How can you not feel that? Especially if you are an animal lover like myself! Quite a few years ago, I worked for a company that treated animals with the respect they deserve. We trained animals for therapy: for nursing homes, abused children, and for people that were sick, disabled, or in the hospital. Many of those animals were rescues. To see the power an animal can have for helping someone heal, the power they have to make someone smile and try again, is amazing. Animals are not just animals, they, to me, are family. I have rescued many animals over the years, to give them a better home. I love them like they were my kids. They are pampered and spoiled and are given the best. My kids have grown up with animals their entire lives, and they have learned so much from them: empathy, love, integrity, responsibility, selflessness, unconditional love and unfortunately, in some cases, loss. They have become better people for being around animals. My daughter wants to go to college to be a veterinarian, and then be able to open up her own no-kill animal sanctuary. My son wants to have a farm, with every animal imaginable. I feel proud knowing that I was able to instill in my children the importance of animals. Calico Dragon Bags is a company that was started because donating to charity was one thing, but Candy Brown, owner of Calico Dragon Bags wanted to do MORE. Her idea was, "Why not start a company that says, "We donate to these causes; the ones on this purse!" We can (aid in) the benefit to animals financially, as a result of the message each purse reflects, we can benefit them indirectly as well." Candy's idea is that maybe someone will notice her tote bag that talks about fur, entitled "Mine Lost Hers," and make that person question if the fur they are wearing was worth the cruel death and loss.....maybe.... someone will see the anti-circus bag titled "Great Memories," and choose to boycott torture under the big top. Awareness is the first step. Brilliant. If that isn't enough to impress you about Calico Bags, check this out. Their line is produced by a lady in China; Anne Chenn. Calico Dragon, Anne was able to start her own home based business to financially support her 6 year old son AND escape her abusive husband. To know you are supporting a woman, who did it. Who did what she had to do for herself & her child. :) It makes you feel wonderful. Calico Dragon Bags is going to be hot. And you know why? Not only do you get attractive bags, but you get bags that STAND for something. Each bag has it's own design & statement. Be it a bag that states, "Overpopulation is a real killer. Spay or neuter your pet. Over 4 million homeless animals are killed each year simply because they were born" to a bag that states, "Whips & chains belong in the bedroom, not at the circus. Every circus ticket sold admits one to a lifetime of torture and abuse." Not only are YOU making a statement by purchasing one these bags and letting the world know what is important to you, BUT you are also donating financial support to the cause as a portion of all proceeds are donated to charity. You can look fabulous and help protect the animals. Perfection. "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened"- Anatole France Blush asks Candy some of life's most important questions: If you had 3 wishes that would come true, what would they be? 3 wishes is a big order! That being said, my number one wish would be that no harm would ever come to any animal in the world. Knowing that is an impossibility, I do wish to see stricter laws and harsh, extremely harsh punishment against animal abusers in the very near future. And lastly, I wish the gulf wasn't being drenched in oil thus killing off marine and bird life as we know it today. What kind of TV commercial would you like to make? I actually have footage from PETA featuring commercials that are anti-circus campaigns. As soon as I have enough funds saved up I plan to run them in my area, and right before the Shriner's Circus comes to town! If I ever win the lotto I'll run them nationwide - or even better worldwide! What is the most important piece of information you have picked up in life so far? You can't change what people think about animals by being extremely radical, so I have learned to tone it down when necessary, in order to be heard and to get my point across to some of the most difficult people. What do you believe in? I believe children, young children, and all animals are completely innocent and beautiful. What kind of pet did you have as a kid? A dog, a cat and a gerbil. Later on many more cats! Until next time, xoxo ~ Blush

Size Chart for Women
	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Chest (in)	30-32	32-34	36-38	40-42	44-62
Chest (cm)	76-81	81-86	91-97	102-107	112-117
Waist (in)	25-26	27-28	30-32	33-35	36-38
Waist (cm)	64-66	69-71	76-81	84-89	91-96
Size Chart for Men
Chest (in)	34-36	38-40	42-44	46-48	48-50
Chest (cm)	86-91	97-102	107-112	117-122	122-127
Waist (in)	30-32	32-33	33-34	36-38	40-42
Waist (cm)	76-81	81-84	84-86	91-97	102-107
*All tattoo clothing is custom made for your order.

