Treat bag via Painted by the Shore
The Nutmeg Collective wishes you a safe and happy Halloween weekend!
Friday, October 30, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Treasurypalooza Thursday
This whole treasury is Nutmeg Collective members! Click the photo or link above to go to the items shown.
Days are Getting Shorter by Jeanine of Solstice Handcrafted
Featuring members Cottage Wicks, Jenny Fields Fiber, Lilypad Prints, Hockman Photography, Evelyn Pelati, and Persimmon Pearl
Keep it FUNNY this holiday season! by Suzanne of Smirking Goddess
Moods by Kristen of Milo and Molly
Featuring members Nutmeg Naturals, Persimmon Pearl, tinymack, Lilypad Prints, Jenny Fields Fiber, and RiverDog Prints
Rustic Orange by Jennifer of Nutmeg Naturals
Featuring members Everything Glitzy, Solstice Handcrafted, Cottage Wicks, Treefort Naturals, Doug Hockman Photography, MSD Design, Hickster Tees, and The Tiny Wren
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Click the photos to go directly to the treasury on Etsy, where there are clickable links to each item.
Which grouping is your favorite?
Which grouping is your favorite?
Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly is a self-taught sewist, Kristen who runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey. Stop by and see her collection of bold modern accessories and home goods.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | miloandmollyshop@gmail.com Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Nutmeg Collective Instagram: The Burnt Shop
We have some great photos in our #nutmegcollective Instagram feed.
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
Monday, October 26, 2015
One Thing: Know Your Target Market
You set out to sell a product or to reach people with your blog, but you find your sales and traffic are lacking. What can you do to help get yourself out there? Know your target market.
Your target market is the specific type of customer or reader you want to reach. They are your people- the ones who will buy (and love!) your products, or the one who will faithfully read your posts. Think about who it is you are trying to reach - age, gender, socioeconomic status, hobbies and interests, etc.- and create a character. Is your ideal customer a woman in her 20s with disposable income, or is it a stay-at-home dad who loves to cook? Who do you see in your head when you make your products or write your posts? Who are you most trying to connect to and why?
Once you have your model customer in your head, it's time to think about how to reach them. Are there media outlets specifically geared toward your guy or gal: mommy-based websites, Instagram accounts, local media, and so on that can help get you connected? Take your content to where your type of people are and reaching out to someone who can help connect you to their followers. Develop a marketing plan that will tell your customer why you and they are a perfect match, and use social media to develop your brand even further.
Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly is a self-taught sewist, Kristen who runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey. Stop by and see her collection of bold modern accessories and home goods.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | miloandmollyshop@gmail.com Friday, October 23, 2015
Seasonal Spotlight: Calendars
We are getting a jump start on 2016 by featuring some of the calendars available from our members. From perpetual to desk to advent to dog to baby countdown (and count-up), there is an excellent mix for collecting and gift-giving.
Lily Pad Prints has 2016 Desk Calendars with themes of flowers, Connecticut and fine art black & white photography. You can see all three calendars and details of the beautifully photographed images here: Lily Pad Prints Calendars
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QueenVanna Creations has so many options for calendars! Check out the Baby Countdown and Count Up wood block calendar, as well as many colorful perpetual wood block styles. She also creates incredible Advent calendars that are interactive for your whole family. Be sure to browse all the options here: QueenVanna Creations
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Instagram Vignettes
The Nutmeg Collective has many clever makers and one of the things that's great about the group is learning from each other about business, resources and networking.
Etsy treasuries can be gorgeously curated, but our group is expanding from that platform, and looking for other ways to share and enjoy each other's work. Some of our members have begun creating vignettes of our goods on Instagram and the result is beautiful and informative.
Take a look at a few recent examples and be sure to follow the tag #nutmegcollective on Instagram.
Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com
Etsy treasuries can be gorgeously curated, but our group is expanding from that platform, and looking for other ways to share and enjoy each other's work. Some of our members have begun creating vignettes of our goods on Instagram and the result is beautiful and informative.
Take a look at a few recent examples and be sure to follow the tag #nutmegcollective on Instagram.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Being right in the middle of the fall season means that pumpkins are everywhere, and with Halloween coming, many people take to decorating them and putting them out for display. If you are a pumpkin carver, then you know one of the first steps is getting out the seeds. Don't throw them away because they can make for a crunchy treat in just a few simple steps.
