08.07.11
Customer Service: The Invisible Recession Victim
If you have been following my two twitter accounts, @maraligrace and @fetebymoniqueg, you will have already read about my customer issues with a certain cable provider. Those issues are currently in the process of being rectified today, so I will not mention them again in this post. (They’ve already gotten quite an eyeful and earful from me already!)
I am the type of person that will bite their tongue when issues come up and try to be patient for a resolution until I just can’t be quiet anymore. So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to talk about Customer Service: The Invisible Recession Victim. I have to vent my frustration on a couple of unresolved issues.
Yes, we have all had bad experiences with companies – from rude representatives to unfair fees. But my biggest issue is paying for a product or service and not getting it. At all. Not ever.
Issue #1: Baby and Me Boutique.
Excited about my new niece/nephew-to-be, on October 6, 2008 I ordered a Serena and Lily Lucy Swatch card from their website. It was just a simple card with a few different fabric samples stuck to it. It only cost me about $6.00 and I may have had to pay for shipping too. No big deal, right? Wrong. It didn’t arrive. On November 5, 2008 I emailed the company asking if the product actually existed or I wanted my money back. November 10, 2008 I received the following message from a Lisa Cozzolino:
“We are so sorry to say we had a mix-up in your order, apparently the “swatch card” confused us when sending into the manufacturer, but we have cleared this up and the swatch will be on it’s way to you today. Again we are sorry, it was all our fault. Hoping the swatch is what you were looking for!”
I don’t understand the confusion. I ordered something on their website. I should receive it. They should know what they are sending. Is that asking too much? Apparently. January 21, 2009 I wrote again asking for a refund. I didn’t receive a response until April 2, 2009. Nearly three months later! I even tried contacting the manufacturing company and someone named Rachelle Sarosi said:
“Thank you for contacting Serena and Lily. Yes we have the Lucy swatch card available, you can order it on our website.”
I’m sorry, what? I ALREADY ORDERED IT! I had in fact been waiting for six months to receive it. I called Serena and Lily about my issues receiving the swatch card and they didn’t care at all. I was told I had to deal with the reseller. Thanks *sarcasm*. Incensed I called Baby and Me Boutique and gave them an earful. I was told a full refund would be sent to me in 5 business days. Guess what? That was TWO YEARS AGO.
P.S. I unsubscribed to their mailing list and sent the following email in August 2009:
“I would like to be taken off your mailing list. I ordered a Serena and Lily “Lucy” fabric swatch card in October of 2008 and have never received it and have not heard back from your customer service agents after my second complaint. It is a shame that you lost a customer over a $6.00 order.” No one bothered to respond. Big surprise *sarcasm*.
Here’s my issue. You may say it is just 6 bucks, why are you so upset? But I am left to wonder who else this has happened to. If there were 10 other people, the company pocketed $60 for false advertising. If it happened to 100 other people, the company got $600. You see where I am going with this…
Issue #2 UPS:
I stuck my toe into the water of eBay selling around Christmas of 2009 with the infamous ZhuZhu pets. The customer never received their order and I ultimately got the shaft. I was almost certain there was insurance on the package as I was asked to declare the value. If there was no insurance, why would I need to declare the package value? Is it just for giggles? To waste my time? Just so UPS can boast to shareholders about “x” billions of dollars worth of shipments per year? I went back and forth with them for weeks via email and phone conversations. And what am I left with? Nothing but a $250 whole in my pocket. The last thing I heard was that my claim was being reviewed. That was nearly two years ago. The truth is that they expected me to go away. I’m just one person and unimportant in their eyes. “What can Brown do for you?” Apparently nothing.
*UPDATE: As of today, August 26, 2011, a “Jillian Brown” informed me that there is nothing they can do about my claim because my husband and I declined to send any documentation supporting our claim. Two problems: I don’t HAVE a husband and I submitted my PDF receipts via THEIR own online system! BEWARE OF UPS. THEY WILL LIE TO YOUR FACE WITH NO REGARD FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. I will NEVER send anything via UPS EVER again and will encourage whover will listen to take their business elsewhere.
I may be just one tiny person, but the aforementioned companies have lost a customer. Bridge burned, lesson learned. While studying for my MBA, we learned that satisfied customers will tell 2-3 people and dissatisfied customers will tell 15 to 20 people. These statistics no longer ring true for today’s society. When I post the link to this blog to both of my Twitter pages, 238 followers will be reached. With the advent of blogs, Twitter, and other social media, you would think that businesses would be more focused on providing good customer service as regular folks like me now have a very public outlet to vent our dissatisfaction.
