The First Summer of Montucky

A fun update from my latest Montucky meeting. I like sharing with my peers since we're a huge part of their target market and it's nice getting feedback.

We met yesterday to determine advertising and events for the summer. A slogan one of the owners, Jeremy, coined was "Hot Nights, Cold Snacks." We're thinking of a poster with a girl in an old F150 with a Montucky, of course, with mountains and fields as the background. That's what we have so far. They also have the traditional "F@*k Sunny White Beaches" slogan as well which is fun. Because we get mountains in Montana.

On that note... roll on summertime!

The Awesomeness of Montucky Cold Snacks

Yes, I will be soliciting over my blog for Montucky Cold Snacks. I've recently started working with them and helping out with event planning, marketing ideas and such. It's ran by two thirty-year old guys who wanted to give back to Montana while creating a refreshing light beer. Montucky consistently donates money to charities or donates beer to charity events for them to keep the profits. It is brewed in Wisconsin, however, it has to be that way for the moment to keep costs down so it can compete with PBR. It's not a crafty micro-brew, just an easy-drinking beer with an awesome goal.

Recently, they've been talking about what Montucky actually means. It's a slang word for Montana, yes, but what does it mean? They've been conducting photo contests through facebook for people to send in their best Montucky photos to win some beer and schwag. What do you guys think as a consensus from marketing students? If anyone's out and about, order a Montucky not a PBR.

These two pictures were from MCS Facebook page.

My Ritual

I had a difficult time writing my ritual story last week. I kept thinking: "What do I do all the same, the exact same way?" And I could barely think of something. Then I thought that I change my beauty rituals rather frequently, but the less frequent was my hair style.

In October, I cut off thirteen inches of my flowing, blonde hair for a "spunky" and "edgy" cut. Really, I just felt inspired after living in Europe to cut my hair and don't particularly consider myself spunky or edgy.

Suomi Standards

I follow this cute "Visit Finland" type facebook page that posts articles about Finnish culture, it's nostalgic.

I found this great little article "10 Things Not to Do in Finland." On the topic of cultural separation, I figured it was good to share.

10 Things Not to Do in Finland Article Link

The 10 things include:

1. Don't interrupt a conversation.
2. Don't compare Finland to other countries (especially Sweden).
3. Tip less.
4. Don't brag.
5. Don't wear clothes in the sauna.
6. Limit public displays of affection.
7. Don't show up unannounced.
8. Remove your shoes.
9. Don't comment on the Finnish ice hockey team (unless they win, of course).
10. Don't stare at Nordic walkers.

After living in Finland for a year, I found these to be quite true. Particularly not comparing Finland to other countries, Sweden likes to act like a "big brother" to Finland, and it drives the Finns crazy. Also, you can talk about the Finnish ice hockey team particularly if they beat Sweden.

Ted Talk Goodness

I found a great Ted Talk addressing creativity and the education system. It's a long watch but easy to listen to if you feel like multitasking.

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

Those Damn Brands

Everyone has them. The brands that can make you buy just about anything... or in Stephanie's case a horse. :) *waves to Stephanie*

Well, here are those brands for me: Victoria's Secret and Free People.

I don't know how they do it, but I take one look at their way too cute everything, particularly bikinis, and think that I need to buy it. Right now. I've gotten better and controlling myself because I recognize my irrational thinking. But really, look at how sexy they are. Maybe I'll be just as sexy as them if I wear their stuff? Oh, consumerism... it's a hilarious thing. 

Now, there's Free People. I could look through their hippy-dip blog all day long and feel inspired to live in a van then binge on thrift store clothes because anyone who's 22 and in college can't pay for their clothing. But of course, the one FP dress I got for my birthday is cherished and treated with more love than a dress probably should. My name's Mariah and I can be an irrational consumer. Bring on the sexy hipster extended self.

Bodies, bodies everywhere!

On the topic of different cultures, after living abroad I feel that I have some fun culture shock stories.

In Finland, the sauna is a huge part of their culture. Even in countries like Germany and Sweden, the sauna is away of relaxation. It's the norm to go naked, when I was in Germany it was typical to go to co-ed saunas naked even. Yes, at first it's a little odd and discomforting but then it's significantly more relaxing to go naked and skip messing around with a wet swimsuit.

Once I got used to going naked it always baffled me when someone refused to go without a swimsuit on. When in Finland, do as the Finns do, right? I guess that part of Finnish culture was something that seriously stuck with me: to always be comfortable with yourself, naked or not.