Tuesday, September 14, 2010
WAIT! Let Me Catch That Turnip Truck I Just Fell Off Of!!!
Once upon a time, you may recall I "worked" for a little online radio station called Blockhead Radio. They had a small but faithful following and even had cross promotions with major selling venues. BHR was run by two people who shall remain nameless so they cannot accuse me of mudslinging.
Loooooooooooooong and boring story short they ran a fun radio station focused at handmade artisans for roughly a year. It was lots of fun and I made a TON of fabulous friends I wouldn't trade for anything :) (Ok maybe for fabric, but they know that about me and accept it!) Anyhoo, it was fun for awhile.
Then it all hit the fan. There was a radio telethon for a fellow artisan who was supposed to be in serious health need. Well over 100 artisans banded together to donate $12,252.40 worth of merchandise to auction off for this artisan. The auction brought in 5,233.32, roughly 40% of the contributions which is a good percentage for a silent auction. The money was supposed to be given to the artisan in need. I tracked said artisan down and called him, he says he received the money and it did go to his health care. I have no idea if that's the truth.
The radiothon came and went. By the time the radiothon started, my relationship with the owners of BHR was already strained and after the auction they openly lied about my own brother and caused unnecessary drama in online forums thus ending our relationship for good.
You don't mess with my family or my friends. Let it be known.
So the radiothon finished and it was a 'success'. BUT then it all started to crumble....not everyone got the merchandise they bid on, artisans had no idea where to mail their items that someone had won, it all fell apart. The owners of BHR disappeared off the face of the earth, supposedly selling all their stuff and going to galavante the country in an RV. By the time THAT was supposed to have happened, I knew they were scammers and I cut all contact off with them. Sadly, they got away with lots of advertising money because they were SUPPOSED to paint ads on the side of said RV.
Yeah, I think that RV is pulling the Turnip Truck I fell off of.
So, that is a SUPER shortened version. My personal aspect of it is I was supposed to get 30% of the advertising monies as my salary for working roughly 20-25 hours a week for this radio station for about 4 months. I had access to ONE of their online shops and from that shop alone, just in advertising sales on THAT one shop, MY percentage is 640.00. So you can do the math at how much money they ACTUALLY made if my 30% is 640. So needless to say, I want my money but I will never see it.
So time passes, they disappear, I do background checks (because well, that was my job was to stay on top of information, they just didn't know how good I was at my job.) and find out they've gotten in trouble for scamming people before. Churches even! (lovely people, I tell you.)
Soooooooooo I'm a forgiving person, but that doesn't mean I forget. So I'm living my happy little life when a familiar name pops up on my Yahoo "updates" stream. Silly little person had been signed in under her "old" online identity and I easily followed the online trail to find these two owners of BHR------
Living in another state. RUNNING A SHOP OF THEIR ART!!!! INTERESTING. Considering I got a sob story of how they were homeless and what not, I find it interesting they had all that time to create art, or when they were homeless where did they store all the art? (because I recognize some of it as art they created back in 09.) So I do not believe said story about being homeless and "just now" getting back online when they have an Etsy profile that started in Feb 2010.
They are scammers. They cheated money out of countless artisans, and did even worse to a friend of mine, details of which I won't discuss because it's under investigation. Let's just say, they cannot hide and they will get the karma coming to them.
So the moral of the story is do not trust everyone you run into! We all know this, and I do not regret my time at BHR when it WAS a reputable radio station. It had a good purpose and it served a good number of artisans for a short time. It was most definitely a learning experience for all involved and for myself, I learned a lot about how to handle myself, my business and I learned I am not afraid of doing what needs to be done to protect myself and others.
The owners of BHR are now running a brick and mortar art studio/shop and are claiming to have found God and other lies but not once have they apologized publicly for what they did or owned up to it. In fact the only "apology" I got was that they were sorry for how "I felt". That my friends is not an apology, it is trying to make ME look like the bad guy.
