May 26, 2008
Little Knots Advice
.jpg)
I need some "consumer" feedback on my website, LittleKnots.com. I have decreased the number of products on the main page to the three most recent (two of these are brand new and very cute). Other products can then be found by clicking on the appropriate link on the right sidebar. But here's my questions...do people actually click on those links? would it be better to list everything on my main page?
Second, I keep a short blog on my website which I hope to write in once a week...even something short. But then I also can post "articles" on my main page. Do the main page articles clog up the space and make it confusing? I plan to use the main page articles for promotional information while the blog link would be more personal.
Thirdly, any advice on how to get my products out there even more. Right now I mostly sell to people I have directly connected with. How do I grow that circle? I do have an Etsy shop but what else is out there?
Lastly, I hope to start sending out a short mailing (via e-mail) ever few months. If you would like to be added to this mailing list just leave your e-mail in a comment or if you don't feel comfortable with that e-mail it to me: sarah@littleknots.com.
Thanks all of you for your input. It helps with my indecisiveness.
Posted by sarahward at 8:20 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
May 21, 2008
Tea Time
We're getting a nice new flow to life. I'm up to two cups of tea a day which is why I'm allowing myself to sit down rather than clean the house or do dishes. It's hard to do those tasks while drinking (and enjoying) a cup of PG Tips. Both kids are asleep. Joanna said as I laid her down, "No hugs, no kisses, no songs." And I heard no peep out of her. We're wiped out these days. So here are some pictures of our lives.
I've realized that I need to spend more quality time with Joanna, to show her love, to make her feel special, to help her be sleepy at nap time. We've gone to this stream at Forest Park several times to throw rocks in the water, wade, and float things down the stream. It's a wonderful little spot for a picnic.
Joanna has her moments of being frustrated with Sam...usually when she wants me at the same time as he needs me. But she loves to help change his diaper, sing him to sleep, and hold his hand.
I've really been wanting to get back into exercising after not having the energy during Sam's pregnancy. Sadly I realized the only way to fit it in is to get up at 6:00 in the morning (this is SUPER) early for me. Kirk keeps the kids so I not only get to exercise but I get to be by myself which is a wonderful way to start the day. I'm alternating between pilates and running.
I've had a lot of fun working on my business. I got an e-mail from one of my best friends from middle/high school the other day and she ordered two onsies for her daughter. It was fun to connect with her again...and to make some money. These onsies aren't being made for anyone in particular but to put on my LittleKnots shop. I'm trying to build up my inventory when I have down time. It's great for someone to order something I already have made and all I have to do is mail it! I ordered new business cards which I will give to anyone interested when they arrive. I'm not good at promoting myself so you can promote for me if you'd like a stack of them.
Posted by sarahward at 2:32 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 18, 2008
No Rise Rolls
These are the best. We first had them when my mom visited for Joanna's birth and have been making them ever since. You can refrigerate the dough for quick, fresh, hot rolls...ready in 30 min.
Dissolve in 1/2 C warm water: 1 T sugar and 1 T yeast.
Mix in bowl:
- 1/2 C oil
- 2 C plain yogurt
- 1/2 t baking soda
- 5 t baking powder
- 1 t salt
- 1/2 C sugar
Add yeast mixture and stir well.
Add 5 C flour (I use 3 whole wheat and 2 white) and knead until soft, adding more flour as needed.
Make into rolls and bake at 375 for 15 to 20 min.
Refrigerate dough in an airtight container.
Posted by sarahward at 5:22 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 4, 2008
Crunchy Granola
Life is unscheduled and unpredictable with a newborn. This is hard for both Kirk and my personalities. One area of our little scheduled life that Samuel has thrown into some confusion is our morning routine. We like to eat oatmeal for breakfast but it takes time to make and thus Kirk is late for work. But something that my mom got us back into is granola. Quick, easy, delicious (especially if we have fresh strawberries to throw on top. So here's a recipe that I grew up on from the More With Less Cookbook. I have a batch baking right now and time to blog the recipe thanks to a WONDERFUL husband who has taken Joanna to the store. It's been a long, hard day and I'm tired of my job as Mommy.
Preheat oven to 325.
Mix together in large bowl:
- 1/2 - 1 C. coconut (I only use 1/2 C.)
- 4 C. rolled oats (I just use oatmeal)
- 1 C. sunflower seed
- 1 C. wheat germ (sold in the cereal part of the store, not the flour part)
- 1/4 - 1/2 c. sesame seed (I use 1/4 C.)
- 1 C. peanuts or chopped walnuts (I use 1 1/2 C. peanuts)
Bring to a boil:
- 1 C. honey or brown sugar (use 3/4 C. oil of you use brown sugar)
- 1/2 C oil
- 1 T cinnamon
Pour honey mixture over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Spread on 2 greased cookie sheets (with sides). Bake about 30 minutes, stirring often. Watch closely at the last, not allowing granola to become too dark. Allow to cool undisturbed, then break into chunks.
Posted by sarahward at 5:16 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack