Missing Miranda

July 16, 2012 By 14 Comments

This is a guest post from my friend Liz who is an amazing movie maker.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to help her financially but also knew I had an amazing platform with this here blog and some awesome readers.  I also knew my readers would be eager to help her with her latest endeavor, a new romantic comedy, Missing Miranda.  Don’t let me down.

Hi, I’m Liz Rizzo, and I love romantic comedies. I’m also – on my favorite days – a director.  So when I met writer/producer/actress Deborah Sanchez, and she had a fun romantic comedy screenplay and ambitious plans for a Kickstarter campaign… Well, it wasn’t long before I jumped right in and joined the amazing cast and crew she’d put together. The film is called “Missing Miranda,” and it centers around a waitress with aspirations of becoming a fashion designer and an architect under the thumb of his demanding boss. They meet, connect, lose each other, and through the mysteries of fate, meet again, as they start on the paths they were both meant to travel. You can check out our Kickstarter page here.

But, wait a minute, what’s Kickstarter? Not everyone knows. Kickstarter is an online platform that facilitates crowdfunding for creative projects. The most important thing to know about Kickstarter, is that it’s all-or-nothing funding. “Missing Miranda” is a micro-budget feature film, but it has a large cast and many locations. Our funding goal is $65K – a lot to raise through crowdfunding, but only just enough to shoot and finish our film. If we don’t hit our funding goal, no money changes hands, because it wouldn’t be enough to finish our film and deliver on our pledge reward levels – which include downloads, DVDs, screenplays, posters, etc.

The most important thing to know about the “Missing Miranda” Kickstarter campaign is that we shot five character vignette videos, and we’re releasing one each week of the campaign. The featured video of the week lives on our Kickstarter page (backers get a sneak peak a few days early), and all of our character videos will be available as they release on the “Missing Miranda” YouTube channel. Here’s this week’s feature vignette, “The Prejudice”:

If you enjoyed our little scene, it would mean so much to us if you could check out the Missing Miranda Kickstarter campaign. Donations at all levels are so important – yes, even $1 donations, because they speak to interest in the project. (And get you that sneak peek at our weekly videos!) Our campaign runs through midnight Saturday August 11th.

You can also like “Missing Miranda” on Facebook or follow “Missing Miranda” on Twitter. Sharing our campaign and getting the word out is super important to us. So I want to thank my friend Adrienne for letting me share my dream with you today. Thank you, Adrienne!

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Filed Under: Blog, Screening Room

Why I Will No Longer Shop With Plum District and Why You Shouldn’t Either

April 26, 2012 By 32 Comments

I love entering contests and giveaways almost as much as I love hosting them for you.  I also encourage my readers to enter other giveaways when I find them (unless I really want to win it LOL).

Last night I saw a giveaway on Plum District LA’s face book page that offered a one night stay at the Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach.  The wording on the status update was:

“To Enter:
1.Fill in the blank: “My must-have item for the beach is__________”
2. ‘share’ this offer on your FB page (winner must show proof of ‘share’/screenshot if they win)”

Here is a screen shot:

I went to check the post for a winner this morning and saw that it was ME!  YAY!  I emailed the person mentioned in the comment immediately and received a response saying I had been disqualified because I didn’t leave a comment on the post. Take a moment and look at that picture again and tell me if anywhere on there it says I had to leave a comment.  Yeah, I didn’t see any either.  I shared the post like it asked and filled in the blank on my share just like it asked.

Here is a screenshot of my timeline:

I followed the directions that were in the post.

The representative apologized for the confusion (never admitting they were wrong) and offered me $10.oo in codes for the Plum District website.  I declined and did some more research.

Face book is very explicit in their Terms of Service for “contests and promotions” on a brand page.  It is pretty much verbotten.  The following paragraph is very easily found in the face book Help Center and should have been referred to before someone decided to host such a giveaway.

