have a love hate relationship with blush. Sometimes I'm totally digging giving my cheeks a little color, but other days I feel as if I look like a clown. Does anyone else have this problem? That's why I try to keep my blush color a very light pink and for this Mac I've found I like the Ambering Rose shade the best. 

What do you use for your face? I try to keep what I put on my face as minimal as possible. Do you use powder? I have some but I haven't used it in forever. Do you put bronzer on every day? What about blush?

A Few Friendly Link Up Rules:: 

1.Please link up to your Share the Beauty Post NOT your blog  domain

2. Please have the post you link up to be about "Sharing the Beauty" not a giveaway or a product promo. Anyone linking posts that are not related to our party will be deleted.

3. At the bottom of your post link back to either Leonora, Heather or myself so people know how to find the party!

If you link up here your link will appear on all of three of our blogs.

If you can't link up today we want you to mark your calenders and come party with us in the future::

Week 8- Lip Beauty: Lip stick, lip exfoliator, chap stick, lip gloss, 

etc

Week 9- Make Up Brushes

Week 10- Scents: Deodorants, Perfumes, Body Splashes etc

Week 11- Body Care: Razors, Shaving Cream, Body Lotion,

 Sunscreen etc

Week 12- Nails: Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Clippers, 

Techniques etc 

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Follow Along Friday on Pinterest

Today I'm co-hosting Follow Along Friday on Pinterest with By Aimee. 

 Lately my Pinterest Boards have been filled with recipes and wedding ideas (I just became engaged). Here is a summary of a few of my favorites::

1. Penne Rosa with Shrimp from Back To Her Roots.

I actually made this dish last week and let me tell you it is delightful (only thing I changed was chicken for shrimp).

2. Multi-colored programs from Martha Stewart. 

I love the idea of mixing it up and showcasing more than one color for printing out programs and how cool do they all look together? 

3. Gold reception by Style Me Pretty.

Simple but, elegant and that's why I love it.

Here are the other lovely hostess:

 

how to connect:

1: Head over to Aimee's page for the link up spot. 

2: Follow me on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/lbird226/, our Pinterest host Aimee, and the other three featured ladies linked up on Aimee's blog.

3: Link up your PINTEREST URL

4: Go check out all of the other links and follow along. come back in a few days & check out a couple more!

5. IF you want to share our little get together, please tweet: “love Pinterest? follow along with @byAimeeSki today at http://wp.me/p1yWH4-cN & link up.” or you can always tell your peeps on Facebook too!

6. come back & share your favorite boards, pinners, project you found... would love to post some favorites next week!

Country Crock Spoonable Cornbread

 

 This post is sponsored by Country Crock. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Doesn't a tub of Country Crock just remind you of home? It does for me and that's why I was so excited to be able to whip up a recipe from Country Crock, it brought back some great memories of growing up and visiting my uncle's farm in Iowa. 

Country Crock is also a great side kick for serving veggies with. Growing up I hated vegetables and rarely ate them. These days parents are trying to find ways to hide vegetables in dishes to get their kids to eat them, but the truth is veggies taste great by themselves there is no need to be sneaky to get your kid to eat broccoli. 

Country Crock is working to spread the message about how delicious vegetables are and how great they taste with Country Crock spread. 

Did you know that Country Crock has great recipes for vegetables? I decided to make Country Crock's twist- spoonable cornbread.

What makes this cornbread so different from traditional cornbread is the colorful and delicious veggies you add into your cornbread. 

Don't they just look beautiful? I followed the recipe step by step according to the Country Crock website with only one addition of half of a green pepper (I have a weak spot for yummy green peppers).

It was so delicious! The best part was all the bites of corn, onions and peppers. I highly suggest this recipe to you. 

How could kids not love this cornbread filled with veggies and delightful Country Crock?

Follow Country Crock on Twitter

Like Country Crock on Facebook

Are you looking for quick and simple tips and recipes to make serving veggies more fun? Download the free Clare Crespo Cookbook here for fun and whimsical recipes your family is sure to love!


Here is my personal take on a creation from the Clare Crespo Cookbook::

Washi Tape Crafting

I just discovered washi tape and let me tell you, I'm a bit obsessed with it. Washi tape is described as paper tape. I've been buying all sorts of colors of washi tape and using it for whatever reason I can think of. The washi tape shown in this picture is from Target- yup you heard me Target! I was so thrilled to find it in the office supply section of Target (the solid green washi tape is from Le Box Boutique). I've been using washi tape for mainly packaging for the shop and sending gifts to people, but I found a new use for it when I purchased a wooden custom name piece from Pick Your Plum (a daily deal site). 

This is my younger sister's name and I decided to order it for her new apartment. As you can see from the above picture I began applying the washi tape and thought...shoot I need to take a "before" picture. You get the point here of what it looked like before. I began applying different layers of washi tape in the colors of her duvet. Some layers overlapped and some did not. Here is the final product. 

I love how it turned out! It matches her room perfectly. If you haven't experimented with washi tape- do yourself a favor and pick some up! 


Linking up this project to this great link up parties.

Hey- Check out the cards!

You may or may not know that the shop now offers greeting cards! I am so excited about the addition of the cards to the shop that I want to give you all a chance check them out for yourselves. Enter code ZIPSHIP in at checkout to receive FREE SHIPPING! Stock up on cards because is there ever an occasion when you don't need a card? The coupon code will be available until this Friday.

The Elephant's Trunk Shop

"The Cool Mom"

"Let's Fiesta!"

"Graduation"

A Truly Lovely Giveaway

Have you stopped by the Truly Lovely blog lately? They recently received a makeover and it looks beautiful! 

Truly Lovely is a blog written by two sister. Kassi and Kayli.

Beautiful ladies aren't they? Truly Lovely is a blog all about crafts, DIY and all things Truly Lovely. 

Kassi also sells Scentsy and I recently received a few scents from Kassi that have been filling up my house with amazing smells. If you don't have a Scentsy you are missing out on something AMAZING. Make sure you head over to do a little Scentsy shopping ASAP.

BUT...before you leave Kassi is here to offer you all a fun giveaway. 

Kassi will be giving one lucky winner a surprise package. The surprise package will include pretties from Kassi's favorite handmade shops. This giveaway will be open until April 23 at 11:59 central time. Giveaway is open for US residents only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share The Beauty #6

This week we are talking makeup once again and more specifically- concealer, powder, liquid foundation, etc. 


It is so hard to find a liquid foundation that covers up minor blemishes, but doesn't make me look like I am wearing a mask. Does anyone else seem to have this issue? 


One foundation that I've really liked as far as it's ability to cover up blemishes, but also not sit heavy on my face is the Aveda Inner Light Moisture. Another great thing about this product is it has SPF 15. 

This next product I've found for my face is a new product and I really appreciate it's ability to neutralize my faces colors (hide the redness). 

This Almay Smart Shade Perfect and Correct Skin Primer not only hides the redness in my face, but also helps my makeup stay on longer.

Other than that I don't honestly put much else on my face. I try to put as little as possible on my face. I hate the feeling of cake face and I want my makeup to look as natural as possible. 

Now it is your turn! 

A Few Friendly Link Up Rules:: 

1.Please link up to your Share the Beauty Post NOT your blog  domain

2. Please have the post you link up to be about "Sharing the Beauty" not a giveaway or a product promo. Anyone linking posts that are not related to our party will be deleted.

3. At the bottom of your post link back to either Leonora, Heather or myself so people know how to find the party!

If you link up here your link will appear on all of three of our blogs.

If you can't link up today we want you to mark your calenders and come party with us in the future::

Week 7- Face Beauty: Blush, Bronzer, Face Primer etc

Week 8- Lip Beauty: Lip stick, lip exfoliator, chap stick, lip gloss, 

etc

Week 9- Make Up Brushes

Week 10- Scents: Deodorants, Perfumes, Body Splashes etc

Week 11- Body Care: Razors, Shaving Cream, Body Lotion,

 Sunscreen etc

Week 12- Nails: Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Clippers, 

Techniques etc 

 

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Doing What You Love

For those who have been following along with me for awhile you may have noticed changes throughout my shop. I began my shop when I was 20 years old, but didn't start out on Etsy and I've learned so much since I first began. 


I began by creating jewelry because I thought it would sell. I had never made jewelry before but I started buying supplies and working on pieces for my shop. It wasn't exactly the slam dunk I thought it would be.


I decided I needed to do something I love, right that's what everyone says do something you love. I love wine so I decided that I would make things for my shop that centered around wine, thus came the wine corks. I worked so hard to perfect my wine corks and make sure they were durable, different and something that I loved. I had some success making wine corks, but I realized it wasn't really what I loved- making wine corks that is. I loved wine, I didn't love making wine corks. I enjoyed it, yes but I was never 100% satisfied. 


I created a set of canvases that spelled out the word love on my blog and received countless comments, pins, tweets and more about these canvases. I thought- that's it I could pain canvases for my shop. I had no painting background what so ever, but knew I wanted to try and paint. I worked on my painting technique, buying canvases, all the proper brushes and I added them to my shop. I received some decent feedback on my canvases, but I wasn't ever 100% proud of my canvases. I always thought I could do something to improve them. I constantly compared myself to others and in my eyes I never measured up to what they were doing. Never did I sit back and think- these people have training, have been doing it for awhile, they have schooling, experience and other training. I just assumed that I could pick up a paintbrush buy a canvases and become a successful Etsy seller of canvases... I was wrong. 


