A new take on "advertising"

Here is the deal with advertising on my blog...I can't keep up with it. I love the idea of it. I love supporting other small business. Especially the etsy-based ones. I just can't ever remember to takes ads down and send people renewal emails. Consider it one too many things on my plate.

So, because this is my blog and I can do what I want, I have decided to shake things up. Here is what I am proposing...Free advertising. Yes, free. If you have a blog, I would love for you to put my ad up for free too. However, if you don't have a blog, that will not hinder your chance at getting a free space here.

Email me your shop, your 160x160 ad, your blog (if you have one) and a little about yourself. If I think you and your shop are a good fit for Noodles & Milk readers and I have the space, you will be "in". I will leave your ad up (at least a month) until enough people apply and there needs to be a rotation.

That is all of the details that I have worked out so far. I know there will be a bunch of kinks and stuff that has to be worked out along the way and I will figure that out later. I will also consider still hosting a few giveaways if shops are interested.

Anyways, if you are a stay-at-home mom with an etsy shop or just have a crafting business on the side and are interested in free advertising, please email me at noodlesandmilk@gmail.com to apply for a space. More details to come as I figure this out.

Hope you are as excited about this as I am. I think this is going to be really fun!

Birdsong Giveaway Winners

I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend. Without further delay, the 3 winners of a free pattern from Birdsong are:

 

Evie n Lizzie said...

"I would choose the ON SALE Hair Bow Instructions with video mini to large sizes how to make boutique bows PDF ebook Easter Spring photo prop

Thank you for such a great giveaway!!!"


Just the Two of US said...


"12 tutorials Complete Collection of beginner bowmaking and tutu instructions with video access - How to make hair bows PDF and video access boutique pinwheel flower funky loopy tutorial I would soooo pick this tutorial!
loving this giveaway!"
Michelle said...

"I would like this one: ALL sizes How to Make boutique bows Pdf ebook beginner bowbands. Thanks for the chance to win!"

Congrats to you all! I will be in touch shortly.

Featured Etsy Shop: Birdsong Bows

I have a new shop to introduce you to. Birdsong is a pattern shop for accessories, mainly bows. Seriously, look at these precious designs! One super cool thing about these patterns is that you get access to a private video blog so that you can not only read the instruction but also see it happening on video. Its like having a private lesson. Talk about fool proof!

 Deanna, the shop owner, has this to say about herself:

"I'm a mother of two daughters and began making hair accessories in 2006 when my oldest was headed to kindergarten. She had to wear a uniform to school, and I felt the need to dress her up with something! A trained writer/editor, I decided to meld my passion for crafting with my writing skills, and completed my first tutorial in April of last year. Birdsong tutorials are perfect for beginners "on up!" And if you're someone who learns better by watching, many of my bow tutorials are accompanied by a free invite to my private video blog, where you can watch me do some of the trickier steps in the book. I enjoy keeping up with my "fans" on my facebook page, here, and I include free short tutorials on my blog, here."

Birdsong has a wonderful giveaway for us. THREE (!) lucky readers will win a pattern of their choice from the shop!

To enter the giveaway, simply visit the shop and come back here leaving a comment telling us which one is your favorite pattern.

The giveaway will close at midnight on 3/11.

 Guess what else?!?!? Deanna has given a special coupon code to Noodles & Milk readers. Valid until March 14th, use code "spring10" to receive 10% off your order.

Good Luck!

Fun etsy finds: St. Patricks Day

March makes me so happy. Spring is here. The weather in Texas is Ah-Mazing! And we get to celebrate St. Patricks day. I know that St. Patty's day is not huge to many people, but at the very least it is a great excuse to wear green and drink beer. In honor, I thought I would share a little etsy inspiration for the Irish in us all.

 Army Mom of Twins: Cute banner to get your home in the spirit

 Astrausa: Cute Cute Cute wreath for your front door

 Chic Couture Boutique: I don't know what is cuter, the model or the tie shirt!

 Daisies and Damsels: Look at this adorable clover headband!

 Deco Couture: Forget St Patricks Day. These would be cute for any day. I need them.

 Desert Diamond: Look at this hat! This shop is stuffed with adorable crochet goodies.

 Pronta: This cowl is gorgeous. I love all the shades of green.