Face it scammers, you're going to get what comes to you.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Internet Diet Weekend Round Two
I do have work to do this weekend but hopefully it will not entail time online, just labeling soaps, cleaning up said soap mess and sewing for TWO, count em, TWO upcoming baby showers.
I hope ya'll have a fabulous, sweat free weekend, hug your kids, kiss your mate, and do what puts a smile on your face!
And please don't forget about 48ForLarry, a charity radiothon that you really must checkout!
Charity Ouchie Pouchies for Andrew are also still in my Artfire shop under Charity/PIF.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Monday, June 8, 2009
So, I have this new gig....
So what kinds of things would you like to read about in the Green Wise section of Handmade News? I have lots of little thoughts floating around my brain (the hamsters in my brain sometimes get smacked in the head by them too...) but I'd love to know what you think?
I know, I know...writing for Handmade News, Amy? Seriously? Do you not do enough already? Ahh, this is true. But sleep is for the weak. I can be a mommy, wife, run shops, be Chris Huff's pimp, stalk Blockhead Radio, run Handmade Louisiana and my Celiac group AND write for Handmade News.... I can, I can, I CAN!
Well at least I'll try really hard darnit!
So what do you want to know about the green life? Hit me with it!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Here's to a Relaxing Summer!
My son is almost out of preschool for the summer so I may be less active online for a few months. As usual I have several projects...usual stalking for Blockhead Radio, my new intern position with Chris Huff and of course the shops! I will not be renewing much on the MLM Etsy Shop, but will keep renewing Fleur De Ink and have my new soap shop open, Amelia Amos Soaps! That one is more for me to refer people to for wholesale inquiries so it doesn't take much attention! New items will be mostly listed on my Artfire shop because I am really digging how AF works!
I also am staying busy with Handmade Louisiana my non profit group for artisans and musicians in and around Louisiana. It gives me an excuse to go to local concerts (Benjy Davis Project in June..Can't WAIT!) You really must check out our little blog at the link above and please give some love to Merry of Cheeseandchocolate because she works her tookus off on the group!
Throw into that mix my local wholesale sale! You can now find some of my items at the Education Station in Slidell, LA!! Right now you can get my chalk mats, crayons, and crayon rolls. Around late July you'll be able to get my nap mat covers (which will require me to start sewing them mid June, actually.) I have a TON of adorable prints and styles to choose from! If you aren't in this area, no worries, I'll have them in my Artfire shop as well!
And of course, there is the other new project I've undertaken...making sock monkeys. First I want say, I both curse and love two shops for feeding my monkey obsession and encouraging me! Elegant Hobbies and HoffeeandaNuffin are two awesome shops for sock monkeys and they were very kind in encouraging me to go ahead and try them! (They like to tease me with their new monkeys too.....naughty naughty monkey makers!) They are right, they are SOOOOOOO darn fun. I have a sewing to-do list a mile long including a stack of mama cloth that is cut out for my testers from Diaperswappers, but the monkeys have distracted me! :) I made Harrison one he promptly named Gecko (could have been the huge button eyes) and I just finished a baby monkey for my lovely pregnant neice. I'll put up the pics ASAP! :) I keep organizing fabric and 'need to sew' piles but they keep growing! Throw in the soap obsession and Im in trouble. Countdown is on til Eli can share a room with Harrison and I can have a whole room for sewing/soaping...drooooool....
So I love you guys and if I am not around as much, it is because I'm spending time with the monkeys I TRULY loves best, my boys, and am working on things behind the scenes! I hope everyone has a fantastic summer, and gets their creative mojo out and moving!! :)
~~Amy
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Mama's Sneaky Treasure Hunt
SOMEWHERE in one of my MANY listings on my MANY shops there is a BHR Player Picture (there may be more than one..I'm not saying...) Like So:

So your mission is to visit my shops and FIND this graphic. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS POST where it is! Instead, email me at mama@blockheadradio.com and tell me where you found it! Then on May 12th (the date of the Amos Lee concert..I'll be in a REALLY good mood that day!) I will choose a random winner!