Blush Meet Blush. Yeah, B-l-u-s-h. Have you ever met someone so eclectic you have to sit back and ask yourself, "Is this person for real?" My girl Blush is the is this girl. At first glance, you see her and think "WHOA!"....but in a good way, (of course)...and then when you actually have a conversation with her, you'll find she is more than just the "girl next door/hardcore/badass/beautiful" mortal on the outside. But check this....she actually has...wait for it, wait for it........a personality too! In this world full of facades and images, she is the REAL DEAL! Here are some tidbits and trivia about her dynamics... "You remember American Pie, when Michelle is sitting on the couch and says, This one time, at band camp.... Let me start the story that way, but with an added little twist...This one time, at the dentist, I was asked about my "daily activities." I was thinking we are in the dentist so she must be asking me about dental downfalls...so I admit I am a Coke addict. Immediately the dentist squints her eyes in genuine consternation and asks if I have ever sought treatment for the problem. I'm talkin' about a soda, she thinks I'm into drugs," Blush details..."This is really how my life rolls every day. Sort of like a fill in the blank puzzle book that I have to figure out." Blush began in the fashion and apparel industry, employed for a clothing design company that specialized in soccer and athletic wear for Diadora and Puma. She worked in the office in coordination and training employees on the use of software programs. Blush is a pop culture toy collector and has been selling the same on eBay for many years. A radical career change lead her to working with animals in therapy for humans. So it won't surprise many to find a "Welcome to the Zoo" sign aptly swinging from her country home. Blush is a mom of two fantastic kids and slew of chickens, geese, ducks and even a pot-bellied pig. Not to mention the indoor animals which consist of fish, a turtle, a bunny and a cat named after Garfield (whom the cat very much resembles) two dogs-a Bully named Diamond after her favorite singer, Neil Diamond, and the other named after a character from Stephen King's Dark Tower series - King Roland. When not directly parenting or poop scooping, Blush over indulges on Stephen King's "On Writing," which she will highly recommend to anyone and everyone. Consider it part of the "Blush Book Club." She owns every published Stephen King book. Blush, her man and her children, enjoy an annual trip to Hollywood, and Adam Sandler's house. She enjoys dancing, country music, collecting movies, roasting marshmallows on hot summer nights, being barefoot, wine drinking, and bon fires. She says if she won the lottery she would hire a "stable boy" for her zoo who would of course HAVE to be hot...and GAY. She has a thing for hot gay men. Blush lives by this motto: "Karma is a bitch. Watch your back." and firmly believes that what goes around comes around. Moodswings welcomes Blush as a contributing blog writer for Moodswings Inc, and as an assistant to the marketing department and in social media promotions. Moodswings: Why are manhole covers round? Blush: A circle is the strongest shape. Look it up. It's true. Moodswings: What would I find in your refrigerator right now? Blush: Wine, cheese, oranges, strawberries, Coke, whip cream, grape juice, chocolate syrup, milk. All the fixings for 9 1/2 Weeks, the 'Claw style! Moodswings: What was the last movie you went to see? Blush: Paranormal Activity. All I can say is BRING IT. Moodswings: If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want? Blush: To rule all. I would also like to meet E.T. I would request that. Moodswings: If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be? Blush: Melissa Fuller. "The Boy Next Door" by Meg Cabot. Moodswings: If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be? Blush: Yummy, duh. Moodswings: If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you have? Blush: None. You know how much fat is in dressing?! When we asked Blush to share ten things about herself: 1. I love my kids more than life itself. 2. I love the 80's. 3. My Granma is my hero and who I strive to be. 4. I am stubborn, opinionated and tactless. 5. I'm the boss. 6. I hate liars. 7. I am a movie whore. 8. I love to read. 9. I'm eclectic. 10.I'm like no one you've ever met. She can be reached at moodswingsmedia@comcast.net

As a child of the 80's and My Little Ponies I can see why unicorns take people back to their childhood day dreams of rainbows and faraway lands. When you were a little girl, did you ever envision of being a princess? I sure did. And other than the "knight in shining armor" what else did you dream of? Well for me, it was a unicorn to carry me around, to protect me and to make me feel secure. I mean, think about it, while you are laying in a field of lush green grass and beautiful flowers, looking up at a bright blue sky and feeling the sun kiss you with its rays and daydreaming; up comes this beautiful, gentle, pure and one-horned mystical creature with hair that looked like satin when the sun shined on it. How much better could you get than that?! I always felt safe knowing I had a "best friend." One that was selfless, one that was always there for me, one that would heal me if you got hurt and would make sure it would do whatever in its power to ward off evil from me. The little princess that I was. In all of mythology, no other animal was respected and awed for the amount of power it had...an amazing animal that stood for purity and honesty. You could never go wrong with a unicorn by your side. Unicorns in fashion and trend have made their way back into the culture in full speed forward. This Jeffrey Campbell 'Unicorn Princess Heel' (above left in Gold and Patent Black Leather) has us swooning big time...with the sparkly ruffle and unicorn horn twirl heel, there's nothing much left to say other than just plain, 'Wow'... There are unicorns of the sky, The Bible, India, Royal Unicorns, Western Unicorns, and unicorns by Iron Fist...which is what leads me to writing this little blog....two of the hottest selling trend accessories in the market today..... See right....Unicorns do exist and the evidence is on this snap wallet featuring a colorful unicorn head and stars. Exterior back ground has a glitter finish. Interior includes card slots, billfold, clear ID display and zipper pocket. 4.25 in x 4.25 in x 1 in. Vegan Friendly. By Moodswings Inc

Melody Mertens began part-time/project-based work in September 2008 for Moodswings Inc. This gradually changed to full time by January 2009. We scooped Mel up as soon as we caught wind of how Mel's brain works! Quick, smart, analytic, problem solver with excellent memory and an ever-so-pleasant personality to work with, Melody is our Joy! (her birth name is Melody Joy) Melody is trained in so many functions of operations at Moodswings it would be impossible to list them all, but her specialty is that she is a "Master of Excel" and can manipulate data faster than anyone I have ever seen! She has learned Search Engine Optimization, how to manage inventory, warehousing, and shipping operations. Mel works customer service and support, and in and with complex multi-channel software programs such as Channel Advisor, and ASPDOTNET, Quick Books POS, Amazon, eBay Seller, and SAP. She is an important part of Moodswings Inc! A little bit about her off the clock: Mel is water girl and began lifeguarding at age 16 and she hasn't given it up! She has an AA with an emphasis in Music from Highline Community College and a BM (Bachelors of Music) in Music Education, Choral Emphasis from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. You can't double-major in the same department, or she'd also have a Vocal Performance degree. She teaches beginning piano and all ages voice lessons to help fund her own musical adventures. (if you need her number get at me:) She recently performed with the Puget Sound Concert Opera http://www.pugetsoundconcertopera.org/, and from there was recommended to Bellevue Opera. Don Carlo is the first time shes been in a staged production since 2007. Melody will be performing with the chorus. She says it is a fun way to get back into singing and acting! She is working to improve her skills as both singer and an actress, which is why she joined http://www.bellevueopera.org/Don_Carlo.html. Don Carlo is THIS WEEKEND in Bellevue, WA at the Meydenbauer Center. Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm. She will have a small solo in excerpts from The Fairy Queen with PSCO on June 4th and 5th. We asked her 20 questions and here are a couple of those: Moodswings: Why are manhole covers round? Mel: So that people of all sizes can escape into the sewers. Moodswings: What is the last book you read? Mel: Oh my... I believe the last book I finished was "Certain Girls" by Jennifer Weiner. Her and British author Carole Matthews are two of my favorites when it comes to fun reading. Moodswings: If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be? Mel: Ophelia - but I would write a different ending! Moodswings:If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be? Mel: Flight, with the capability to control my speed! I'd also love to be able to swim underwater without needing to breathe. Moodswings: If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be? Mel: Chèvre! A soft, creamy goat's milk cheese - slightly nutty and packed with flavor! You either love it or you don't. Moodswings: If you were a car, what kind would you be? Mel: Does a Harley count? I might not be one, but I'd certainly like to have one! Melody can be reached at Moodswings Inc., moodswingsonthenet@yahoo.com Peace, Elizabeth Bighorse