However, I would like to end on a positive customer service note. I have been a customer of T-mobile for six years. They may not have the “coolest” phones or the cheapest plans, but their customer service is second-to-none. And even in today’s economy, that’s worth paying for!
05.26.10
Celebrate Dad
In honor of Father’s Day, here are some gift ideas to celebrate your favorite patriarch. I chose a Barbecue theme in honor of my own pops. (He’s the best barbecuer in Texas. It’s true! Ask ANYONE! 
)
1. Wondering what to get the man who already has the granddaddy of barbecues? Try something to clean it with! The Motorized Grill Cleaning Brush by Brookstone will help your fave father make easy work of taking care of his prized posession.
2. Does your dad have his own ranch or dream of owning one? This Western 2 Letter Steak Branding Iron will let him put his own personal stamp on his steaks.
3. Dad will love taking his barbecue skills on the road with this portable Weber Smokey Joe Grill sold at Crate and Barrel. This good-looking grill will also please Mom!
4. Williams-Sonoma brings sophisticated style to the barbecue. Their Monogrammed Grill Tools Set with Storage Case will let Dad carry his favorite tools - secret agent style!
5. Is your father a grilling afficionado? Red Envelope offers a Grill Rack Trio that will add sizzle to his menu.
6. My new favorite summertime snack are sliders! With these Slider Mini-burger Tools your pop can add bite-size fun to his barbecue.
05.21.10
Bride and Groom Gifts: The Gift of Time
Are you a bride wondering what to give your groom as a wedding gift? Are you a groom searching for the perfect present for your bride? Try giving the gift of time! A recent trip to Macy’s brought me up close and personal with some marvelous Movado watches!
1. For the modern bride with dainty wrists – Movado Bela 606133. Don’t be fooled by the petite size of this watch. On the wrist it makes a bold and fabulous statement! It has just the right amount of diamonds for understated elegance. (This watch is officially on my wishlist!!!)
2. For the groom who likes to stand out – Movado Museum 606288. At first glance I thought this had a “faux bois” leather strap. Silly me! It’s actually genuine sharkskin. There is nothing average about this timepiece!
3. His and Hers – Movado Faceto 606237 and Faceto 605586. Celebrate your wedded coupleness with diamonds! These two classic watches have oodles of bling without being obnoxious. Not only are the hours marked with diamonds, but the whole face is surrounded too!
Happy Gifting!
05.12.10
New Directions!
Nope, not talking about the fictional Glee club! (Although I really am a Gleek.) This post is all about moi!
I have finally registered my event planning business!!! It is called Fête by Monique Godfrey. I will begin posting about event planning, design and entertaining on fetebymoniquegodfrey.wordpress.com. You can also follow me on www.twitter.com/fetebymoniqueg.
Marali Grace and www.twitter.com/maraligrace will now be focused solely on baby and children’s gifts, products, and design. Don’t worry, I will still be throwing in my random musings and misadventures!
Thanks for your support!
MG
04.26.10
Marvelous Mother’s Day Brunch
In case it has slipped your mind, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9, 2010. It snuck up on me too! (Guess I was too busy thinking about the Derby.) Anyway, an elegant brunch is a perfect way to celebrate the day with your favorite mothers and mothers-to-be.
For this post, we are stepping up the quality of partyware for a small gathering. In lieu of disposable products, we are indulging in glass, china, and linens.
Clockwise:
1. To drink – Instead of Mimosas, go for a sweeter taste with a Bellini. Try this Drinkmixer recipe. Then, serve up your Bellinis in this gorgeous Ona Pitcher by Crate and Barrel. It will make a beautiful statement on your brunch table. (I actually use my pitcher has a vase on my dining table!)
2. On the menu – Cobb Salad, Scones, French Toast, Muffins, and Fruit galore!
3. Also include a wonderful quiche made from scratch or restaurant-bought. (If you can, splurge and get Quiche Lorraine from La Madeleine. Three words: yum, yum and YUM!)
4. Give your napkins a cute makeover by folding them into little elegant roses. Tuck them into a pretty glass water goblet at each place setting. Use a green napkin for the leaves and a melon napkin for the bud. Try these from Crate and Barrel.
5. Create a bright, sunny table with this cotton tablecloth also from Crate and Barrel.
6. Accent your place settings with these beautiful floral plates by Pier 1.
7. Serve up your dressing or sauce in these adorable mini gravy boats by Crate and Barrel. (I have them and love them!) They are small enough to use at each place setting. They can be used for gravy, dressings, sauces, and even syrup.