Want an extra chance to win? Blog this post and leave a comment here. You can also twitter, plurk or what not about it, but come back here and leave the URL of where you promoted this giveaway. But DO NOT leave the listing where this graphic is!! EMAIL that to me at mama@blockheadradio.com
Where can you find the graphic?
It's SOMEWHERE in:
Mama's Little Monkeys on Artfire
Mama's Little Monkeys on Etsy
Fleur De Ink on Etsy
Amelia Amos Soaps on Etsy
Mama's Little Monkeys on Crobbies
So get to hunting!!
What do you WIN?
Any of my lovely bath salts found on Artfire or Amelia Amos Soaps! :) Your choice!!
Have fun and smell good!

Don't Forget to Pop a Player and tune into some excellent indie music and great artisans shows on Blockhead Radio!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
So What Does a Possum/Monkey Sound Like?
Not sure how that works? NO PROBLEM!
Simply go to the link above or email advertising@blockheadradio.com and get yours today!Why should you advertise with BHR?
What kind of reach does BHR have and why would I benefit from advertising. BHR is an Internet radio station, so that means people all around the world can listen and do. Our top 5 countries are:
1. United States
2. Canada
3. U.K.
4. Israel
5. Australia
Our demographics are a split of 60% Artisans and 40% General Listeners. 70% Women and 30% Men. Ages vary from 12 years old to 71. Yep we got a grandma jammin' with us.
Why use Internet Radio for advertising? Simple, interactivity. With an audio commercial you have put a voice/personality to your site. When your ad is playing a banner is displayed in the player and the listener has the option to go to you site right then and there. Then the most 5 recent audio plays are kept in a list on the player and those link up to your site too. It opens in it's own window so you have the listeners complete attention.
We sell in stream audio/banner spots on CPM. That way you know that 1000 people will hear your ad. CPM is frequently used in advertising to represent cost per thousand (where M is the roman numeral of 1000). When used in advertising it relates to the cost per thousand page impressions. Using the CPM model the advertiser is guaranteed that a minimum number of listeners will hear their ad.
The cost is $15.00 CPM. Advertiser is responsible for supplying a 240 pixel square banner and link to information. Please provide us with a couple sentences describing your site and we will do a script and voice over. You can renew your ad for $7.50 for another 1000 impressions.
If you have any questions or would like to setup and ad please email us at advertsing@blockheadradio.com
Would You Like A Jingle For Your Ad?
How would you like a catchy jingle for your ad? This special $30 offer for a low cost jingle will boost your image and grab the listeners attention! Singer/Songwriter Mike Burnes is available for this.
One quick more answer. When checking your Goggle Analytics/Incoming URL's the incoming link from the player is: media.streamads.com
~~~But I digress...it is indeed a FABULOUS deal. I, personally have had an ad running for my Cafepress shop and have seen an increase in sales. So it does work!! :)
And should you need a graphic for your ad...NOT A PROBLEM! If you choose ME as your voiceover, I will do your graphic for free! :)
Have no clue what I sound like? It's ok...tune in on Wednesday nights at 9 pm Eastern to hear myself and Rocker host Mom's Cafe...you guessed it, on Blockhead Radio!
So, let us help you have a fantastic business and get the most for your money! You will NOT find a better ad deal than this!!
~~Amy
Friday, May 1, 2009
Win a 5000 impression ad for your business and help a friend!
Here is your chance.
A good friend needs to raise a few bucks to see an endocrinologist for a diabetes problem tuesday and the dr. is 3.5 hour trip each way from his home. So how about it........a donation of any amount gets you a chance.
You know him, he is a fellow artisan and the conductor of the Crazy Train segments you hear on BHR. Larry is an all around cool dude and a friend to all.
You can also check out his shop on ArtFire.
