Tuesday Tip: Shop Local with Langley's Letter Dolls

This week, we are chatting with Ashley and Rachel of Langley's Letter Dolls.

Tell us about Langley's Letter Dolls.

Ashley and Rachel, two busy Moms, hand-paint 2 inch wooden peg dolls with

the letters of the alphabet on their chests. The dolls represent all races

and cultures. Sometimes customers request special custom orders (We love

those!) where we get to make the dolls resemble children, match bedrooms,

etc. The dolls are then sold for $5 per doll on etsy.

Our dolls are learning tools that inspire children to learn about the world

around them. Langley's Letter Dolls make reading, phonics, geography,

history, spelling and many other things fun!

Learn more about us at our website

www.langleysletterdolls.com

How long have you been in business?

Since July 27, 2010. Just over a year.

Why should we check out Langley's Letter Dolls?

Our learning tools make learning fun! When children learn as they play, the

learning becomes more personal to them and therefore they interalize it more

easily. The learning options are endless: geography, history, early Letter

Recognition, Spelling, Phonics and more!

What is your favorite thing about having your own business? 

Being able to be paid to enjoy your hobby.

Favorite local business/places to shop, etc.

Meg-Art, Davidson Farmer's Market, Artisan Market in Mooresville, Whimsical Wardrobe, 

Candy Howard Photography (thanks!!), Just Baked Cupcakes.

The best thing about buying local?

You know you''re helping your neighbors realize their dreams.

Anything else you'd like to add?

When you shop local, you get the best customer service, because your neighbors want what is best for you!

Thanks so much, Ashley and Rachel!

 

These make wonderful, unique, adorable and useful gifts!  Birthdays, holidays, showers, you name it!  I have one, too!  Be sure to tell them I sent you!

Inspiration : Frames!

This new product has been in the works for a while, so imagine my surprise and delight when I saw some like ours
in Jewel's son's nursery (Kim Lewis Designs).  I just love her!

And you will love these!  Each frame is hand-crafted, custom made and slightly distressed to give it character.
Your walls will thank you!

 

These frames are ready to hang with wall bumpers and either sawteeth or metal loop hangers, depending on the size.  They come without acrylic or glass to let the texture of your print or artwork shine. These would also be great with metallic and palette knife prints!

Here are the designs. There are 10, and I have a sample of each that I'll bring to our view+choose appointment.

Here are the color choices! Beautiful! I have 10 different colors on my samples, but you can choose any colors you'd like!

They are available in 4x6 to 16x24 sized openings and range from $32 to $110.  The frames are much larger than the print opening.  Since this is a custom made product, delivery time is roughly 3 weeks.  Call me today to get yours!

Tuesday Tip : The House of Olives

This week, we're talking with Sandy of The House of Olives in Huntersville.  This is a wonderful store!  Actually, 'store' doesn't really cover it.  The first time I visited, I was welcomed quickly and kindly and shown some wonderful combinations.  The staff was very knowledgeable about their products and excited for me to try them.  Imagine finding a great restaurant, salon, etc. and you can't wait to tell your friends about it.
That was how it felt!   

Tell us about the House of Olives:

The House of Olives is the only boutique of its kind in the Charlotte area.  We offer over 32 varieties of first pressed single varietal and flavored Extra Virgin Olives Oils and flavored Balsamic Vinegars.  You can try everything before you buy to ensure that you are taking home the taste that best suits your palate.

How long have you been open?

We opened in Birkdale Village in October of 2010.

Why should people visit The House of Olives?

It is such a fun experience to visit our store.  The products are super delicious, and our educated staff will take you on a tasting journey that is both fun and educational.

What is your favorite part of your business?

Enjoying the excitement of our clients when they come back and share their fun stories of how they used our product.  We have novice cooks, professional chefs and everything in between.  People are just having a blast experimenting with new taste treats.  Our staff is always exchanging the stories that are shared....we love it!

Can you tell us some of your favorite local places to shop?

Julie's Boutique, Hand Picked, we could name so many...we are always on the look out for those little boutiques that are unique and interesting.

It is so important to support our local businesses. Its part of being a community.

Anything else you'd like to add?

The support we have received has been overwhelming and so appreciated...if you haven't already, stop in with a friend and experience a unique adventure...we guarantee you will leave with a smile as well as some new recipes!

Thank you so much, Sandy!

You guys really need to go to The House of Olives if you haven't yet.

Here are some little temptations... 

Davidson Baby Portraits : One, One, One!

Pin It

I was so excited to see Miss H yesterday! She recently had a very big birthday!!

More soon, Mom! Enjoy your preview! Thanks!

Tuesday Tip : Lake Norman Macaroni Kid!

This week, I'd like to introduce Amy Reese with Lake Norman Macaroni Kid!

 Your business in a few words:

Lake Norman Macaroni Kid is a weekly e-newsletter that lists all the family friendly events in the Lake Norman area. We love to highlight local businesses that are relevant to families. There are over 400 Macaroni Kid sites around the country, and we own the rights to the Lake Norman area. The Charlotte area has 6 Macaroni Kid sites.

