Whiskey Ad done just right.

I enjoy wine now and then but nothing puts hair on your chest like a good whiskey.

I guess you could consider me “Whiskey Girl.” No, I am not trying to grow hair on my chest but nothing feels like a mix of Christmas and summertime like a whiskey coke.

As the occasional whiskey drinker,  I assume it is difficult for whiskey brands to differentiate themselves from other brands, and even other types of alcohol. [Whiskey and Bourbon and Scotch all taste the same to me, is that just me?] Especially when there is an idea that only men drink it, and hey, it’s probably mostly true.

In my mind, there are three categories, super cheap well-whiskey, like whatever comes out of that hose at the bar, then the middle men, like Jim Bean and Jack Daniels. And then lastly, you have the super pricey whiskey that you never see anyone actually buy but every refined adult has stashed away in a cupboard somewhere, for instance Crown Royal or some of that whiskey that is a billion years old and $3000.

 

Jim Bean falling in the middle category, they really are taking advantage of the idea around whiskey’s target market of them being the manliest of men. I like the idea of playing on humor as well as a stereotype of whiskey drinkers. Any advertisement that can make me chuckle while making fun of the people drinking out of tiny straws and an umbrella, is doing something right.

 

 

 

10 Tips on Writing Advertising Content from David Ogilvy

“Father of Advertising” David Ogilvy had a lot of iconic marketing campaigns. Click here to read the article or scroll on to just read the 10 tips.

 

 

1. Read the Roman-Raphaelson book on writing. Read it three times.

2. Write the way you talk. Naturally.

3. Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.

4. Never use jargon words like reconceptualize,demassification, attitudinally, judgmentally. They are hallmarks of pretense.

5. Never write more than two pages on any subject.

6. Check your quotations.

7. Never send a letter or a memo on the day you write it. Read it aloud the next morning — and then edit it.

8. If it is something important, get a colleague to improve it.

9. Before you send your letter or your memo, make sure it is crystal clear what you want the recipient to do.

10. If you want ACTION, don’t write. Go and tell the guy what you want.

 

 

David Ogilvy on Creation & Promotion

 

America.

In the weekly issues of TIME Magazine, there is an interesting fact that is bothersome. 

There are 4 types of issues released, US, Europe, Asia and South Pacific. Here are some examples of how the US version can be a little bit different than the other three. Take a look.

During Egypt’s revolution, TIME shows chooses this picture as a cover and then for the American cover, information on anxiety seems to be more important.

 

This is not a single occurrence. Here are some other examples:

 

Though I am glad to learn that the content is the same but it still brings up a lot of questions. Do American’s need their covers dumbed down to sell? Or do we really care so little about what’s going on outside our borders?

 

 

Strange Inventions From the Past

 

Here is an ice mask from 1947 used to cure hangovers. Looks kind of pleasant

 

This fancy baby carriage from 1931 might not be so stylish but you can go for a stroll without worrying about gas attacks!

A single wheeled motorcycle from 1931 kind of looks like that one thing from South Park…

 

Protect your face from snow storms in 1939!

 

Protect your cigarette from the rain with this handy device. (1939)

Is this brilliant or is it just me? You wear these and can read laying down, I need some for my laptop. (1936)

 

This gun takes a picture when it is fired from 1938.

 

Fitness Information.

It’s beginning to be that season again when the gym fills up with people who have new years resolutions. Here are some tips for people getting back into it that can help your routine!

Many people think that it’s all about hitting the gym. But most people knowledgeable in fitness know that it’s not just about lifting weights but diet and sleep.

So don’t fret over a missed day at the gym. It’s important to have a balance. Work hard and focus when you’re there. But remember to relax also.

Weightlifting isn’t just for men. Gaining muscle like this as a women is very challenging and takes a lot of effort. Some women think that lifting will make them bulk up in reality it mostly just tones muscles. Weight training is beneficial for woman to help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, especially those over 40.

Yes. Cold water technically burn more calories. No. It won’t flatten your stomach into a 6-pack. But studies do show it helps with energy production, digestion, hunger cravings and recovery. So drink up! Not sure how much to drink? Medical experts say to simply drink enough water so that your urine is clear.

Everyone knows it. We all ignore it. Proper form is crucial, which also means lowering the weight and being in control. While it looks and feels great to throw around heavy weights, you may also be cheating yourself out of gains/progress.