Use glorybound@skybest.com for paypal and put bhr ad in the description. We will keep track and on Tuesday 5/5 we will use a random number generator to pick the winner. The winner will be announced at 8pm et on BHR.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Are You a Blockhead? Want to show the world?
In the meantime, I have a challenge for you! I want you to email me in 250 words or less WHY you love Blockhead Radio! In return for your loyalty, I will award the top 5 answers (chosen by an unbiased, non-BHR related person) with 100 BHR business cards for you to share with the world! Include them in your orders, hand them out in the street, just get the word out! And make sure you let us KNOW where you share the cards so you can earn your Stalker Points!! Please include your mailing address in your email so I can send them out immediately to the winners! :) Winners will also have an ad run on my blog for one week each!
Want to see the super cool cards?

And because they are blank on the back, you can easily add your own stamp, sticker, note, etc, promoting your own shop! :)
Want your own premium business cards? There is a great sale on now at Vista!
SO Get those emails into mama@blockheadradio! You have until May 15th to complete your mission!
~~amy
EVERYONE IS ELIGIBLE...EVERYONE! :)
Friday, April 24, 2009
So a piece of chocolate and bacon walk into a bar...
But I digress. As usual.
Anyhoo, so we've talked about it and obviously people do eat it so I decided that in honor of the BRAND NEW SHOW coming on Blockhead Radio starring the lovely James aka Closet Creature, or Birdy's Technical Support, I would make some of said delicacy. James's new show will indeed be titled "Chocolate Covered Bacon". You can catch his first show on April 30th at 6pm Eastern for all things yummy, indie and awesome! Hear it ONLY on Blockhead Radio!
So, I digress again.
I am not really a risky person, and I figured, I like chocolate, I like bacon...what can it hurt? (other than my digestive tract...)
Now mind you, I eat turkey bacon, so I'm not sure if that matters, or I lose points for that... by the way, this better qualify as stalker points...Are you the biggest stalker?
So, I melted some chocolate chips, nuked my turkey bacon and ever so beautifully slathered the chocolate on the bacon (it's rather hard to DIP bacon...I might add.) Now my dilemma was this, traditionally when one dips items in chocolate they put them in the fridge to cool and let the chocolate harden. I was thinking this may not be quite so tasty with bacon. So I decided to let it 'set' on the counter for just a few minutes. I'm not sure the life expectancy of bacon post nuking so I thought I'd best go ahead with room temp chocolate!
And I did it! I ate it! No, I did not eat all three pieces, but I ate one full piece and it was...
actually...
NOT THAT BAD!! I would not perhaps choose this as a traditional breakfast dish but I can see why you would eat it!! I mean hey, at least when I'm on my deathbed I can say, "I never climbed Mount Everest, I never saw the Eiffel Tower, and I never swam in the Pacific Ocean..but I ate chocolate covered bacon."
So, I have compiled a little medley here for you, proof I did partake of the chocolately delicacy...
Enjoy, feel free to share with the world that there really is an idiot brave enough to eat chocolate covered bacon!
And now, the debut performance
Friday, April 17, 2009
Internet Diet Weekend..
Today was a great start! Caught the Morning Brew Ha Ha on Blockhead Radio (well some, my phone always seems to ring!) checked emails, and turned it OFF! Had playdate at Chuck E Cheese with my cool friend Jenni, and our crew of boys! (Grandma kept Eli because the allure of Chuck E Cheese is lost on him...)
Got back, checked in to make sure the world did not spin off it's axis in the few short hours I was not online (it did not..but I was able to get in on an awesome wholesale michael miller fabric deal!) Turned it OFF! Headed to the evil empire to purchase last minute weekend things (they have a GLUTEN FREE SECTION NOW!) Snagged my washing soda so I can soon attempt my handmade laundry detergent. More tedius tasks.....