How long have you been in business?

Lake Norman Macaroni Kid has been active for almost a year now. I started it in August of last year, and my partner, Cindy Williams joined me in April.

Best reason to check out Lake Norman Macaroni Kid?

We are hyper-local. Charlotte is a very spread out city. Those of us living in Lake Norman are not going to drive to South Charlotte to find an activity for our kids. We list events close to home. I have 5 kids ranging in age from 1-12, so I am constantly looking for fun things to do! Our site gives parents one place to go to find awesome ways to entertain our kids.

Best thing about having your own business?

The best part of owning my own business is that I can set my own hours and stay home with my kids. Cindy and I are able to balance being in and out of town and can take turns pulling the heavier load. It works out great!

Favorite local business/places to shop etc: 

The Bradford Store is definitely a favorite in my family! We shop all the local farmers' markets. Cindy also runs Green Jeans Consignment Sale with her sister--that is a great event!

The best thing about buying local?

Buying local is important in so many ways. With our tough economic climate, buying local helps to keep money in our area. Buying local produce is so much healthier. I try to teach my kids the importance of buying local!

And last, but not least:

If you would like to become a subscriber, visit www.LakeNormanMacaroniKid.com and click on subscribe. You will get an email once a week (no junk email, we promise!). You can also visit our website to check the calendar and find out what is happening around town. To stay up to date between newsletters, you can like us on Facebook! If you have an event to add, email us at cindyw@macaronikid.com or amyr@macaronikid.com.

Thanks so much, Amy!!

And the winner is......

Seven!!  7!!  Sept!!  Siete!!  Sieben!!  That's all I know!!

Cathy S. (I know who you are!!!!!)  Come on down!!!!

Huntersville, NC Baby Pictures : Mister D

Ahhhh, newborns . . . they just make my heart sing.

Thank you so much, M! Congratulations!

Mooresville Children's Portraits : M & A

I met these two cuties and their mom for the first time recently, and I had so much fun with them!  It was hot (again!), but these guys were troopers!  Thank you so much, L!

8th Birthday Giveaway on 8/8!

What better way to celebrate than with a giveaway!   This one is big.  BIG, I tell you!

(This image of the Fiori di Como by Dale Chihuly has nothing to do with this giveaway,
but it always makes me think of a birthday party!)

So here it is, the chance to win a session and one of my gorgeous 6x12 albums all for yourself!  You will fall in love with these albums.  Proof?  When I get them, I have to deliver them right away or I will keep them.  The next one I get is mine for a while so that I can take some pictures, though!
I promise to give it to its rightful owner!

How do you enter?

Entry #1

Leave a comment on this post to say hello.  Easy peasy!

Entry #2

Make the following your facebook status and then leave a separate comment on this post that you did.  Don't forget the @ in front of Candy Howard Photography.
@Candy Howard Photography is having a birthday giveaway at blog.candyhoward.com!

Entry #3

Tweet the following and then leave a separate comment on this post that you did.  Don't forget the @ in front of Candy Howard Photography.
@Candy Howard Photography is having a birthday giveaway at blog.candyhoward.com!

Bonus Entry!

Like my facebook page and say hello, leave me some love or tell me how your day was :) and then leave a separate comment on this post that you did.  If you already like my page (thank you!), you still get a bonus entry if you leave the comment!

Do one; do all; it's up to you!

Winner will be announced on Thursday, August 11th
and will be drawn by a random number generator.  

The fine print:

Entries will be verified.

Winner's session must take place by August 12, 2012 and within 25 miles of zip code 28117.

Winner receives a 1 hour portrait session for up to 5 immediate family members
and a 6x12 20 page album. 

This contest is not endorsed by Facebook, and liking my page is not necessary to win.  

Davidson Baby Pictures : Sweet in the Heat

We almost had to reschedule Miss S's session this morning due to a forecasted whole day of rain! Thankfully, the rain stayed away, but I wish it had taken the humidity with it! With this girl around, though, I wasn't thinking about anything but her!  Dancing, monkey imitations and sweet smiles?  Who cares about the heat!

Here's a little preview, Mom & Dad!  Thanks so much!

Inspiration: Gorgeous Stacked Frames

Miss J told me she had her prints from our session framed, and I couldn't wait to see them! These are triple layered stacked frames, and they are completely gorgeous!

A 16x20 is in the middle flanked by 2 8x10's on each side.

Here's a closeup of one of the 8x10 images so you can see the depth and size of the frames.

I just love them!

Thanks so much, J!

Mooresville Children's Photographer : So over it

My children are just done being photographer's kids. I think I ruined them when they were little. We went out yesterday, under the guise of needing to test new equipment (don't judge), and they wanted to be anywhere but there.

I'm blaming it on the heat.

I finally let them just be. Those usually end up being my favorites.