I thought about giving up my shop. 


I didn't want to have a shop just to have a shop. 


There was a part of me deep inside that knew that I had creative ability to create a product I was proud of. 


I gave up promoting my shop for weeks and just tried not to think much about it. 


Since I was a young girl I have always loved getting mail and more importantly I have loved sending mail. There is something that makes your day when you check the mail and in the midst of bills, advertisements and catalogs you see a handwritten envelope addressed to you. I never miss a chance to send a card for a birthday, graduation, new baby or even just because. 


I also have always had the gift of a quick wit. I'm not sure where it came from or who gave it to me, but I've got it. My Mom always told me that I speak two languages English and sarcasm. Humor and sarcasm are two of my favorite things. I will admit that sometimes my "word vomit" of humor has gotten me in to trouble, but that's a different story. 


It finally clicked one day- combine my love for snail mail and my creative humor. I decided to make greeting cards. I instantly sat at my computer any chance I got working on cards. It took me a couple weeks just to get down the format of my cards. I wanted to pour my whole heart into these cards. I knew I didn't want to post them until they were perfect. I wanted the paper for the cards to be perfect, I wanted the fonts to be perfect, I wanted the sayings to be easy to relate to and most important I wanted to have fun doing it. 


I finally feel 100% confident in my product in my shop. I love sharing my cards with anyone- family, friends, and anyone who will take a peek. I don't know if they will sell- time will tell, but I love making these cards and I love thinking of new cards that I can add. I love what I do for my shop. I love what I do. 

PrintRunner Giveaway

There are numerous places online to purchases printed materials such as business cards, fliers and even stickers. I've personally ordered from 6 different online companies and I have to say that PrintRunner is my new favorite. 

"PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later our company became one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. Our commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price made our company grow.  PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California." -PrintRunner 

Today PrintRunner is offering you all a chance to experience their excellent product and service. You could win 250 custom stickers. The stickers are 2" by 3.5", printed on premium sticker stock, full color, and are ready to ship to you in 3 business days.

PrintRunner is not only provide sticker printing services but also other online printing services. Make sure you check out all the fabulous products that PrintRunner has to offer. 

This giveaway will be open until Sunday, April 15th. The giveaway is open to US residents only and you must be 18 years of age or older to enter. The winner will not be provided with a proof of their stickers. 

Enter Here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chocolate Chip Scones

What's better than nibbling on a scone and sipping on a cup of coffee of a cup of tea? I can't think of too much. My Mom loves scones and growing up she would always pick them up from coffee shops and have them in her purse to share with my sister and I. Surprisingly scones are fairly easy to make. Here is one of my favorite recipes and one of that is super easy to make. 


Ingredients:: 


-3 cups of flour 
-1/3 cup of sugar
-3/4 teaspoon of salt
-1 tablespoon of baking soda
-1/2 cup of cold butter
-1 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips 
-2 large eggs
-2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
-1/2 cup of milk 


In a mixer mix whisk together all of the dry ingredients. Cut the butter into cubes and slowly add to the mixer. Mix butter until the ingredients have an unevenly crumbly texture (some small butter chunks are okay). Fold in the chocolate chips. In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and milk and then add to the dry ingredients. Mix everything until dough holds together. If dough seems to be a bit dry feel free to add in a bit more milk. Prepare a well floured surface (really important that the surface is very well floured) and scrape dough out onto surface. Roll dough into a square about 8 inches in size. The next part is fun and you be a bit creative in the size of scones you would like to make, but using a pizza cutter slice your square into triangles. Use a pie server to scoop up your scone pieces (this is why it is important your surface is well floured otherwise your scones will stick to your surface and loose shape) and place on a baking sheet. 

To receive the best texture and the highest rise out of your scones place your scones in the refrigerator for half an hour. After placing the scones in the refrigerator pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees. Bake your scones for 20 minutes or until they are a nice golden brown color. When you remove the scones from the oven allow them to cool right on the baking sheet. 


Glaze:: 
-3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
-12 tablespoons of water
-1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract 


Sift the powdered sugar first to make sure it is extra fine. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and water to a bowl and whip together glaze with a fork. Add additional water or powdered sugar as necessary to get desired thickness. I personally believe the best consistency is a little bit on the thinner size. After your scones are completely cool cover each scone with glaze. I find the easiest way to do this is by using a basting brush to "paint" on the glaze. Allow the glaze to set and enjoy! 

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour. 


I'm linking up this scone recipe to these great link parties.