Archive for the ‘Mixed Nuts’ Category

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Pinteresting…

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Like me, an ever-increasing number of people are discovering the joys of Pinterest.  Since joining, I’ve pinned tons of delicious recipes to try, lots of cool DIY projects and entirely too many ideas for fun ways to use mason jars.  Outside of providing countless hours of entertainment and inspiration (and alerting me to my severe mason jar obsession), Pinterest is also proving to be a powerful tool for retailers.

Pinterest’s traffic more than quadrupled between Q3 and Q4 2011, bringing in 7.5 million unique visitors in December.  With this influx of new pinners comes a significant increase in the amount of traffic sent to retailers’ websites.  According to recent reports, among social networks, Pinterest is the fifth largest driver of referral traffic.

This post from Mashable has a cool infographic with stats about Pinterest and tips for how companies can use it to their best advantage – check it out.

And if you’ve ever got an extra mason jar lying around, I’ll gladly show you how to make it into a soap dispenser, a chandelier or a terrarium.

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Posted in Mixed Nuts, Retailer Brands, Social Media | No Comments »

Walk Like an “Older” Egyptian

Monday, October 17th, 2011

The Bangels Still Rockin It

Just last Monday, I had the opportunity to see my childhood idols, The Bangles, live in concert at the House of Blues. Joining me in this experience were two of my best friends growing up, Sarah and Tammy.

Now you have to understand, The Bangles held some pretty high importance in my little world. It was also the first concert I attended around 11 years old at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana. (Yes, I am surprised they played there too.) My best friends had also attended this show back in the 80’s, they with their moms, and me with mine.

When we were in grade school, whenever there was a talent show, we would obviously have to be the Bangles. I was Susanna Hoffs, probably because I had the darkest hair.

Then later in high school, I started playing guitar and became influenced by other female musicians like Tori Amos, Sheryl Crow, Liz Phair and Veruca Salt. But to me, the Bangles would always be #1 because of the bond my friends and I shared over their music.

It had been discussed for quite some time whenever the girls got together that we’d love to see The Bangles live again, to see what had changed (and what hadn’t) after all these years.

Then, I came across an email in my inbox about a month or two ago soliciting help with promoting the show in Chicago in exchange for free tickets. I jumped at the chance, albeit a bit eagerly, and emailed the street team leader back, expressing my love for the band and how I’d been wanting to see them again, and wouldn’t this be the perfect opportunity?

To my surprise, the label responded and sent me some flyers.

When it came time for the show, we got a really good spot on the main floor and settled in while listening to the opening act. Before it was even time for The Bangles to start, the girls came out and danced a bit on stage with the opening band (whose name escapes me). I could not believe how good they looked after all these years. I didn’t even recognize them at first!

All in all, it was a really good show and definitely brought back memories. They played all the usual hits, “Manic Monday,” “Eternal Flame,” and of course, “Walk Like an Egyptian.” While the lineup has changed just slightly (different bass player now), it was obvious that the Bangles still knew how to rock.

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Posted in Mixed Nuts | 2 Comments »

Okay, I’m not a big “cat freak”

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

. . . but you gotta admit this is pretty funny.

Jedi Kittens Strike Back

Thanks to YouTube and other media sharing websites people with  obscure hobbies and interests can connect and share easily. This phenomenon can be seen in this fascinating dramatization involving both cats and Star Wars. These topics separately would not pique my interests in the least; however, when their “forces” (har har har) are combined it results in some pretty entertaining footage.

So here is my official “Thank you” to YouTube for brightening Tuesday afternoons all over the world.

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Posted in Mixed Nuts, Online Media, technology | 1 Comment »

Mary Tyler Moore and Sick Days

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

“Colds are three days coming, three days with you and three days going…”

Whenever I get sick, this is the first thing that pops into my head. It’s from a tv show I saw when I was a kid. It was The Mary Tyler Moore show and it was my favorite and I adored her.

My blog entry is due today, and I am writing it from my kitchen table…because I am sick. What I want to be doing is laying on the couch, drinking Fresca, flipping between home improvement shows and reruns of Mary Tyler Moore, while I dip in and out of a nyquil coma. So, why don’t I do that? Because I have a job and I have kids. Kids don’t care that I am sick because they still need to have breakfast, complain about the lunch I packed and get to school by 8:30. I do get a “sorry you’re sick, mom”, but really, they’re just hoping I am so tired I don’t notice the extra treats they are sneaking into their lunch. I noticed.

On the job front, I am lucky. I work for a company that really does work around individual situations. Even though I’m sick, unless I am unconscious, I can still do some work from home. And I do, because my sick days really are not for me, they are for everyone else who’s sickness I cannot control. I can will myself to sit up, drink some tea and start blocking out a brochure cover. When my child is crying because drinking juice hurts, there is not much I can do but call the pediatrician who will tell me just to make him comfortable and wait.

So, outside of some grumbling and complaining, where am I going with this? I don’t know, I’m sick. What I do know is that a sick day ain’t what it used to be. I used to sit around watching tv and drinking from a bendy straw and it was actually kind of relaxing and even a little bit of a respite. When Mary Tyler Moore got sick it was funny and charming made me feel better, so I’m going to indulge in a little of that today.

And if I start feeling too sorry for myself, I’ll just remember the wise words of Mrs. Morgenstern…”There are millions of children in europe who would be thrilled sit around a have the flu in a gorgeous room like this.”

Enjoy.

Mary Tyler Moore Show:  Put On a Happy Face via Hulu

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Posted in Mixed Nuts | 2 Comments »

MSI Celebrates Chicago’s “50 Over 50”

Friday, August 12th, 2011

This year marks MSI’s 50th anniversary, which we think is cause for a major celebration (read: party)! 

Since our own Dave Weiner has been MSI’s fearless leader since opening up shop in 1961, we started wondering about other area companies that share a similar story… After doing some research, we found that there are quite a few Chicagoland companies that have been owned and operated by one person or family for 50+ years – so we figured we’d celebrate their success along with ours while we’re at it!

Enter the “50 Over 50” Celebration – an idea that we dreamed up earlier this year that’s now becoming a reality.  As the name suggests, we’re selecting 50 independently owned and operated companies that have been in business for more than 50 years.

We’re visiting with the owners of these companies to learn about their rich histories, hear their craziest stories from the past five decades and get their secrets to success.  Then we’re taking their inspiring stories and putting them in print, along with photos of their work in action, with a coffee table book dedicated to the “50 Over 50” honorees.  We’re also creating a website that showcases each of the companies involved. 

In addition to receiving a complimentary copy of the book, each participant will also be invited to toast to our collective 2,500 years in business at a cocktail event later this year.

So far, we’ve lined up an impressive roster of companies across a broad range of industries.  To date, our “50 Over 50” participants include the following:

  1. Manny’s Deli 
  2. Lou Mitchell’s
  3. Garrett’s Popcorn
  4. Butch McGuires
  5. Elkay Manufacturing
  6. La-Co Markal
  7. Fishman Fabrics
  8. Billy Goat Tavern
  9. Superdawg
  10. Dinkel’s Bakery
  11. The Talbott Hotel
  12. National Van Lines
  13. Laystrom Manufacturing
  14. Anderson Lock Company
  15. Club Lago
  16. Marshall Thompson and the Chi-Lites
  17. Bill Brown Sales
  18. Iwan Ries Tobacco
  19. Central Camera
  20. Leona’s Restaurant
  21. Baird & Warner Real Estate
  22. The House of Glunz
  23. Tucker Company Jewelers
  24. American Fluorescent
  25. Sally Ann Corset Shop
  26. H. Horwitz Jewelers
  27. Paulina Meat Market
  28. Bergoff
  29. Italian Village
  30. Archie’s Bar
  31. Swanson’s Blossom Shop
  32. W.S. Darley
  33. The Bagel
  34. MSI (of course!)

And the list continues to grow every day!  If you have a suggestion for a company we should consider for the “50 Over 50” celebration, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 50fifty@msinet.com.