We truly are unique in so many ways. While it ca be good to take note of what others do to achieve their goals, always remember that your body will respond to it’s own stimuli. So don’t think you need to be bench pressing 305lbs to get a barrel chest. Start slow and work smarter, not harder.

Good luck and happy fitness!

Easy steps to conserve water

Water conservation has become important in all regions, even rainy one’s such as my home in Seattle. Water is not an unlimited resource and everyone uses a lot of water per day. There are a few really easy tricks that won’t be difficult to work into your daily life. By doing all of these you could save literally hundreds of gallons per week. This can decrease your utility bill and make you feel good for caring for the environment. Give them a shot.

 

 

  • If you use a low-flow shower head, you can save 15 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower
  • Every time you shave minutes off your use of hot water, you also save energy and keep dollars in your pocket
  • It takes about 70 gallons of water to fill a bathtub, so showers are generally the more water-efficient way to bathe.
  • Nearly 22% of indoor home water use comes from doing laundry. Save water by making sure to adjust the settings on your machine to the proper load size.
  • Energy Star dishwashers use about 4 gallons of water per load, and even standard machines use only about 6 gallons. Hand washing generally uses about 20 gallons of water each time.
  • Fix those leaky faucets. A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.
  • Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush. There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.
  • Keep a jug of water in the fridge, that way you don’t have to run the tap for the water to get cold.
  • Collect the water when waiting for it to warm up before your shower then use it to water your plants.

 

Want to learn more?

Click here

 

Forgetting for an instant.

Cancer patients agreed to be given a makeover. What they didn’t know was what kind of makeover. They were surprised and had their picture captured the moment they could see their new funny look. For a moment they got to forget about their cancer and have a good laugh from being surprised.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMWU8dEKwXw#t=198

Watch the video! It’s very heartfelt.

New kind of pancake!

Perfect for those Sunday mornings when you are feeling a bid decisive. I haven’t tried this recipe but will this weekend for sure.

 

Prep time 25 minutes, cook time 10

CINNAMON FILLING:
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, just melted (not boiling)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon

CREAM CHEESE GLAZE:
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2-ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

PANCAKES:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil

Directions:

Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a medium bowl, stir together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Scoop the filling into a quart-sized heavy zip baggie and set it aside (see *Tips below).

Prepare the glaze: In a small pan, heat the butter over low heat until melted. Turn off the heat and whisk in the cream cheese until it is almost smooth. Sift the powdered sugar into the pan, stir and add in vanilla extract. Set the pan aside while you make the pancakes.

Prepare the pancake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk in the milk, egg and oil, just until the batter is moistened (a few small lumps are fine).

Cook the pancakes: Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-heat and spray with nonstick spray. Use an ice cream scoop (or 1/3 cup measuring cup) to add the batter to the pan. Use the bottom of the scoop or cup to spread the batter into a circle (about 4-inches in diameter). Reduce the heat to medium low. Snip the corner of your baggie of cinnamon filling and squeeze the filling into the open corner. When your pancake begins to form bubbles, add the filling. Starting at the center of the pancake, squeeze the filling on top of the pancake batter in a swirl (just as you see in a regular cinnamon roll). Cook the pancake 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bubbles begin popping on top of the pancake and it’s golden brown on the bottom. Slide a thin, wide metal spatula underneath the pancake and gently but quickly flip it over. Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the other side is golden as well. When you flip the pancake onto a plate, you will see that the cinnamon filling has created a crater-swirl of cinnamon. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel, and repeat with the remaining pancake batter and cinnamon filling. Re-warm the glaze briefly, if needed. Serve pancakes topped with a drizzle of glaze.

Tips:

*Quick and easy tip: Use a boxed pancake mix as the base for this recipe.
*Tips for the cinnamon filling: Before swirling, open up the baggie again and give it a good stir to re-incorporate any butter that may have separated from the sugar. You want the mixture to thicken a bit- it’s best when it’s similar to the squeezing texture of a tube of toothpaste, which will happen if you leave it at room temperature for several minutes. Don’t try to use the filling for the pancake swirl unless it has thickened as it will be too runny to make a solid swirl.

*Keep the heat low or your pancakes might cook up too quickly. Don’t flip them until you see those bubbles starting to pop on top. Flip them with a wide spatula so you can grasp the whole thing without batter and filling dripping all over the place!

 

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes