Vegan, Yo . . . Or Something Like It

Well, I've officially been vegan (well, more plant-based but you get the idea) for 2 weeks. And me oh my do I feel great. 

I know. Hell must've frozen over because Julie hasn't eaten cheese in 14 days. Hell must've frozen over twice because I just referred to myself in the 3rd person. I hate when Julie does that.

I've had energy to burn, I'm sleeping better, needing less sleep than usual in fact, and feel like I have more self-control than I've ever experienced. All in all, I'm kinda loving this. 

Here's a little roundup of the things I've attempted at making these last two weeks and ones I just can't wait to try!

1. Cashew Cream "Cheese" - so good with dates on toast or crackers.

2. Pho inspired noodle bowl from My New Roots - Best pho broth i've ever had and my new favorite food blog. She's so inspiring!

3. Green Thai curry - Easy peasy and I've probably eaten it for 5 meals so far.

Here are a few dishes that look too good to pass up. They'll make their way into my kitchen (and tummy) very soon!

1. Apple kale salad
2. Tomato and rosemary soup
3. Blood orange braised cabbage and barley (!!!!)

American Express and Twitter: Why AmEx Sync Will Be a Hit

Below is an article I recently contributed to Digital Marketer. See the piece here and enjoy!

American Express and Twitter announced their brand new partnership this week that will allow tweeters to make purchases simply by doing what they do best... tweeting. At first glance it seems like a pretty painless process. You start by syncing your American Express card to your Twitter account. Once this is done you can purchase "special offers" by sending a tweet to your followers regarding the product that includes specific hashtags. AmEx then sends you a confirmation tweet. Once you respond your order is processed. Pretty painless (and pretty dangerous for impulse shoppers like yours truly).

While the program's features are incredibly striking, I'm actually more interested in the marketing strategy behind this. And this has digital marketing brilliance written all over it.

American Express seems to consistently be ahead of the social marketing curve as they have actively sought to engage social consumers. Just last March they launched AmEx Sync, originally a promotion that allowed buyers to receive discounts on items by tweeting certain hashtags. And they've continued to innovate ways to reach the social customer. I believe there are important and unique aspects to this program that we could all take a note from...

It taps into the consumer's desire to share their experience with others

AmEx knows we like to talk, share, and maybe even brag a little. Many people turn to Twitter out of habit to share exciting news or new information with their followers. I think most people will be happy to use Twitter to show off their snappy new purchases.

It socially markets itself

It requires the buyer to spread the word. And since these consumers will, for the most part, be excited about their new purchase- the tweets will be very positive ones. Adding validity to the program and positively marketing the products.

It uses the concept of  "special offers" and "trends" to make sales

AmEx knows that for many people it's hard to pass up on a deal (think on the success of Groupon, Living Social, and Facebook Deals). It's also difficult to pass up on a deal you see your close group of friends and influencers taking (let's be honest, we all like to keep up with Jones').

All in all, this is an incredibly innovative program and impressively shows off the companies ability to understand it's customer and adjust their marketing and product accordingly. I, for one, am impressed.

What do you think of AmEx Sync? Will you buy in?

Thought For the Day

 

“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”

- Thomas Merton

Happy Valentine's Day, loves!

Girls, Take Yourself Seriously

My Dear Girls-

Take yourselves seriously. Work hard for the respect of others. As far as you are concerned carry yourself in a manner that communicates how much you respect yourself. Other's will believe you. And if they don't, the joke's on them. Embrace your beauty but hesitate before using your sexuality to gain advancement - in the long run it only deteriorates people's opinion of you. It deteriorates their opinion of all of us. Hold yourself with unmistakable dignity. Speak clearly with assertiveness. Ditch any passive aggressiveness as well as any unnecessary aggression. Gossip never. Talk about ideas more. And don't forget to love.

Also...this:

“You may not agree with a woman, but to criticize her appearance — as opposed to her ideas or actions — isn’t doing anyone any favors, least of all you. Insulting a woman’s looks when they have nothing to do with the issue at hand implies a lack of comprehension on your part, an inability to engage in high-level thinking. You may think she’s ugly, but everyone else thinks you’re an idiot.” - Hillary Clinton