You can also learn more about it here – http://www.msinet.com/50fifty/.

Stay tuned for more updates as we toast Chicago’s thriving independently owned and operated companies!

Posted in Mixed Nuts, Photography, Public Relations, Web Development | 1 Comment »

Back to School

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Well it’s that time of year again.  Time to get out the back-packs, saddle shoes and polo shirts because…. wait… it’s July.

Back to school merchandise has already started rolling in and invading many popular retail chains.  During a recent shopping excursion to Target, I was greeted by the equally welcoming and offensive sight of large back-packs, pencils, and spiral notebooks hanging from the rafters amongst the giant flip-flops and corn on the cob.

While I am all for planning ahead, I still can’t help feeling that familiar twinge of depression I felt in elementary school when I realized what was left of my beloved summer vacation was only a down-hill slide into impending doom.

The concept behind introducing back to school merchandise is simple, the earlier it is available the more you sell. However, I can’t help but wonder how much of this early availability of school supplies is now just tradition.  With the popularity of online shopping, as well as school supplies being available through many schools, standard back to school shopping, theoretically should be taking a back seat.

Growing up, I recall my mother enjoying the thrill of back to school shopping much more than I did.  She enjoyed picking out my notebooks and folders while I was dragged through the aisles grumbling under my breath about how I cursed the very sanctity of the education system. Back to school shopping has always been and always will be focused on the parents. Parents who want to make sure their children are the most stylish and up-to-date kids in the 3rd grade.

On the flip side, I will admit that when I started doing my own back to school shopping, I began to enjoy it much more.  Back to college shopping is (fine, I admit it, I’m an intern, and yes, still in college) probably on the short list of shopping excursions that I enjoy.  But I do complete a hefty portion of it online, from the comfort of my couch.  Thank you, technology.

We are part of a society that is beginning to value convenience over all, and I can safely say that I am no different.  I can promise you that when I have my own children; I will not be caught dead amongst the “my daughter only uses Lisa Frank folders” types of parents who have been stalking the aisles of Target for the last few weeks hunting for only the most popular “in” items. I will be enjoying the ease of ordering my kids school supplies online or checking an extra box on the registration form that says “Provide my child with school supplies” and add $50 extra to the already large check that I’m paying for free public education.

I am curious to know other people’s opinions of the early availability of school supplies into the market place, and whether or not a mid-July introduction date is necessary.  If you want to ask me how I feel, I’ll be in my back yard, enjoying the sun, pretending I never saw that giant back-pack.

Target (Back to school/back to college are main features of the home page)

Article by guest blogger and MSI intern Kathleen McDonald

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Posted in Marketing, Mixed Nuts, technology | 1 Comment »

Hazelnut infused oil, an invalid address and tracking a Mac

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Recently, my wife and I took a trip to visit her family in St. Louis, MO. While there we went to Vom Fass, a store which sells various oils, vinegars, wines and spirits “from the cask”. We were able to sample the Hazelnut Oil, the Pumpkin Seed Oil, the Apple vinegar and the Raspberry vinegar – to which we purchased all four. Combining the Hazelnut oil along with the Raspberry vinegar makes an amazing dressing for a dark green leafed salad.

It didn’t take long for us to finish our oil and vinegar supply from Vom Fass. I wasn’t too worried, though, they have an online store which we can order another round from.

Here is the link to Vom Fass.

When I place an order online I always triple check to make sure I have the all my information filled out correctly. Recently, while making an attempt to download an app from the iTunes store I received an error message telling me my postal address was invalid. I entered it again with all the correct info – I do know where I live – I hit enter and received the same error message.

I spent the next 20 minutes or so searching various message boards and blogs to see if anyone out there had the same issue. I came across a thread in an Apple discussion forum stating that I needed to enter my address in “Standard Format”. I clicked on the link supplied in the thread which brought me to a page on the USPS web site. Once there, I entered my address in the *Required Fields – hit the Submit button and received my address in “Standard Format”.

Here is the USPS link get your address in Standard Format.