E.    Promotions
If you use Facebook to communicate about or administer a promotion (such as a contest or sweepstakes), you are responsible for the lawful operation of that promotion, including the official rules, offer terms and eligibility requirements (e.g., age and residency restrictions), and compliance with regulations governing the promotion and all prizes offered in connection with the promotion (e.g., registration and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals). Please note that compliance with these guidelines does not constitute the lawfulness of a promotion. Promotions are subject to many regulations and if you are not certain that your promotion complies with applicable law, please consult with an expert.
i.    Promotions on Facebook must be administered within Apps on Facebook.com, either on a Canvas Page or a Page App.
ii.    Promotions on Facebook must include the following:
a.    A complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant.
b.    Acknowledgment that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
c.    Disclosure that the participant is providing information to [disclose recipient(s) of information] and not to Facebook.
iii.    You must not condition registration or entry upon the user taking any action using any Facebook features or functionality other than liking a Page, checking in to a Place, or connecting to your app. For example, you must not condition registration or entry upon the user liking a Wall post, or commenting or uploading a photo on a Wall.
iv.    You must not use Facebook features or functionality as a promotion’s registration or entry mechanism. For example, the act of liking a Page or checking in to a Place cannot automatically register or enter a promotion participant.
v.    You must not use Facebook features or functionality, such as the Like button, as a voting mechanism for a promotion.
vi.    You must not notify winners through Facebook, such as through Facebook messages, chat, or posts on profiles (timelines) or Pages.
vii.    Definitions:
a.    By “administration” we mean the operation of any element of the promotion, such as collecting entries, conducting a drawing, judging entries, or notifying winners.
b.    By “communication” we mean promoting, advertising or referencing a promotion in any way on Facebook, e.g., in ads, on a Page, or in a Wall post.
Every highlighted sentence was a violation.
How to run a face book promotion brings up dozens of results on Google.  The one with the best information (other than the face book page itself) is Social Media Examiner.  They break it down into plain English just in case there is any confusion.

On November 6, 2009, Facebook changed their Promotions Guidelines significantly. Prior to this date, it was pretty much a free-for-all. With the changed rules, Facebook basically went from one extreme to the other.

In order to administer any kind of contest, you had to (1) get written approval from Facebook at least seven days prior to running your campaign, (2) have an account rep at Facebook and meet the minimum ad spend of $10,000 per month and (3) use a third-party app on the Facebook platform.

Then, on November 29, 2010, Facebook loosened up a bit and changed rules.  So, the good news is:

  1. You no longer need written permission from Facebook in order to run a contest.
  2. You no longer need an account rep at Facebook, nor do you need to meet the minimum monthly ad spend.
  3. BUT you still must administer ALL contests on Facebook via a third-party app ON the Facebook platform.

That’s right! You MUST use an app to conduct a contest or risk having Facebook come down on you. Unless of course you’re a big time advertiser with Facebook.

It is obvious that Plum District did not do their homework and research these terms beforehand and therefore did a disservice not only to me and other entrants but to their client the Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach as well.

I just received another email, still no admittance of their error, but they have upped their offer from $10.00 to tomorrow’s promotion, some beauty products.  No thanks.  I am beautiful just as I am.  Inside and out.  Can Plum District say the same thing?

***UPDATED: At 10:30pm a voucher for the one night’s stay arrived in my email box.  Thank you Plum District.

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Filed Under: Blog

Together Counts

March 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Together Counts is a nationwide program inspiring active and healthy living. The principle behind their program is Energy Balance, which means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we burn.  What a concept.

It’s a first-of-its kind coalition that brings together more than 195 retailers, food and beverage manufacturers, restaurants, sporting goods and insurance companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and professional sports organizations.

I  am by no means as active as I should be but I try to do as much as I can with the grand kids.  We enjoy going for a walk with the whole family, putting the twins in their wagon and Caitlyn on her bike.  We have a perfect “block” to walk around (as long as you aren’t creeped out that the block is actually the cemetery).

 

Together Counts is holding a fun sweepstakes on their Facebook page to celebrate their first anniversary. Prizes include gift cards, George Foreman Grills and a membership to Anytime Fitness. You can also find Together Counts on Twitter and Pinterest.

Join Together Counts as they celebrate Child Nutrition Month at a Twitter party on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from 8-9 PM EST. Prizes include $50 same-as-cash gift cards. For more information and to RSVP, visit http://resourcefulmommy.com/8856/together-counts-twitter-party/.

ps. This is a compensated post on behalf of Global Influence.

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Gym

I’m Lovin’ It

May 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Mc Donald’s has a new yummy addition to their menu.  The Frozen Strawberry Lemonade.

It kinda makes me feel bad about it only being Spring, because I can’t wait to drink one of these on a hot sweltering summer California day.

As a matter of fact Mc Donalds is running a promotion with their lemonade and twitter.  You can tweet what makes you and your other half (friend, lover, spouse, whatever) a perfect pair.

There are a few conditions that you don’t see right away when you click on the link, so hold on a minute and I will explain them to you.

 

Your Tweet is the contest entry for your Pair.
It should answer the following:

Just like the perfect pairing of the sweet taste of strawberry and tart taste of lemon in the New McCafe® Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, we’re McDonald’s Perfect Pair because:

Your tweet must contain the following items:

  • The “#McDFSLPairs” hashtag
  • The Twitter handle of the other person who completes your pair
  • The Official Rules URL: http://bit.ly/hK0wCH

You can enter between now and Sunday, May 15th.  The prizes are:

Grand Prize Pair
WINS $5,000 &
a trip to pair-adise
Two Runner-Up Pairs
win $1,000 in
McDonald’s Arch Cards
Top 10 Finalist Pairs
win a video camera and
other prizes
If you win, promise you will share?  What are you waiting for?  Go enter NOW!
btw I received no compensation for this post, but it is rumored there are some coupons for free lemonades in the mail on their way to me.
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Filed Under: Blog, Kitchen, Reviews

Happy Birthday Adam

January 26, 2011 By 3 Comments
08.04.10 Adam Avitable
Image by Lotus Carroll / Sarcastic Mom via Flickr

No not that Adam.

This one.

Today is the Birthday of a special Blogging friend.

I don’t think he realizes how special he is to me.  Because I have never taken the time to tell him.

Adam is not afraid to be him, no matter who he offends, or who has a differing opinion.  Often we are of the same thinking but sometimes I wish he wouldn’t link to this so often (if you are related to me, please DON”T click that.)

Because of him, I have been more open about expressing some of my opinions on Twitter and here.

Thanks Adam, now go and have a wonderful Birthday!

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Filed Under: Blog

The Fab Five

January 25, 2011 By 4 Comments

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend’s wish!

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend’s wish!

This isn’t the first time I have told you about special bloggers. But let me elaborate on 5 specific special people.

It all started with my sister Erika. When she got pregnant she was living far away from all of us and in order to help us be a part of her pregnancy, she started a Blog. None of us knew what a blog was, but we were very happy to have it. Every day she posted about her health and progress. When J was born she posted a picture every single day for his first 6 years. Note to Erika, you have been slacking lately. Because of her initiative, everyone in our family – my mom, myself , my two other sisters, my uncles, cousins, my kids – started blogs as well. Some are still going strong and some have petered out. But none the less we have been more in touch than other families. It was through my mother’s blog that we kept the extended family up to date on her illness and even her memorial service.

Erika introduced me to Casey’s blog.  Such beautiful pictures of her daughter, funny stories and honesty that blew me away.  She has taught me through blogging to take that risk, dance that dance and just live life because you are alive.

Casey introduced me to Twitter.  And that changed my world.

Through Twitter I met Erin.  I have introduced you to Erin before.  Long before Lupus started taking it’s toll on her, she was a driving force on twitter during the 2008 election.  She was chosen to do a live interview with President Obama.  I was in awe to know someone of her “stature”, and then I realized she was just like me, a mom struggling everyday to make things all fall in to place.

Erin introduced me to BlogHer, and my world exploded.

I have met so many fabulous bloggers via the BlogHer conferences it would be impossible to name them all here.  But two in particular had a huge impact on my blogging life.

Sue Bob taught me that it wasn’t the size of your blog that mattered but the size of your self.  I almost didn’t attend that first (to me) conference in San Francisco because I thought I was such small potatoes.  Sue Bob interjected immediately with a Pshaw!  When she offered to take my picture with her infamous Red Stapler, I was honored and over joyed.

When I did decide to attend that first BlogHer conference I was stuck with no roommate and no way to pay for a room by myself.  From the outreach of Twitter (again) Karoli offered me a bed in her room. Without knowing squat about me, but knowing that which I offered of myself in my blog, she trusted that I would not be a deranged fool.  She spent that conference not only attending sessions and parties but soaking in the city and sharing it with her readers through her beautiful photography.

There are so many people in my life who have touched me in so many ways, some I notice now and some I will realize later on.

To these 5 Fabulous Bloggers I say thank you for touching me.  Now I have to go wash my hands.

Don’t forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to support a friend’s wish. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses
Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

.

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Filed Under: Blog

The UPS Store WINNERS

December 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Our 10 Winners have all be notified and are in the process of sending me their snail mail addresses.

Be sure to be on the look out in January for another amazing giveaway from The UPS Store and LovingLogistics!

Winners:

Comment#

7:

Amber December 19, 2010 at 7:44 pm [edit]

Liked on facebook

13:
Gretchen December 19, 2010 at 7:48 pm [edit]

I subscribe to your blog

15:
chris
Twitter: godotchris
December 19, 2010 at 10:43 pm [edit]

I liked the UPS store on FB.
chris recently posted..appreciate

18:
Erika December 20, 2010 at 5:23 am [edit]

I liked you on FB
Erika recently posted..Quiet Sunday- Loud Party

22:
Amy Anderson December 20, 2010 at 9:49 am [edit]

Like UPS on FB
Amy Anderson recently posted..Tea By The Sea at Getty Villa

28:
LeAnn V. December 24, 2010 at 12:13 pm [edit]

I like UPS on FB (leann brandner voyer)

29:
ILIANA BLAIR December 24, 2010 at 12:20 pm [edit]

I Like Adrienne’s House on Facebook

37:
Ellen Lapaglia December 24, 2010 at 12:29 pm [edit]

I like UPS on FB

39:
Mary Ann Linder December 24, 2010 at 12:31 pm [edit]

I follow UPS on twitter

44:

Michelle Bartolotta December 24, 2010 at 10:43 pm [edit]

Follow you on twitter.
@mich0520

mb3653us at yahoo dot com

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The UPS Store

December 19, 2010 By 51 Comments
The UPS Store
Image by crschmidt via Flickr

We ship a bunch of stuff.