My long winded point (is there any other?) is that I am going to attempt to spend this weekend LESS on the computer and MORE with my family, friends, and best of all...my sewing machine! I am DETERMINED to start making mama cloth and I even have testers from Diaperswappers willing to test my creations! (I love diaperswappers for just that reason!)
I'm sure I'll get online, check email, check in with my homies tonite on Blockhead Radio but overall...its kids, sunshine (hopefully!), sewing and LOST with my hubby!
Sometimes ya just need a break!! :)
~~Amy
Monday, April 6, 2009
Are you the biggest stalker?
Get over to Blockhead Radio! We have SO much going on!
Our weekly challenge winner has been crowned!!
YOU can continue to enter the challenges weekly and be sure to VOTE in the contest each week!!
Why do you want to be the biggest stalker? Oh you'll see! It's HUGE!!
Blockhead Radio is all about exposing ALL artisans to the world!!
Charity Sampler Boxes, Artisan Features, Artisan Challenges, And TONS OF FUN!
You simply must be a part of Blockhead Radio!!
Check the blog!!
http://blockheadradio.blogspot.com/
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Awesome new Artfire Guild..ok a couple!
Cafemom Street Team is brand new and awaiting approval, so if you are a Cafemom Member come on down and join that guild! You can learn more about our group at http://www.cafemom.com/group/cafemomteamand we welcome ALL Selling venues, not just Artfire! :) Side note though, please keep your drama to yourself! We are about HELPING moms, not making life harder for them! :)
And I recently created Handmade in Louisiana Guild, also awaiting approval! If you live in Louisiana, or are from La and are temporarily away from home, then join our little guild! We also welcome members who sell on all venues! Obviously the artfire guild will focus on Artfire, but you can certainly be a member of wherever you want! :) We will offer you help in ANY business matter!
So if you haven't checked out Artfire, you should. You can try the free membership to get your feet wet. Then if you like it, snag a membership! 12.00 a month is less than I spend in fees on other venues these days! :)
So come on down and check em out!:)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Do you artfire?
Of course i like Etsy, it was my starting point, but the times they are a changing! It's time to try new venues and see which ones really rock! Im also checking out Crobbies.com...good potential there also! :)
SOOOOO come check out artfire and of COURSE I created a Louisiana guild!!! You must be verified to join a guild, and just like Etsy teams, guild's hold great potential for you!! :)
So come check out and you'll be impressed I'm sure! Super easy listing, great customer service and very user friendly!!
www.mamaslittlemonkeys.artfire.com
See you there! :)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Bid to Win an Awesome Gift Basket from me...and all for charity!
Many thanks to Helen from Triagefromhome! You can bid to win one of my lovely gift baskets and the proceeds go to charity!! Helen does a tremendous job on this blog and even if you can't bid on it, please share it and let people know about this!! :)
<----------------- Bid now and WIN!
Get a great gift basket, all ready to go, just in time for mother's day and help support breast cancer research! End Cancer Now!
~~Amy
Sunday, March 29, 2009
SPRING cleaning time!!
1. cleaning my home and getting organized,
2. Blockhead Radio and my job there as Promotions/PR and spiffy new host of Mom's Cafe on Wed nights at 9 pm eastern, and
3. MY FAMILY! :)
So, I do not feel like such a pack rat now! I now have about 8 bags of clothing to share on Freecycle (do good and good will come to you!), and I now have an organized closet that I will SHARE with my hubs (can it be, could we? Closet cohabitate?) AND a spiffy closet full of ORGANIZED soap supplies AND nicely folded fabric stash!! WOOOOT!
And the best part of all...there is still gluten free cake in my fridge...AND My best hubs ever bought me chocolates for our anniversary (TOMORROW! 6 years!) :)
WOOOT!
Proof of clean soap closet:
(now ot get a nifty shower curtain rod and hang drapes in front of it!)
Soap bases, embeds, citric acids, salts, papers, soap packaging materials, shipping materials,
Approx 45 lbs of soap base in boxes, shipping, bag o' rubber ducks, and molds
And just because I can, a random pic of my grass after recent rains....ahhhhh. Spring!