 Felt like Paradise: Another gorgeous wreath to welcome your friends.

 Baby Doll Bows: How about some ridiculously cute legwarmers for your little one?

 Lenny Mud: Hilarious mug for the coffee drinker in the family.

 Made by Moe: This beautiful necklace would definitely keep you from getting pinched!

 Pecan Pie Puppies: This dog collar is one word. Awesome.

Sugar and Flour: Delicious cookies to celebrate. Warning, do not look at this shop when hungry. You will not be able to stop yourself from ordering from the gorgeous selection.

Fun Etsy Finds: The Rainbow

Did you know that you could search etsy based on color? Well, you can. This would be a great idea if you are gift hunting for someone. When you are short on ideas you can just search by their favorite color to get inspiration.

I did a search of the colors in the rainbow, as in ROYGBIV (you know- the acronymn for red orange yellow green blue indigo and violet). Check out what I found:

 

Daisies and Damsels- A cute red rosette headband

Nevita- Fabulous orange chunky cowel scarf

Moon Spirit Studios- Look at this adorable yellow quilt! So cute!

Fabric Junkie- Super graphic green pillow cover

MGM Artisan Accessories- Simple and elegant blue hairpins

Cocos Jewelry- Stunning indigo saphire necklace

Me Art Design- Original violet filagree tree print

Enlightened Platypus- Ah-mazing red ruffle coat. I cannot get over the design and detail of this. It is a work of art!

Early Bird Creations- Funky orange bead necklace

Tippy Thai- Cute and functional yellow tote

Sammis 2 Shoes- Retro inspired green notebook

Bombshell Studios- Beautiful blue drop earrings. I really really love these.

The Headband Shoppe- Stunning indigo peacock fascinator.

Murwati- I love this violet ruffle clutch. Super cute.  

Now, go search for your favorite color.

Has your shop been solicited for promotions?

I got the following question from a reader and thought I would address it here in case any of you were wondering the same thing.

"I get a lot of offers for different things...countless offers from photographers offering to trade services (I send them clothes that they keep, in exchange for photos of the clothes to use in my shop).  Or mom-blogs offering to review an item and keep it in exchange for featuring it on a review post.  Have you ever found things like this to be beneficial? Have you seen any success with things like this?"

My answer is simply, that it depends. Let me explain.

First of all, when you are thinking of having your shop written up in a blog review you need to remember one thing. You will most likely not see an increase in shop sales right away. It is rare that you are featured somewhere and that a reader sees the article on the exact day that they are looking for an item you happen to sell.

What is more likely is that you will see an increase in your sites traffic (which you can track through google analytics) and also an increase in your shops hearts. Sales come later. The point of these articles is to get your name out there and in peoples minds for the future. When they are ready to buy a baby shower gift you want them to remember that cute shop they read about a few weeks ago on so-and-so's blog. Insert your sales increase here.

Okay, back to answering the question...personally I think the product/review trade off is not a good idea. If someone offers to write a giveaway or feature your shop for free, that is one thing. Never pass on free press.

However, when someone wants to review and keep your item in return for an article written up...I can't help but think that the reviewer just wants free stuff. Now, there are certainly exceptions to this. If the blog has an enormous following (say more than 1,000 followers) then I would consider it. Blogs of this size have a huge following for a reason. If you have a chance to get your name out to that many people then I would not pass it up.

Another exception to this rule would be a customer who purchased your product for themselves and they just happen to want to feature your shop on their blog. In that case, absolutely go for it!

Yet another situation that I would consider is when the reviewer wants to see your product in person but then does not keep it but gives it away to one of their readers. That also seems like a good situation and that you would be able to trust them as someone who is not just out for free stuff.

Photography offers are an entirely different situation. It is common for shop owners to encounter photographers wanting free stuff in return for professional pictures of said free stuff to use in your shop and on your website. Whether this situation is worth it for you or not depends on several things.

First of all, are you a decent photographer or do you need help? If you are completely helpless behind the camera then this is probably a great option for you. As I have mentioned many times before, the pictures that you use to list items in your shop are what get customers to look around. If your pictures are bad, then you are not getting customers and therefore not reaching your shops potential.