Moodswings Inc. is all about accessorizing your style with fashion accessories. We sell items that cater to alternative sub culture fashion accessories market, like rockabilly, sex kittens, retro rockers, mellow hipsters, vegan, bikers, gothic fans, nerdy nerds, punks, emos, and other alternative fashion lifestyle addicts-just like YOU! What is an alternative fashion style you ask? An alternative fashion style is a style generally perceived to be outside the cultural norm. Usually, but not always, it implies an affinity or identification within some matching subculture like hippies, goth, punk etc... Traditionally not all minority lifestyles are held to be "alternative," the term tends to imply newer forms of lifestyle, often based upon enlarged freedoms, especially in the sphere of social styles or a decision to substitute another approach or not enter the usual expected path in most societies. The following are only a couple of examples which are considered by some to be examples of alternate lifestyles: •What is rockabilly style? A genre of music originating from the South (United States) and mixing elements of rock, blues, country, hillbilly boogie and bluegrass music define the music of most rockabilly events and fans....but what is rockabilly style? Rockabilly style is probably most easily defined as the swimwear and dresses of the 50's. Most people can relate to the iconic swing skirts with fitted bodices, worn with crinolines and girdles to transform one into the hour glass figure. Form fitting "wiggle" dresses that were sexy, clingy bombshell dresses that hugged every curve. The movies "Grease" and the series "Happy Days" in the early 80's drove us to further indulge ourselves into the retro fashion revolution of rockabilly style. Rockabilly's retro edge brings us to back to the days of simple line art in graphics and tons of household gadgets and gizmos designed to make the life of a homemaker easier and less time intensive. •What is biker style? Biker style has evolved tremendously! Thirty years ago one might have looked at a biker chic and thought "no way will that ever be a popular look." Guess what? It is not only fashion forward and trendy to wear biker coats, hats, leathers, or anything Harley Davidson but today's bikers are also looked up to as achieving a certain level of financial success and prestige in owning a bike. Recreational biking has taken over the motorcycle industry and flooded the market with above average income men and women, who own a whole new approach to motorcycle apparel and accessories. The upscale look of rhinestone and bling mixed with traditional "biker black" and tattoos, lend the weekend rider the look of being just bad ass enough to pull it off. •What is vegan style? Vegetarianism or veganism, vegan style is a simple clear lifestyle choice to avoid or all together eliminate the use of any animal products. A vegan lifestyle can be difficult to embrace in the fashion world-but not impossible! As we have traditionally used fabrics like wool, leather, angora, to create texture warmth and durability, those products now have some excellent rivalry in the synthetic or man-made material selections. Although our site is not 100% vegan, we do like to own that the majority of items are especially chosen for the vegan market and are "cruelty free." There are many choices for the shopper to purchase vegan gifts at Moodswings Inc. •What is nerd style? Nerds are cool. Nerd clothing and accessories are cool too. Think black rimmed glasses...you know the kind that people are buying right now without the lens in them? Nerds can sport Atari shirts, and soft serve ice cream cone tees without looking like a nut. Flip up your jean cuffs, sport a retro leather-like jacket, and open a book because nerds are bring sexy back! •What is hippie style? Ahhh, my personal fave. Mixing it up, keeping color alive, using natural and woven fabrics to create layers, texture and contrast. I am quite sure that the "natural hippie" doesn't think much about any of this. I think real hippies wear what is comfortable, what is earth or eco friendly, and they don't see the need to stay up on fashion notes or trends. Hippies were originally a youth movement that began in the United States during the 1960's and spread around the world. The word hippie derives from hipster, and was initially used to describe beatniks who had moved into San Francisco's Haight- Ashbury district. Some hippies were known for countercultural values, created their own communities, and listened to psychedelic rock, and embraced sexual revolution. •What is gothic style? Gothic fashion style is a clothing style worn by some members of the goth subculture. Sometimes dark, macabre, maybe morbid, eroticized fashion and style of dress may adorn those who prefer black lipstick, black nail polish, and black dyed-crimped hair. Androgynity is commonly associated with both females and male goths wearing cosmetics, skirts or high heels. Some say the style is often borrowed from the Punks, Victorians, and Elizabethans. Gothic fashion accessories range from "anyone might be proud to carry it" to "only goth die hards can pull it off." •What is sex kitten style? Sex kittens typically dress for grocery shopping like you and I dress for the club. These sexy kitties just can't get enough attention and love to flaunt their style through tees with loose language on them, they might sport fishnets to the family reunion, always have tons of cheeky sayings at their fingertips and typically are the kind of person that oozes sensuality. Sex kittens are not trashy and their fashion accessories are not always flashy. •What is emo style? Today emo is commonly tied to both music and fashion as well as the emo subculture. Usually among teens, the term "emo" is stereotyped with wearing skinny jeans, sometimes in bright colors, and tight t-shirts (usually short-sleeved) which often bear the names of emo bands. Studded belts and black wristbands are common accessories in emo fashion. Black Converse sneakers and shoes, such as Rocket Dogs, are popularly worn among people of the emo fashion. Some people think there isn't a difference between gothic and emo fashion, and if you do, you need to think again. The emo fashion is also recognized for its hairstyles. Popular looks include long side-swept bangs, sometimes covering one or both eyes. Also popular is hair that is straightened and dyed black. Bright colors, such as blue, pink, red, or bleached blond, are also typical as highlights in emo hairstyles. Short, choppy layers of hair are also common. This fashion has at times been characterized as a fad. In the early 2000s, emo fashion was associated with a clean cut look but as the style spread to younger teenagers, the style has become darker, with long bangs and emphasis on the color black replacing sweater vests. Emo has been associated with a stereotype that includes being particularly emotional, sensitive, shy, introverted, or angst-ridden. •What is punk style? Punk fashion is the clothing, hairstyles, cosmetics, jewelry, and body modifications of the punk subculture. The distinct dress of other subcultures and art movements, including glam rock, skinheads, rude boys, greasers, and mods have influenced punk fashion. Punk fashion has likewise influenced the styles of these groups, as well as those of popular culture. Many punks use clothing as a way of making a statement.