As you're gutting the pumpkin, throw all the seeds into a large mixing bowl. Don't worry about removing the guts from the seeds, just focus on the job at hand. Once it's done, fill the bowl with the seeds with warm water and swirl them around with your hand. This will help most of the strings and fruit come away from the seeds. Use your fingers or a large flat strainer to skim the seeds out of the water- avoiding any of the leftover innards- and place the seeds in a colander. Rinse them again, removing anything that is not a seed. Pat the seeds with paper towel to remove some of the water, but watch out because they will be slippery.
Line a sheet pan with foil and spread the seeds out. Melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter and pour over the seeds, stirring them on the pan to coat them all. Spread the seeds in a single layer and sprinkle with sea salt until they are all lightly coated. Place the seeds in a 375 degree oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the seeds are a nice golden brown.
Variations:
Instead of sea salt, try one of the following:
- garlic salt
- powered ranch dressing mix
- cinnamon and sugar
- Old Bay seasoning
Enjoy!
Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly is a self-taught sewist, Kristen who runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey. Stop by and see her collection of bold modern accessories and home goods.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | miloandmollyshop@gmail.com Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Local Love: Whole Harmony Apothecary
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Whole Harmony had the grand opening of their new space in Haddam, Connecticut, this past weekend.
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The new space houses a Tea & Elixir Bar, Juice Bar, Herbal Cafe and a Meditation Library.
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Starting this Wednesday, they will be offering Gentle/Restorative Yoga from 6-7pm with Jenn of Joyfuljenyoga. They are also working on a Thursday night Meditation series, as well as a Friday evening Happy Hour Yoga which will include candlelight healing Tea/Yoga/Meditation.
Monday, October 19, 2015
One Thing: Ask Questions
Running your own business is one of the most exhilarating and satisfying adventures. You make your own choices, set your own hours and your boss is pretty awesome. You work really hard at creating your social media following, branding and building your overall image. "Hi, my name is _____ and I am taking over the world!"
With that said, sometimes it is hard to admit that you don't know something. I just want to let your know that "It's Okay!" No matter what stage you are in business there are things you don't know and that's good - it means you are growing. You didn't get an employee handbook when you started your position as Owner, CEO, CFO, Secretary, Customer Service Rep, Mailroom Associate and Janitor. We deal with complex scenarios and paperwork that many of us have no background in. SO ASK QUESTIONS!
One of the best parts of this whole lifestyle is connecting with other businesses. Bouncing off ideas, collaborating, and sharing creative energy is crucial to your success. So find an online forum, pick up a phone, check with your local commerce organization or bring it to social media.
Written by Alonda Baird-Juhasz, owner of Designer Dwellings, who believes in adding color to life. An avid DIYer, sparkle-loving, all things fabulous addict, her shop features bright and fun home decor accessories and gifts. When not in the shop you can find her interior decorating or visual styling events and photo shoots.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Halloween Finds
Fall is in full swing in Connecticut. Once you've been out and about at your favorite local farms for apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes, it's time to start thinking about the Halloween season. We've rounded up some of our favorite Nutmeg Collective items to help get you in the spirit.
Making treat bags? Laura's Paper Creations has you covered with this cute tags!
Decorate a small space with this tiny (everlasting!) pumpkin from The Felt Haus.
What's better than Mary Chicken? Mary Chicken glowing in the dark.
THE perfect Halloween trick-or-treating bag from Hickster Tees.
Decorate your earlobes with these fun earrings from The Tiny Wren.
Keep your little pumpkin warm on the trick-or-treating trek with this hat from tinymack.
Making treat bags? Laura's Paper Creations has you covered with this cute tags!
Decorate a small space with this tiny (everlasting!) pumpkin from The Felt Haus.
What's better than Mary Chicken? Mary Chicken glowing in the dark.
THE perfect Halloween trick-or-treating bag from Hickster Tees.
Decorate your earlobes with these fun earrings from The Tiny Wren.
Send your best friend this card from Hartford Prints! to remember simpler Halloween times.
Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly is a self-taught sewist, Kristen who runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey. Stop by and see her collection of bold modern accessories and home goods.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | miloandmollyshop@gmail.com Thursday, October 15, 2015
Propagating Herbs at Summer's End
What you Need:
Jar of clean water
Knife
Approx 4” cutting from basil plant
Potting soil
Small planter pot or decorative coffee cup
What you Do:
Using a knife-take a cutting from the basil plant. A knife is preferred to cut the herb stem as scissors can squish the stem too much at the bottom.
Place the basil cutting in a jar with clean water, be sure to change out the water every few days so it doesn’t get cloudy, keeping water fresh is key.
Your basil cutting will start to sprout roots. As soon as the roots grow to about half or to an inch, prepare a small planter pot or large coffee cup with potting soil, stick the cutting in the soil, and firmly press down in soil so cutting stands upright. Continue to water the herb as needed and as it grows you can continue to enjoy making pesto and other dishes with your indoor basil plant and even give away some of your propagated basil plants as holiday gifts, simply plant them in a colorful planter or cup.
Suzanne Urban of Smirking Goddess and Suzanne Urban on Etsy. Illustrator, graphic designer and gag writer, she combines her talents to produce unique products featuring her home-brewed sense of humor. Fervently committed to her witty muse, Suzanne creates from her cozy studio housed in an eclectically furnished antique home where she resides with husband, Malti-Poo and New Zealander house rabbit.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Local Love: Fall Activities
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| Photo via Lyman Orchards |
The Nutmeg state is known for it's overwhelmingly beautiful Fall season.
As our Connecticut leaves begin turning those beautiful reds, oranges and yellows,
our wealth of Fall activities begin.
Here are some of our favorite spots to enjoy the season filled with
pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and fresh local goodies:
pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and fresh local goodies:
1. Pickin Patch of Avon, CT
2. Fairweather Acres of Cromwell, CT
3. Lyman Orchards of Middlefield, CT
4. Johnny Appleseed's Farm of Ellington, CT
5. Silverman's Farm of Easton, CT
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| Photo via Silverman's Farm |
6. Flamig Farm of West Simsbury, CT
7. Jone's Family Farms of Shelton, CT
8. Castle Hill Farm of Newtown, CT
9. Foster Farm of South Windsor, CT
10. Fort Hill Farms of Thompson, CT
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| Photo via Foster Family Farms |
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | designerdwellingsllc@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Nutmeg Collective Instagram: Treefort Naturals
We have some great photos in our #nutmegcollective Instagram feed.
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
Monday, October 12, 2015
Happy Columbus Day!
We hope you are enjoying a long weekend of beautiful Connecticut weather and activities with family and friends!
Friday, October 9, 2015
Midnight Oatmeal
As the temperatures start to shift downward, I start thinking about cold weather foods. I love oatmeal with all my heart. Instant Quaker plain packs with honey and milk has been a staple in my life since I was little, and both my kids love the combination. I know that the packets are not the best choice as far as oatmeal goes, though, and as I've been trying to weed the pre-packaged food from my cabinets, I've taken to making what I call Midnight Oatmeal, since you cook it in the slow cooker and it needs to be turned on roughly around midnight, depending on what time you get up in the morning. Midnight Oatmeal is steel cut oats (or Irish oats), which are slightly better for you than rolled oats, and vastly better for you than flavored oatmeal packets. They normally take awhile to cook on the stove, so it's not a meal to prepare if you're hungry right when you wake up, which is where the slow cooker comes in. You set the oats to cook late at night, and they're ready for you in the morning, and it makes the kitchen smell amazing.
In your slow cooker, spray your bowl really, really, really well with cooking spray (I use coconut oil spray) and combine the following:
1 1/2 cups of steel cut oats (I like Bob's Red Mill organic)
2 1/4 cups water
2 1/4 cups milk (I use 1 cup 2% milk and then 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond coconut milk)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, cut in pieces
Cook on low for 7 hours, then stir well. If you cook it longer, crunchy bits will form around the edges, which are delicious but make for a tough cleanup. The oatmeal is creamy and delicious as is, thoughI love to top mine with a little bit of maple syrup, and you can also top with nuts, fruit, seeds, or coconut to suit your taste. Another alternative- chop an apple into small pieces and throw it in with the mixture to make it applesaucy, or make a batch of easy slow cooker applesauce and serve together.
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This hearty meal is guaranteed to fill you up and warm you up on these super-cold mornings, and this size batch gives me enough to eat all week. Do you love oatmeal? Have you tried it in the slow cooker, or are you a packet person?
Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly is a self-taught sewist, Kristen who runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey. Stop by and see her collection of bold modern accessories and home goods.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | miloandmollyshop@gmail.com