Secondly, how much time does it take to make your items? If you are flooded with offers and it takes you several hours to make one item than you should absolutely not accept all the offers. You don't want your free stuff to take away from your paying customers. In this situation ask to look at the photographers portfolio and pick the one you like best.

Overall, whether these offers are good ideas or not is really relative to your specific situation. These situations can certainly benefit your business when done with the right people. If you have any other questions that you think I might be able to help with, feel free to shoot me an email.

And just because...look at this precious face! My adorable son Ashton at 4.5 months.

Featured Shop: Emi Beth Boutique

I have a cute new shop to share with you this week! Emi Beth Boutique is full of fun things for your little one. Here is what Tonya, the owner, has this to say about herself:

"I'm a working mom of two beautiful girls and wife to a hard working husband. We live a very simple life out in the land of dirt (West Texas.)  I started sewing and embroidering when my 6 year old was a baby.  I love to make boutique children's clothing and embroidered items for all ages.  I started on ebay and then discovered etsy and now am launching my own website:  www.emibethboutique.com.  I love to hear from my customers what they are looking for and am always looking for models as my photography skills leave a lot to be desired!"

Seriously, look at some of her adorable creations!

Tonya has generously offered to give away a custom embroidered tee or onesie to one winner. The winner can pick any design or have one custom created!

To enter the giveaway, visit Emi Beth Boutique online or on etsy and come back here to share your favorite design in a comment.

The giveaway will remain open until Friday, January 28th at midnight. 

In addition, Tonya has a coupon code for Noodles & Milk readers. Use "Noodles15" to get 15% off anything in the EBB etsy shop. The coupon code is valid until February 7th. Enjoy! 

Fun Etsy Finds: Valentine's Day

I love Valentine's Day. Seriously, I love it. I know, I know...it is an over-commercialized excuse for a holiday, but I still love it. I mean, it is all about chocolate, flowers, pink, red and love! Why wouldn't you adore this holiday? Another reason I love it is because February 14th happens to be my sweet grandmother's birthday. More reason to celebrate!

If you are as into celebrating this ridiculously commercial day as I am, here are some fun things that I found on etsy to honor Saint Valentine's holiday.

 Beach House Living: Adorable His and Hers spoons.

 Bear and the Honeybee: Heart on a string necklace. This would be perfect for the office or out with your honey.

 Brookie Cookies Bows: Look at this adorable headband! The entire shop is filled with cuteness!

 Bugaboo Gifts: Cute polka dot garland to decorate your home for Valentine's day. 

 Chic Couture Boutique: Don't forget your little man! 

 Eco Bling Couture: Talk about a statement piece! This entire shop is created from recycling old things into new jewlery. Gorgeous stuff. 

 Crowes Nest: Adorable clippies for your little one.

 Giddy Up and Grow: This headband is absolutely adorable. Seriously. I love it.

 Teddy's Tiny Tutu's: There are not words to describe this cuteness. 

 Happy Family: This robots in love tshirt cracks me up. Perfect for your techie lover! You heard me, I said lover.

 Inspirational Banners: Wouldn't this be great on your mantel or entry way?

 Jewelry Deli: Another piece of jewelry that would be perfect for date night.

 John W Golden: This shop has lots of cool art for all occasions and is currently running a sale- 14% off your entire order! Check out their shop for details and the coupon code.

 KB Originals Etc: This shop has all kinds of gorgeous handmade pottery. I can't get over how pretty the handle is on this mug and how it is the perfect shade of red. 

 Pink 2 Blue: Are you kidding me? Are these not to die for?

 Satin and Birch: These soaps (and the entire shop for that matter) are simply stunning. The details are amazing.

 Shop Gibberish: Cute geeky stuff! I love this card. cracks. me. up.

 Slippin Southern: If you are from the South, this shop is for you. Southern sayings made into wooden signs. So cute. And this shop is brand new, so help them get going! 

 The Career Scrapper: Gorgeous needle work art.

 The Vintage Chain: This love birds necklace would make a sweet gift. I love the font.

 Three Sassy Sisters: Catnip toy for the little kitty in your life.

Two Little Doves: I am enamored with this necklace. Completely smitten. I am seriously having to restrain myself from purchasing it as a gift. for myself.