I sell things on Ebay.

I have family living on the other side of the country.

And my son is getting ready to move to Australia.  AUSTRALIA!  Acccck!

Sometimes I have to stop and wonder if it is worth all the bother.

The gathering the packing the taping the labeling the driving the shipping the waiting blah blah blah blah blah.

But when I use The UPS Store it cuts all of that complaining down to shreds.

Yes I still have to gather everything I want to ship, but the nice people at The UPS Store will pack it for me, they will tape it and label it and they will give me a tracking number so I can know exactly where it is at all times.

Even better?  The UPS Store wants to do all of this for you too!

They are giving 10 of my readers a $25 gift certificate.

There are many different ways you can enter.  (Each entry requires a comment to let me know you have done them)

  1. Like Adrienne’s House on Facebook
  2. Follow TheUpsStore_PR on Twitter
  3. Like The Ups Store on Facebook
  4. Follow @Adriennevh on Twitter
  5. Subscribe to this fabulous blog by email or RSS
  6. Tweet and/or Share on Facebook about this giveaway use the hashtag #lovinlogistics in your tweet (leave link in comments)

Leave your email/contact information in your comments!

This contest will end on 12/26/10 and the winners will be notified via email.

Legal Schtuff:

I am writing this post in part as a The UPS Store Brand Ambassador and in conjunction with the #lovinglogistics campaign at Collective Bias.

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Remembering Maddie

April 7, 2010 By 4 Comments

One year ago today, I was working an election. When it was over I went to Outback to pick up dinner for Kathy and I. Sitting waiting to get out food, I checked my Twitter updates. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the tweet that said Maddie had passed away. I sat quietly in a booth tears streaming down my cheeks.

She was only a baby, it couldn’t be possible. She had just given me my first hug a few weeks prior. And that smile…..there are no words to describe how special her smile was. You just knew she was destined for big things in her life.

3yufmPerhaps, it was in her death that the big things manifested themselves:

The entire Twitter-verse came together in support of her parents.

There were purple Avatars streaming in every feed.

Twibbons that read F.O.M. (Friends of Maddie is a non-profit that her parents created in her honor) were prevalent for months afterwards.

Through Friends of Maddie, Heather has donated hundreds of survival bags to parents of children in NICUs across the country.

Thousands of walkers Marched for Maddie in the March of Dimes walk last year all across the United States, I believe there were less than 5 states that were not represented.

Team Maddie was the highest fundraising Family team for the March of Dimes last year raising over a hundred thousand dollars.

Definitely big things have come about because of her passing. But I know I and all of the others would take it all back to have her safe in her mother’s arms again.

We miss you Maddie.

ps. Don’t forget I am Marching for Maddie again this April 24th, I could still use some help reaching my goal of $500.

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No Better Deal

March 5, 2010 By 1 Comment

Come join us in celebrating the Twitter Meme we started in December (“There’s #NoBetterDeal Than____”) and you could win a 32” Television from NoBetterDeal.com!

Let us know what falls under a “NoBetterDeal” for you, and we’ll show you the best deals on the internet!  There’s NoBetterDeal than that!  Just fill out the form below, and we’ll handle the rest.

Want an extra entry? We hoped so – all you have to do is get your creative juices flowing and put your idea in the form of an image or video!  Once you get your multimedia witticisms uploaded, point us in the right direction on the entry form so we’ll know it’s yours.  Simply enter the URL in the ”Address to Your Media” field.

That’s not all:

JOIN US ON MARCH 12TH AT 9PM EST AS WE HOST ANOTHER #NOBETTERDEAL TWITTER PARTY!  Show off your wit to the #NoBetterDeal online community AND be entered for even more prizes!

Examples:

  • theres #nobetterdeal than coming home to bacon/eggs…at 9pm!” – Twitter User
  • There’s #nobetterdeal than Lisa! Luvyou!” – Twitter User (awww)
  • Theres #nobetterdeal than the one I just gave the [Unnamed Retail Clothing Store]…$85 for jeans????” – Ironic Twitter User

You could also win a Nintendo Wii!!

Just repost this blog  “There’s NoBetterDeal” on your personal blog with a disclaimer and fill out the form on the website and you are automatically entered to win a Wii!

All blog tracking will be done by NoBetterDeal.com and a random winner will be chosen.

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