I was able to download the app after entering the “new” address data in my iTunes account. Is it possible that Apple prefers to have people enter their address in Standard Format in order to process orders more effectively? Or is it to help the shipping carrier get the package to its destination without any question to where it needs to go? Or maybe both – if all parties involved have the same address information, only makes sense that the process should have a better level of efficiency.

Since updating my iTunes account with a Standard Format address, I have not had any issues with downloading apps. One of the apps I’ve installed on my Mac is called Mactracker; which gives a breakdown of every Mac computer ever released.

To check out the evolution of Mac and other Apple devices click on this Mactracker link.

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YouTube: Where Brands Go to Play

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

My favorite thing about YouTube? Actually, my favorite thing is that I can see clips from any movie or tv show whenever I want to. That is cool. For Burt Sugarman’s Midnight Special alone, YouTube deserves kudos.

My other favorite thing is viral videos for advertising. As someone who tries to think up clever ideas for products, there is nothing more discouraging then when you come up with a great idea, but the caretakers of the brand decide it’s a bit too “out there” for their audience. With YouTube and viral videos, companies are allowed to take that chance online, and then continue to play it safe in the mainstream media.

It’s been going on a while, it’s getting to be an industry in and of itself, and something we are all aware of. So why am I choosing this as my blog topic? Just so that I have an excuse to post this video…enjoy.

Dirt Devil Exorcist, Gone Viral

Also, enjoy this bit of 1970′s risquĂ© story-telling from the tight-pants master, Mr. Tom Jones (courtesy Burt Sugarman’s Midnight Special)…

Tom Jones, Gone Wild

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Posted in Advertising, Mixed Nuts | No Comments »

Nap time?

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Okay, who among us has ever wished we could take a nap at our desk when that post-lunch food coma hits? Or, I have a co-worker right now, for example, who could use a desk cat nap after a long night last night.

The mental and physical health benefits of the power nap have long been touted, and we’ve seen several recent efforts dedicated to enabling such restorative diversions. Specifically, the Asian countries seem to get this concept — a well rested worker is a productive worker. Now, a new concept joins the ranks of the sleep pod, nap hotel and sleep salon. Introducing the Ostrich, a wearable pillow that helps workers catch up on some rest without even leaving their desks.

Similar in many ways to a sleeping bag for the head, the innovation is “neither a pillow nor a cushion, nor a bed, nor a garment, but a bit of each at the same time,” creator Kawamura-Ganjavian explains. “Its soothing cave-like interior shelters and isolates our head and hands (mind, senses and body) for a few minutes, without needing to leave our desk.”

Sure it may look silly, but I bet it works. So will this trend hit the US?…or more importantly will it hit MSI?? It sure would be nice, but I’m not going to bury my head in the sand and wait for it to happen. But this working, pregnant, mother of one rambunctious toddler sure hopes so…

Sweet dreams everyone…no matter where you catch your Zzzzz’s.

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Brand Loyalty at 2

Monday, June 27th, 2011

I’ve always thought of myself as a fairly savvy shopper. I buy the name brand item, but also am not opposed to the private label brand when the price is right and the quality is good. This holds true for common grocery items like crackers, granola bars, dish soap and diapers, but also clothing…I would never buy a plain white t-shirt or tank top from Banana Republic or J. Crew when I can get 3 for the same cost at Target.

What has been amazing to me is the overwhelming brand loyalty that my 2-1/2 year old son has. No Aldi brand “Whales Cheese Crackers” for him. He refuses to eat them unless they are Pepperidge Farm Goldfish.  No Archer Farms fruit strips…he only likes the Gerber fruit strips. And when it comes to his one true obsession…Thomas the Tank Engine…Mom better not try to sneak any non-”Thomas & Friends” branded trains or tracks past him. The sad little Circo train from Target sits untouched in the toy chest along with the Imaginarium engine set he got for Christmas. 

The moral of this story…when you can actually get a 2-year-old to eat something and happily entertain himself for extended periods of time, you will buy the name brand item and pay more. It’s worth it’s weight in gold!

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Posted in Brands, Mixed Nuts | No Comments »

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