8. Present your muffin and scone selections with style on these serving platters by Pier 1.
9. Delight your guests by serving up your fresh fruit in these charming little individual colanders from Target. Their small size serves up a perfect individual portion and they come in a plethora of cheerful colors.
10. For your centerpiece, go with a bright, beautiful bouquet like this one from Teleflora. (I adore arrangements with hydrangeas just ’cause they’re my faves!) After brunch is over, give the bouquet to the oldest wisest mother at the party.
Have a Happy Mother’s Day!!!
04.20.10
Earth-friendly Fete
In honor of Earth Day on April 22, 2010, I scoured the ‘net for some of the best looking earth-friendly partyware available. The great thing is that these products can be used for any event or occasion. If you are planning a large party and need single-use partyware, here a few great options. Happy Earth Day!
1. Crate and Barrel offers a collection of single-use, disposable bamboo partyware that is foodsafe and disposable. The collection includes, Bamboo burger baskets Bamboo Burger Baskets, Flatware, Appetizer Plates, and Dinner Plates.
2. Online retailer extraordinaire, Smarty Had A Party, offers Paper Tablecloths that look like linen, feel like linen, but are actually made of paper!
3. Biodegradable cold cups sold at Branch are made of a polymer that comes from corn to make these cups 100% biodegradable.
4. Paper Source’s Pool Dot Lunch Napkinsare made with recycled content. The dots are a super cute party accent!
5. Innovative Japanese designs brings us kaku by Wasara. These stylish party plates and platters are made of 100% tree-free renewable materials (sugar cane fiber, bamboo, and reed pulp).
*Of course for smaller parties, the most earth-friendly option is to use real partyware that can be washed and re-used!*
04.11.10
It’s My Potty…
While killing time before my hair appointment, I happened into the USA Baby store next door to my hair salon. My jaw nearly hit the floor as I spied a tiny, white, plastic training urinal for little boys. So, I was like “WHAT??? A training urinal?!?” I had to call my moms to tell her about my discovery. She wasn’t that surprised because she actually bought a riding horse training potty for one of my nephews. Well, color me shocked! It’s been awhile since I have posted about baby gifts (which was really the main reason for the blog and business in the first place!) So, today’s post will be about buying the elusive useful, funny, modern first birthday gift. You’ll have the little one singing “It’s my potty and I’ll cry if I want to…”
1. 
The infamous Peter Potty Toddler Urinal. Did I mention it’s flushable? The manufacturer suggests teaching little boys “right” from the beginning to stand first and sit later. I have mixed feelings about this that may lead to TMI, so I’ll just leave you with your own thoughts.
2. 
Also from Peter Potty is the My First Potty. It’s so cute! Reminds me of a little bug. I love that it has its own toilet paper holder, but I would use a smaller roll for aesthetics’ sake.
3. 
Ahhh, European design brings us Hoppop. Not only is this potty shaped like a donut, it’s called Donut. It’s slightly reminiscent of a hemorrhoids pillow, but it’s so delightfully modern.
4. 
Hoppop keeps with the modern aesthetic with the Torro potty. It’s bucket shape cuts straight to the chase and takes up very little floor space. For those families that only have one bathroom, you don’t have to worry about this baby product screaming “Look at me! I’m a toddler potty!”
5. 
Multipurpose use comes to potty training (yes, really!) The Potty Bench by Boon acts as a potty, seating, storage and step stool. What more can you ask for?
I hope these (dare I say CUTE) training potties give you a useful idea for a baby gift. Do you have any unique potty ideas to share? I’d love to hear them.
04.01.10
Run for the Roses!
Every year the Kentucky Derby falls right around my birthday and sometimes right on it. I thought that it would be a blast to have a Kentucky Derby themed party to celebrate! Right? WRONG!!! Why? Because I don’t have friends that watch the Derby. (Guess I need new friends, but that’s a blog post for a different time.)
So, since I can’t have one, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. I have scoured the internet to bring you the very best budget-friendly ideas and inspirations to bring the marvelousness of “Millionaires Row” to your party. The Derby is on Saturday, May 1, 2010, so you better get planning!
Clockwise:
1. It’s all about the hat, dahling! Since you nearly have to be a millionaire to go to a milliner, try making your own hat. Shop at budget friendly stores like Target and Burlington’s to find a big hat (there’s no such thing as too big). Add your own ribbon and silk flowers and/or feathers and PLADDOW! You have your own one-of-a-kind hat at a price you can afford. (Photo: Kentucky Derby Museum)
2. If you have the budget to spring for real mint julep drinking cups, then by all means have at it! If you are on a budget, opt for plastic drinking cups and use non-drink safe plastic mint julep cups to create red rose centerpieces. Save On Crafts even has a plastic Mint Julep cup in a hard to find 7 1/4″ tall version.