Moodswings Inc.'s buyers attend tradeshows, markets, street fairs and use the internet to source unique fashion accessories. We carry items to accessorize life. 

Do you scream when the nurse pricks your finger for blood work, but swoon at the thought of Robert Pattinson draining your capillaries? Ahhh, the sight is intoxicating and has been made into a multi-million industry by the undead and those that have romanticized and fantasized about their possibilities. A revolution? I think not. Zombie-ism has been around at least as long as I can remember (born in 1966) being glued to the tube watching, “Cousin Itt” and the whole Addams Family gang. Love ‘um. Morticia and Gomez are dreamy hot. If you think the zombie craze is crap, tell me you’ve never watched any version of Dracula, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Addams Family, Vampire Diaries etc…and I will believe you. I am not a fan of today’s undead movies, but there are millions of people that have jumped on board the caravan of Twilight. And while being a die-hard Seattle resident, I have to laugh at all the Twilight fans flocking to Forks, Washington. If there were a place in Washington I vote least desirable to live, visit, or even call, it would have to be Forks. Blech. You've been too busy playing with troll dolls and collecting angels to notice, vampires and zombies have been locked in a pop culture death match lately? According to urbandictionary.com zombie fashion is: A person with jet black hair, makeup, most often called a goth. Also a song sung by the AquaBats, "These children of the undead look dress for the endless Halloweens And this horror-like production takes total dedication Of black clothes and pale complexions Rock jet black hair to match their make up. And who can blame them? They walk the asphalt cemeteries. These Fashion Zombies. The must have been born that way. " Whatever. I definitely don’t agree with urbandictionary.com’s definition because zombie-ism isn’t necessarily kin to the goth sub-culture, which is what the definition implies. Zombie can be a touch of an eyeball here or there, in a necklace or earrings. It can be a lime green handbag from Iron Fist, or the “Dead Broke” best selling zombie wallet found at moodswingsonthenet.com or a fine apprecaition for a piece of macabre art. I don't think zombie is an all or nothing kind of thing. I think you can like a little and sometimes a little zombie goes a long way and sometimes it doesn't go far enough for some. Still don’t believe in the craze and that you might have participated? Have you worn black nail polish.... Hello, you have arrived. Welcome. ONE.LOVE Elizabeth

Douglas Lars Fieger was born in Detroit on Aug. 20, 1952, and grew up in nearby Oak Park, Mich. His mother was a teacher and his father a civil rights lawyer. Fieger’s brother, Geoffrey, is a prominent lawyer whose clients have included Jack Kevorkian; Geoffrey survives him, as does a sister, Beth Falkenstein, and a former wife, Mia. Shhhhhhh.....If you listen closely, and you about 40 something years old, you can hear the riff heavy, "duh, duh,- duh, duh, duh--duh," and you know the next words are "My Sharona." I think in 1979 that song was never far from my reach. In fact, I know a couple of us actually wore out the cassette-"Get the Knack," and had to buy new ones. Everyone felt like a sexy kitten hearing those beats. The album released in June of 1979 and became an instant smash, going gold in TWO WEEKS and PLATINUM in a month. In 1994, Fieger told the Associated Press about the now high-end real estate agent in Los Angeles, Sharona Alperin -"I had never met a girl like her — ever," he told The Associated Press in 1994. "She induced madness. She was a very powerful presence. She had an insouciance that wouldn't quit. She was very self-assured. ... She also had an overpowering scent, and it drove me crazy." Apparently even George Bush thought something about, "My Sharona," was intriguing also because "My Sharona," appeared on his iPod. Gross. (Watch Jon Stewart discuss Bush's inclusion of "My Sharona" on his iPod.) Frankly, I find the visual on that sickening...especailly the part where Fieger's trade mark whine, celebrated teenage lust in unabashed terms, "When you gonna give it to me?" I just can't see George rockin' it to Barb. Fifteen years later, the song re-entered the Billboard chart and pop-culture consciousness when it was released as a single from Ben Stiller's film Reality Bites, which featured a gas station dance party scene to the song. "My Sharona," was written by the band's lead guitarist, Berton Averre, and Fieger. Releasing albums through 2003, The Knack also produced the hits "Good Girls Don't" and "She's So Selfish." Even though they were some more of my personal faves, the two never equaled the success of "My Sharona." “My Sharona,” Fieger once said, had been written in 15 minutes. Billboard listed it as the No. 1 song of 1979. Former Knack member Bruce Gary died of cancer in 2006, while Berton Averre and Prescott Niles continue to perform as The Knack. duh, duh,- duh, duh, duh--duh RIP Doug. ONE.LOVE Elizabeth

The letter reads... Dear moodswingsonthenet, On behalf of the Amazon Services team, I want to congratulate you for outstanding performance on Amazon.com over the 2009 holiday season. You provided an exceptional shopping experience for Amazon customers, and we would like to thank you for the hard work and dedication that made these results possible. You ranked among the top of all Amazon sellers over the 2009 holiday season on the basis of net sales, and your customer service metrics also received the highest marks (in other words A+) over this period. On behalf of Amazon Services and our customers, I wish you a happy and successful 2010. Peter Fancy VP& GM