BHR Stalker contest! Who Will Win?
The Biggest Stalker is determined by several things...
Most importantly is how often we "see" your pretty faces :) Whether it be in threads, in the 24/7 BHR Chat, in the BHR forums, emails we've received telling us what you've done to prove you're the Biggest Stalker.... (although we do require that you refrain from doing anything illegal).
If you've chained yourself to a lamp post and screamed "Listen to blockheadradio.com" as everyone passed by... we wanna see the video.
Of course you don't have to take it to that level. But that would be cool ;)
Let us know when you've blogged! Bring a friend to the show. Support the BHR Charity Sampler box. Email us if you've told some random person on the street. Get that random person to email us. Tell them to let us know you sent them.
How the Biggest Stalker is decided is totally up to the Stalkers and the precedents they set forth. Bombard every host in every way you know how. Emails, blogs, chat, shows.... Just stop short of hiding outside their houses in the bushes.
Dazzle us with your persistence and creativity.
I will tell ya this... The Biggest Stalker every month will be handsomely rewarded!
Pass this blog along. Let us know ya did. It'll earn ya those frequent stalker points. No little annoying card to keep up with either.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Learn more about me..Tonite!!
I promise to be SOMEWHAT interesting and if I"m not, well....come with a drink and you won't care!! :)
So tune in, check it out and leave me some love!. You neeeeeeeeeeeever know what goodies I may give out either! :)
~~Amy
Monday, March 23, 2009
I'm going to be live on the air....
Me. Live on the air.
I do recall distinctly telling the lovely Rod/Huck/Witchy/harem of women, that I would NOT be on the air anymore than a time or two to call in.....
and yet.....
here we are two days from ME GOING LIVE ON THE FREAKING AIR!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (that was the Home Alone scream...)
So, I bought my nifty little headset from the Evil Empire today....warned my husband that our Lost date nites would be over for awhile (oh, don't worry SewHappy, I'm taping it so we can still talk trash..) and that I would be barracading myself in my room for at least one hour and to not disturb me.
So the more I think about this, this is not such a bad idea....
1. One solid hour of no monkeys invading my space (in theory)
2. Sitting on my butt cozy in my bed...
3. Talking and knowing (some) people are actually enjoying it?
4. Getting to talk to my awesome friend Rockerchic about our lives as mom artisans..
5. A promise of appletini's each week...
(what appletini's are not in the contract?...ahem, Rod, we really must speak soon...)
Okay, so I'm getting excited!!!
WHAT praytell shall Rocker and I discuss for ONE HOUR each week?
Well....that is our little secret (I'm waiting for her to tell me...KIDDING.) but the overall general idea is being a mom/artisan...how does it work, managing it, creativity, balance, etc. Our little show is called "Mom's Cafe", or as it is affectionately referred to around BHR...."Two morons with a show at NIGHT" (because the Morning Brew Ha Ha is the official Two Morons with a Show)
I can promise you there will be LOLcats to be had.
SOOOO come check us out on WEDNESDAY nights at 9pm EASTERN for Mom's Cafe!! The possum will be going live on the air.....(insert ominous music here...)
~~amy
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Shameless begging post..
First off.....if you are in the Slidell/North Shore Area I would LOVE to see your perty little face at the Slidell Arts and Crafts Show at the Harbor Center in Slidell today!! :) Exit 261 off the I-10 (last exit before you get on the bridge!) I'll be there with ALL my inventory...so come on down! :)
Second.....not only did I finally SNAG a treasury last night but I am in one--twice! :)
So if you are so inclined....please share the love and do some clicking.. :)
Im in this one twice, as Mama's Little Monkeys and Fleur De Ink
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=47365
And one I was SOMEHOW able to snag last night by stalking the treasuries!!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=47426
so click away and give it some love! :)