3. Bright shirts and ties reign supreme! Hey fellas, if you aren’t a total clotheshorse (hey, no judgment here) you can pick up a brightly colored solid or gingham print shirt at Express (my personal fave). Their men’s 1MX shirts come in a plethora of colors. Pick up one of their silk ties in a bright stripe or check for eye-catching attention. Finish your look off with a pair of light-colored slacks.
4. If you want to send out paper invitations, HURRY! Invitations Consultants has a number of super cute invitations designed just for the Kentucky Derby. For a fun invite, try the Jockey Feet design.
5. Instead of real silverware, china and mint julep cups, surprise your guests with plasticware that looks real! Smarty Had A Party offers good-looking party flatware, cups, and plates that give the look of elegance on a budget.
6. If you don’t serve Mint Julep, it isn’t a Derby party. For a tasty Mint Julep recipe, check out Epicurious.
7. Think southern when it comes to the menu. Southerners love barbecue! (If they don’t, they’re not really southern 
). Go for entrée items such as barbecue wings or chopped beef and don’t forget the potato salad! Martha Stewart offers a recipe on Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
03.25.10
Meanwhile…back at the Ranch…
I must apologize for going MIA for half of March!!! My big sis and I were called into familial duty to help the parental units out in the country. For me, a chronic insomniac, going to their house gives me the serenity I need to sleep peacefully! No being awakened by the crying baby next door (yes I really CAN hear him!), doors slamming in the parking lot that rattle my windows, and the laughter of the jolly as they mix and mingle on their balconies sipping wine and whatnot. No OTC sleeping tablets needed to get some shut eye when you are on 14 sleepy acres.
Life on the ranch or farm can be quite entertaining and educational. I would like to share some of the highlights/lowlights from my Ranch Ramble.
1. Whoever said chickens can’t fly, LIED. I saw a guinea hen fly a good 5 feet above the ground from one side of the house to the other. (I feel bamboozled by that claymation movie “Chicken Run.”)
2. Birds of a feather really DO flock together. Those guinea hens follow each other constantly. No matter what they seem to be getting themselves into, they will blindly follow each other and stick together. (Reminds me of a few men I’ve met…)
3. In case you forgot, it is a FELONY to shoot a bald eagle. If your flock of chickens is in danger from a low-flying eagle looking for a snack, too bad! Do like my pops and just pray that he leaves you at least one chicken and a rooster to repopulate the coop.
4. Protecting the homestead requires serious fire power. The sound of a gunshot nearly stopped my heart and sent me scurrying into the house!!! (Pops had to fire at a fox that was threatening his flock. Unfortunately, he had already gotten a couple of chickens. Bummer.)
5. Why did the calf climb into the trough? To get to food on the other side! (Well, I thought it was funny. *shrugs*) A strange little calf awkwardly fell into and out of the food trough because the bigger cows and bulls were pushing him out of the way. I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the bed of the truck!
6. In the country, there are no strangers. I just love how countryfolk wave to each other while driving past, strike up random conversations about ANYthing ANYwhere, offer up advice when they hear you musing aloud about Vitamin B12, and will even suggest a good wig shop in the nearest town. People are incredibly friendly and sincerely want to help each other. (Even though I live in the south, I’m in the big city and don’t even talk to my neighbors. Tsk tsk.) The Orkin man felt so friendly, he nearly criticized the painting job I was doing in the guest bathroom!
Him: I see you’re painting.
Me: Yeah. I think I’m making more of a mess though. *chuckle*
Him: *chuckles too* You’re doing a…good job. Well…I was going to say…you have to develop an eye for these things.
Me: Hey! I’ve only done the priming so far! *flabbergasted*
Him: Oh! Then you are doing a good job.
Me: Yeah…thanks. *sarcasm*
Then we had a good laugh – he may have still been laughing at me instead of with me. Aww man!
7. Be prepared for any kind of weather. Within the roughly two weeks I was out in the country, we experienced sun, rain, 75 degree weather, and 35 degree weather with snow flurries. I know! Shocked the heck out of me too!!! Texas weather never fails to surprise me. (Don’t even get me started on rain clouds that only cover half the street!)
8. Hogs/Hog pens are gross. I almost gave up pork. Almost. Hogs are HUGE and scary and every time I see them I think of that movie “Snatch” or “Hannibal.” They WILL eat anything. It wasn’t just movie fiction. Yikes!!!
9. After washing your car, be sure to put your magnetic signs inside the car till they dry. I accidentally left moms’ signs stuck on the hood of the car. Then one of them flew off as we went 70 down the highway! (On the way back, why did we honestly look for it like we would actually see it and stop to pick it up? LOL) Vista Print, here I come. *hangs head in shame*
10. In the country, it’s legal to burn stuff in your own yard! If the “Waiting to Exhale” story had taken place in the country, Bernie wouldn’t have had the fire department giving her any kind of lecture! No ma’am!!! No good country men beware.
11. Your parents will never fail to surprise you. My pops watched “Twilight” with me and enjoyed it! Then he let me get “New Moon” on pay-per-view. Score!!! (We are both on Team Jacob and yes, Alice, we, too, think Bella is prone to life-threatening idiocy!)
I’d like to thank moms and pops for having sis and me over. Felt more like a vacay than actual work! Maybe because I slept all the time…
I would love to hear your comments. Have any farm/ranch stories of your own? Please share.
03.02.10
It’s Spring Fling Time!
Dear readers, one of my favorite times of year is upon us. It’s Spring Fling Time! I’m not talking about a high school dance, but Spring Cleaning time!!! (Organizers like me LIVE for this!) Now is the time of year that we take stock of our stuff and take what we don’t need and FLING it into the trash or a bag bound for donation. So, while you’re at it, take this time to get your shoes organized. If you like to keep the original shoeboxes like I do, why not give them a stylish update that unifies your closet and allows you to spot your shoes at a glance. By reading this l-e-n-g-t-h-y post, you will learn how to cover your shoeboxes for your very own luxe look.
Faux Suede Shoeboxes Materials—
Faux Suede Drawer Liner, The Container Store, $6.99 (Color used: Tan); Satin Photo Corners by Martha Stewart Crafts, Michael’s, $3.99 (Color used: Brown); +/- 30″x24″ sheet of Poster board; Scissors; Ballpoint Pen; MSWord; Digital Camera; Printer
Making the Boxes:
1. Roll out drawer liner. Place box on liner and make sure box is centered so that the liner will fold over all box edges.
2. Mark corners were box is centered. Be sure to go through backing paper so that the markings transfer to adhesive side of liner. You should be able to do this so markings will not appear on outside of liner.
3. With box in upright position, slowly peel back paper while box sits on top of liner. It helps to unroll it just a couple of inches at a time so you can smooth the liner onto the bottom of the box. (This will get easier the more you do it!)
4. Rotate the box so its long side is facing you. Cut liner to corners on one side first. (Don’t worry if your cut isn’t completely straight. It will get covered later.)
5. Using your thumb, slowly smooth liner onto side of box. make sure that there are no bubbles or ripples. (Thankfully drawer liner is easy to peel and adjust.) Fold edge over side of box.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for other long side of box.
7. Rotate box so that one of the short sides is facing you. You are going to cut off the remainder of liner so that you can fold liner onto box. This time make your cuts 1/2″ to 1″ beyond the corners. ( These cuts should be more careful since the edges will show. You can measure them if you like.)
8. Fold liner up on front and sides of box. Clip corners so you smooth over the edge of boxes.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for other side of box.
10. For the lid repeat all 9 steps.
TIP: Depending on your level of perfectionism, you can measure cuts so that all of your inside edges are even all the way around. (I guess I’m a little more lazy )
Shoe ID Photos:
11. Find a flat place up against a wall. Place the poster board so that half of it lays flat and the other half curves up the wall. (You are simulating a backdrop that professional photographers use.) Place one pair of shoes on however you like. I prefer to have one shoe facing forward and the other turned out. (Whatever “pose” you choose, be consistent for all of your shoes.)
12. In MSWord, insert your pictures and size them all the same. I have found that 3″ wide by 2″ tall works for all of my shoeboxes.
13. Print the sheet of photos and cut each one out.
14. Starting with the top of the photo, place the pic on the box and affix the top photo corners. Then do the bottom.
Voila! You have created your very own luxe Faux Suede Shoeboxes! I have found that because of my particular shoe size, I can get 1.5 boxes out of a roll of this particular drawer liner product. The same can be done with less expensive drawer liner found in a plethora of designs and textures. You could even go further with your budget if you use wrapping paper. The only problem there will be working with spray adhesive. Drawer liner = no fumes! If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you.
Happy Spring Fling!!!