This week's featured artist: Caia Koopman Caia Koopman is a native of California and was born in Livermore. She majored in fine art and earned a B.A. at UC Santa Cruz, California. Santa Cruz turned out to be the place that seduced her to the local skateboarding scene. In addition to receiving an academic education, Caia also learned to skate ramps, streets, pools, and Derby Park. Skateboarding led to skateboard graphics, and her first limited edition team T-shirt design for Santa Cruz Skateboards. After earning her art degree, she turned her attention to snowboarding and spent many winters following the snow. It was her love for the sport that inspired Caia to strive for a career creating snowboard graphics and later branching out to become a commercial artist and finally a fine artist as well. Her artwork has been featured in numerous national and international print media including Surfing Girl, Mademoiselle, Details, Girl's Life, Snowboarder Magazine, Teen, Teen Style, Teen People, J-14, Fine , and others. Caia designed T-shirt graphics and promotional illustrations for many companies, such as: Quiksilver/Roxy, Hurley, Op, AT&T, and Casio.

MARKETING IN THE NEW MEDIA ERA Presented by Caroline Kennedy, Editor of Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: California Room, L.A. Mart Join Caroline Kennedy for an engaging panel discussion on how retailers are using social media, blogs, email, and the Internet to increase their store’s marketing reach. Discover how such retailers as, Elizabeth Bighorse of moodswingsonthenet.com, Claudia Johnson of EXCLAMATIONS! The Art of Giving use social media and how it can increase your business. Caroline Kennedy has been with Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine for more than 23 years. Her long association with the gift industry gives her a broad perspective on its trends and the ever-changing landscape of gift retailing. She brings her veteran’s-eye view to the highlights and sidelights of our everyday world. -RSVP to acaruso@lamart.com or 213.608.3011 - First 50 RSVPs will receive complimentary lunch! The California Gift Show is the event you will not want to miss this January. From the hip and sleek to eco-chic, trends start at the California Gift Show. Make this amazing event a vital part of your buying season. INTRODUCING BECKMAN'S™ WEST JANUARY 15-18, 2010 Beckman's Handcrafted Gift Show®, the renowned brand of shows for handcrafted and artisan products for retailers with more than a 30-year legacy, makes an exciting return to L.A. as Beckman's West. Beckman's West will debut at the January California Gift Show, January 12-18, 2010, with an extensive collection of artisans and handcrafters who will offer an exclusive array of distinctive, cutting-edge works. Click here for more information. JANUARY 2010 CALIFORNIA GIFT SHOW DATES L.A. Mart Showrooms: January 12–18 Temporaries at the Los Angeles Convention Center & L.A. Mart: January 15–18 LOCATIONS AND HOURS L.A. Mart Location 1933 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90007 800.LAMART.4 Hours Tuesday, January 12–Thursday, January 14 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday, January 15 Temporaries Open + Late Night 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday, January 16–Monday, January 18 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Los Angeles Convention Center Location 1201 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015 South and Kentia Halls Hours Friday, January 15–Sunday, January 17 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday, January 18 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Happy Holidays! Peace, Elizabeth Bighorse

So I couldn't help but post this because, OMG, tell me this is not what I see...inked in all her glory with a Paula Deen tattoo. Lindsey Mitchell was so enamored of the southern cook that she got a tat of a stick of butter. You can bet this would be one of my last choices when and if I ever do sport ink. Not to be outdone, there is also someone that has Rachel Ray's face on their back. If you are wondering what Paula thought of this check out the video below. Anybody what to chat about regretful tattoos? I'll listen...or if you need a little toast with that butter check out our Toast Bandages that have become a best selling stocking stuffer. Elizabeth

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. While breastcancer.org predicts that 40,480 American women are expected to die in 2008 from it, the good news is that death rates have been decreasing since 1990. The organization largely credits earlier detection among the top reasons for the decrease. So it’s understandable why women all over the U.S. are riled up about the new breast exam guidelines released Monday by the United States Preventive Services Task Force: it shockingly discourages early mammograms and self-exams. Among their "new" advice? Women age 50 to 74 should have mammograms less frequently, such as every two years instead of every year. They also suggest that it’s not important for doctors to teach women to examine their breasts on a regular basis since it - yes - found “too little evidence” that self-exams were effective. The task force are trivializing early screenings because, they say, they often lead to “unnecessary” and “costly” treatments. Many cancer survivors and doctors are outraged, saying that it will communicate to women age 50 and younger that skipping exams is OK because they are at less of a risk of the disease, which is entirely untrue. Some doctors, such as Donald A. Berry, a statistician at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, are speculating the motive behind the new guidelines is to reduce health costs. Dr. Berry told the New York Times that if they're followed, billions of dollars will be saved. Check out the new guidelines here. What do you think? Should women skimp on mammograms and self-breast exams?

Price: $35.00 Moodswings Inc Price $27.99

Super exciting contest to win a FREE cheesy jumbo gem ring worth $3.99! Can you tell us what band's logo inspired the font that Hello Kitty is written in on the front of this wallet? (above) With every Hello Kitty rocker wallet purchase, email or enter in checkout message your answer and if you are correct, you will recieve a free cheesy jumbo gem adjustable ring valued at $3.99! Offer good while supplies last. And here is a hint, it isn't KISS!

Hey all you Facebookers... be happy...be a fan! The first 200 people to become fans of our page...win a piece of belly button jewelry FREE. A $3.99-14.99 value! 1. Become a fan of Moodswings Inc page 2. Message us your name and mailing address 3. Wait for your FREE gift to arrive! Give-a-way open to US residents only at this time, allow up to 3 weeks for delivery.

Every day my husband sends me some silly, random, sexy, wild or crazy thought or quote by e-note and titles it: "Thought for the day."

So here is one from me to all of you..."Sometimes I can't figure designers out. It's as if they flunked human anatomy."~Erma Bombeck (yeah...me and Erma, we're tight like that)

Peace & love,

Elizabeth

Patty and I just returned from MAGIC in Las Vegas. If you are in the industry you may know what the MAGIC tradeshow is, if you are not I would describe it as an extreme costume-like party focused on image and style, combined with some of the biggest business players in the fashion world. We are there to search for the next “latest and greatest” accessory to add to our line up for Christmas and spring.

Most people who hear the term rockabilly are ignorant as to what it means, and occasionally even those who use it to describe themselves have no idea as to the history behind the term. Rather than a fashion statement, rockabilly began as a music style. Worse, rockabilly was originally meant as an insult, equivalent to calling musicians who performed the style “hillbillies”. Barbara Pittmann, member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and often heralded as the female equivalent of Elvis, refused to classify her music as rockabilly. No longer an insult, today rockabilly refers to an increasingly popular subculture. Trendy internationally and very popular in Europe, in the US rockabilly culture is especially strong on the west coast. Members of rockabilly culture cling to reminders of the 1950’s. Vintage clothing, retro hairstyles, sailor tattoos, old cars, pin-up fashion, and rockabilly music are all important characteristics of what it means to be rockabilly. While some rockabilly enthusiasts listen to only music of the 50’s and 60’s, others follow the style and ideas of the music, rather than listening strictly to the originals. The first famous rockabilly musician was Elvis Presley, called “The Hillbilly Cat” before he earned his stature as “The King”. Up-tempo, slap-bass, fancy fast guitar picking, echo and delay (as if the music were being played in a large barn), whoops, hollers, and hiccups can all be used to describe rockabilly music. To help distinguish rockabilly from country music, Elvis added drums. Today a huge part of country music, in 1954 country, drums were extremely rare. As with all trends, the rockabilly culture saw a decline. This time it was because of the British Invasion of bands such as the Beatles who, although influenced by rockabilly music, had their own style and took over the rock music charts. But when commercialized disco made its way onto the music scene, people reacted. Nostalgia helped rockabilly see a subculture revival in the 70’s and 80’s. The musical Grease, which came out in 1978 but was set in the 50’s, was a huge signifier of just how influential the rockabilly subculture was. Rockabilly signified rebellion (think about the controversy over Elvis’s swiveling hips and 1955’s Rebel Without a Cause), sexuality, and freedom to do your own thing. The rockabilly revival band Stray Cats became so popular that, though they began rebelling against the mainstream, they achieved mainstream success. Their musical style also incorporated the feel of 30’s and 40’s swing. Perhaps this is why rockabilly style today is similar to swing style and incorporates a lot of symbols of WWII such as the popularity of pin-up girls and tattoos. Also staples of rockabilly fashion are pencil skirts, animal prints, vintage cars, flames artwork, fishnet stockings, cherry accessories, nautical stars, sparrows, swallows, polka dots, and chunky high heels. Many of these items were brought back into popular fashion by the chain Hot Topic, which opened its first store in 1988 in California. While they originally focused on music, approximately 50% of sales are now accessory items. Hot Topic helped to open the door for music culture to become a part of pop culture. They also carry items belonging to the subcultures of rockabilly such as punkabilly, psychobilly, and gothabilly. We at Moodswings noticed the trend, and now rockabilly can be used to describe our website as well as many of our products. Tattoo style is another trend we caught onto. Anyone even remotely paying attention at the malls today knows about tattoo artist Ed Hardy, as his designs are everywhere! What does that have to do with rockabilly culture? Ed Hardy was a student of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, whose tattoo designs flash the onlooker back in time. Much of the recent tattoo art has this same retro biker look, and is often an old design in brighter, more modern colors. Sailors, pin-up girls, sparrows, and swallows, and hearts are staples of Sailor Jerry’s work. Few know, but the revival of 1950s fashion and therefore old school tattoos started with rockabilly culture. While tattoos are popular in rockabilly culture and especially trendy in the subcultures of rockabilly, we are well aware that not all chicks want to cover their arms in tattoos or do their hair in a pompadour (picture an exaggerated Elvis hairstyle). Whether you want just a touch of rockabilly style or something hardcore, check out our brand site…http://www.moodswingsonthenet.com/

Bandages have come a long way since fake-fleshy-color-toned plastic created by Johnson & Johnson in the 1930’s. Have you shopped recently to find a box of bandages? It is like looking at the feminine hygiene section at the grocery store. There is always a human, male or for the most part female, standing there with the deer-in-head-light look, dumb founded by choices…aren’t they, for the most part, recommended for the same purpose, only in different styles and packaging? (but don’t get me going about over priced cotton, deodorant or soap prices for that matter) I a bit ago needed some bandages because I really don’t know where all of the bandages in my house have come from for the last say 10 years, and because I never really recall shopping for bandages, we just had them. If they didn’t fit the cut properly, we just adjusted by adding more, so the wound looked more like an art project than an issue. The bandage section is mind boggling at Bartell Drugs in Maple Valley. It sports an entire aisle dedicated to water-proof, antibiotic soaked, clear, extra-super-duper large to teeny tiny sized, cloth, micro fiber, light colored, dark colored, stretchy, plain and so many more I can’t remember. The first box of assorted antibiotic Band-Aids sounded good so that is what I ended up with. As I am standing in the check-out line looking at the box of bandages. I can’t help but think of the damn bandage section. OMG what do our parents must think when they look at it?! When we flew down the hill in front of our house at break-neck speed, without helmets of course… circa 1972, I swear my mom was preparing the goods on the bathroom counter for us, just waiting…then there was the crash, the scream, the crying and the alcohol wash/scrub and then the bandage. Wearing a Band-Aids always made the smallest of paper cuts or the road rash feel much better. The badge of a true “road warrior” or senseless kid, worn with pride back outside for another round. Friends all gathered around to hear the story re-told ten times, ten different ways, each version more dramatic than the previous, even though most of the friends witnessed “the event.” And as quickly as it all started we were back at, testing the limits of our bandages. The fiercest of enemy to the Band-Aid was a BATH. You could be sure to find floaters drifting during Sunday night bath time, as the burn of bath water met torn skin. Where the bath removed the strip there was always the eternal living goop remains. You know exactly what I am talking about here. The sticky, blackened, grey adhesive that stuck like glue to your skin, and pre adolescent leg hairs, but obviously not sticky enough to withstand the water. I swear that crap probably has been used by NASA, because it simply lasts until it is picked away or wears off. Not born athletically gifted or genetically related to Evel Knievel, I should have known better than to try to attempt the firewood-log-supported-plywood-jumps, but no. I was one of those girls that liked to try to keep up with the boys in our neighborhood, and since there weren’t any girls other than myself to hang out with, I have pretty seriously scarred up knees. When I saw these crazy cool bandages I had to buy them for Moodswings. The Eye Ball, The Tattoo, The Crime Scene, take your pick…they all work the exact same way just different awesome designs! Thank God, I rarely have to don a bandage now days, but when I do it won’t be some boring awful peachy color, it will be more like a Cupcake Bandage. At 43, no more bike jumping for me, but if you hang out in the valley, you may see me flying by on my adult tricycle, with my pug in the front basket and yes....I do ride my trike with my Birkenstocks on! Peace, Elizabeth

In Vegas, it was truly a pleasure to meet Caroline Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief of Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine, and Michelle Orvalle, Brand Manager for the World Market Center Las Vegas, whom together moderated the discussions and began topics crucial to our industry such as, "How has the economy impacted your business?" Loaded question but necessary in light of the current economic situation affecting most everyone breathing. It was interesting to hear that most of the concern from the economy was centered around how credit lines had been reduced or eliminated and how retailers are juggling the balls that may fall in relation to credit. American Express seem to take the cake. One manufacturer greatly detailed the experience that he had when Amex lower his high limit card to a very low limit for no reason other than that he had used it at either Target or Kohl's? The domino effect of this is that he couldn't offer many terms to his clients, the retailers and in turn, limited their buying because he wasn't able to offer the typical 30-60-90 day terms that are norm for our trade. The credit reduction also impacted his ability to import materials in the quantity that the company determined to be beneficial and so forth. I would guesstimate that 90% of brick retailers, utilize revolving credit from credit cards in some manner, for the best interest of their company. Another panelist explained how a major retail player had purchased their seasonal inventory three months prior to the season. When the goods didn't begin to arrive timely, they contacted the vendors. The vendors simply explained that the company's credit card was declined. The retailer called their credit card's bank and was stunned to find that a large line of credit that they paid off in full every year, had been reduced by half. Needless to say, this was catastrophic for the retailer, as we all know almost 30% of our revenue comes from 4th quarter sales. A solution might be to diversify cards that you need for seasonal credit lines. Make sure that you have several in place and open for any emergencies that may arise, personal or professionally. Pay off your highest interest cards first and then apply what you would have paid on them to the next higher interest rate card until you have them paid down or off. Utilize zero interest offers for all that they are. Read the fine print of your Rights & Regulations pamphlet. Check your personal credit report. Until recently, I hadn't found much value in checking my personal credit report, as our credit report has always been high enough for "A" interest rates. So needless to say I was rather surprised to find another person's social security number on my report attached as a "second number," many address entry errors that made me look transient, and some random name on it as well. For the last ten years, I never thought I would find myself in a position to possibly rely on credit for our business basics, so the fluke of checking our report really "spoke" to me. These days there is nothing certain in the financial arena so I recommend being prepared for anything not only personally but professionally. (round table highlights to be continued)

Elizabeth Bighorse, CEO Moodswings Inc.

We are going to Vegas. Sin-city. Oh no no no no no......About 15 years ago I won around $8,000 in Vegas and started my first retail business with the money. I am not an idiot. It was a gamble and I won. It was so freakin fun! I bet $15.00 on a $5.00 machine and pulled the handle to end up with three Triple Jackpots logos. (trying to multiply and divide my bet and calculate how many 5's are in the digits that glowed) The lights blinked, the sirens went off and the machine went nuts! The casino host came over to the machine and as nonchalantly as a waitress asks to take your order he said in a monotone voice, "you-hit-the-jackpot-can-I-have-your-ID?" I handed him my ID and about 30 minutes later he comes a wad of cash and peals off the bills. Still sounding high and bored, he asks what I would like to drink and explains that our room and meals have been paid for by the Mirage and for a mili-second I felt totally Trump. The host reaches over sticks a credit in the machine and says, "Pull-please." The moment evaporated just as quickly as it came as three odd non-paying symbols rolled into place. What I really am thinking is how I will ever make it home in TWO days hanging onto the money? I did.

Twenty five years ago when MTV was born, life was grand. MTV was almost 100% video, music was our life as much as breathing, so I certainly never expected to be involved in anyway with an MTV show. I was a true MTV fan. Although at my house we didn't have MTV available, my best friend Ronnie's house did, and since I was her quasi room mate (that meant basically living at her home on week-ends and holiday breaks) I reaped the rewards of MTV. I am sure her parents hated me but for the most part they tried to "save" my soul through the bible and prayed that I didn't corrupt their daughter. Little did they know how "corrupted" she was but I just played along with the whole thing, because I didn't really give a shit if they liked me or not, and it meant that I could cruise the Renton loop in her cool car, sleep in her cool waterbed and she did have the coolest clothes to borrow...and she was also a super-duper friend that I loved a lot. Ronnie's MTV love affair began and ended with Steve Perry from Journey. Her mission in life was to marry a Native American and be a squaw. When a Journey video began the volume on the TV was maxed out (long before the days of surround sound through our Bose) to the point of static, and she began to sing into whatever phalic-shaped-microphonish device (like a hairbrush, curling iron or whatever may have been handy)....and I seriously think a time or two a tear may have formed. (For cripes sake, we were watching videos when I was in labor with my oldest daughter!) So to say that last week MTV called and asked for permission to shoot a spot from "Made" in my store was almost comical. I am still an MTV fan but I think mostly for the nostalgia, as they don't air as music as they do "shows." I admire the fact that MTV single handedly changed the way the world watches reality TV as the program The Real World made reality TV...well, reality. The event was simple as, two Tahoma High School girls shopped and spoke about everyday trivia, but none the less an entertaining press event in our store. I tried to call Ronnie and share with her the irony of the situation and I found I didn’t have her number any more. Since graduation, our lives went separate ways. It wasn’t an argument or hard feelings that separated us but merely life choices. We each began our life journey in different ways and caught up by phone, twice a year on the respected other’s Birthday. Yep, we have shared a good laugh at the fact that I married the Native American, hence the name Elizabeth Bighorse, and that every time a Journey song plays I can see her dancing her way through our teen years and into crazy cool memories of yesterdays where music was just as important as it is today. MTV. Wow. The oldest daughter. The Made shoot.

Wikipedia defines Absinthe as: traditionally a distilled, highly alcoholic (45%-75%) ABV beverage. It is an anise-flavored spirits derived from herbs, including the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, also called wormwood. Absinthe has a characteristic natural green colour but can also be colourless. It is often called "the Green Fairy". Although it is sometimes mistakenly called a liqueur, absinthe is not bottled with added sugar and is therefore classified as a liquor. Absinthe is unusual among spirits in that it is bottled at a high proof but is normally diluted with water when it is consumed. Absinthe originated in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. It achieved great popularity as an alcoholic drink in late 19th- and early 20th-century France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. Due in part to its association with bohemian culture, absinthe was opposed by social conservatives and prohibitionists. Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Aleister Crowley were all notorious "bad men" of that day who were (or were thought to be) devotees of the Green Fairy. Absinthe was portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug. The chemical thujone, present in small quantities, was blamed for its alleged harmful effects. By 1915, absinthe had been banned in the United States and in most European countries except the United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although absinthe was vilified, no evidence has shown it to be any more dangerous than ordinary liquor. Its psychoactive properties, apart from those of alcohol, had been much exaggerated....but not entirely fictional due to the wormwood. A revival of absinthe began in the 1990s, when countries in the European Union began to reauthorize its manufacture and sale. As of February 2008, nearly 200 brands of absinthe were being produced in a dozen countries, most notably in France, Switzerland, Spain, and the Czech Republic. Commercial distillation of absinthe in the United States resumed in 2007 I love process, thought, planning and spontaneity. It's no wonder I love absinthe-I am also Hungarian. (like that really matters) While in Europe, I didn't indulge, I am bummed that I didn't. Absinthe. It's not about getting drunk, it's about how you get there that makes it an Absinthe journey. (wow, that sounds like an ad) The effect of Absinthe is far different than any alcohol you will ever consume. It really is hard to explain. How do I know this, you ask?

You may not like Obama, but apparently many people do. He is our next president and the next new leader of our free country! Those of you that know me know that, what I was really thinking about the whole time I watched election 2008 on TV, was how I could make a buck off of all the political hype. We couldn't afford a commercial so we chose to take it one-step up and beyond a million dollar ad, and give every customer a FREE Obama 2008 button with every purchase! No joke. Just type "I Voted" in the note area at checkout. We do have some political gifts still avail if you want to take a look. We are all sold out of most Obama-rama stuff so keep checking as we are expecting a fresh batch.

So, the way of the future is blogging? OMG, I am laughing does anyone really read all these blogs? I posted several business like blogs because everyone and anyone dealing in the SEO realm knows that you are suppose to create back links, forward links and links to any and everything in order to increase the level of exposure on search engines. In the mean time, all of us self-promoting-advertising-entrepreneurs and pay-per-click-freaks, seek any way to boast about our businesses online and publish it for the linkage. The boring business blogs don't net a worthwhile response, so I press forward with a newer approach to boring blogs. The ultra eccentric un-business like method of gathering press...the El Natural version of just me, being me. I am not going to be so sly-like. I would like your clicks and your moola through our website, so perhaps the most straight forward method of showing off one of our products may incite you to click, click, click.... Tattoo Hellraiser Senorita Cigarette or Card Case The image is coated in hand-poured clear resin for a shiny glass-like finish! Each retro-themed Cigarette Case measures 4" long by 3" wide. It's available in a silver-tone finish, easy-close case and will safely hold 1/2 pack smokes. Price: $29.99 These cases are really quite cool. I carry one, and my daughter uses one too. They are awesome for all of those pain-in-the-ass "frequent shopper cards," that every mega box business hands out to track you, and your spending. The cases also can work for drivers license, credit cards and small pics. When I am at the counter checking out I never have to mess with unfolding the matchy-matchy untrendy tri-fold wallet, with 107 slots, for all things ten years old and older. Who uses a checkbook anyway? And really no one gives a shit about pictures of your kid's faked out to look like they are famous soccer players. Our featured stocking stuffer of the day is our Ready-Two-Go tins. Should be a stocking stuffer for more people than will admit it, I am sure. We sell tons of these and you should buy one too...just in case, or for someone you know that may need one "just in case." On a serious note Moodswings Inc., supports global education of AIDS and HIV education in schools and suggests one of these best-selling tins containing one condom, one pillow pack of lube and a tiny leaflet of facts including about safer sex. And they are a bargain at $2.49 perfect stuffer price., and if you don't like green they come in a variety of discreet and in-your-face packaging. Well, off to indulge in celebrating my mom's 65th Birthday. Wow. I can't believe she is 65, and that makes me 42. Efff, now I feel older today too. Super. Peace, Elizabeth P.S. If you think you know of some adults that still have a sense of humor. Shoot them over a link to our groovy site and let them shop on the wild side...or mild side of Moodswings Inc.