Crab Cakes & Tres Leches!

Help Spread the Word - Local Economy is Booming

When you have the most fabulous idea you can't wait to share it with a friend. When you find a product that makes your life easier and even better brings a smile to your face you tell the moms at pick up and the person next to you in line at check out. When you feel as though you've been cheated or taken advantage of you tell your mom, your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors, and even the postman. Why is it when we've been hurt we share it with the world but when we've been helped or given a gift we tell a precious few?

I'm proposing that we make a shift in how we respond to the people and world around us. Let's take on a new challenge. When something good is said or done and we are fortunate enough to be around it let's start sharing it. It's not bragging or gloating its helping to kick off a chain reaction of good. It can start off simple and then just as we plant seeds in business, spreading the word about good things it can have a HUGE beneficial impact on local business and economies. So here's what I propose:

Take one thing that you love from a local store and or business. It has to be something you truly love and can't get enough of. Begin bringing it up in conversation with friends and neighbors who would benefit from the knowledge. Make it your project for the week to see how many people you can spread the word to in your town. This is going to be mine. I've been going to Pepperland Cafe since we started building The Little Hat Company. There are two items on the menu that I order almost every time I go there. I can't get enough of them and always get at least one other person with me to try it. This week I am going to try to spread the word to as many people that I can about Pepperland's Crab Cakes and Tres Leches Cakes. Why? Because number one - they are by far the most scrumptious things I have ever tasted in my life. Have I told you that I have eaten in Paris, LA, NYC, across the Midwest, the Western Carribean, a cruise ship or two, and still by far Pepperland's Crab Cakes and Tres Leches are my personal favorites!!

I suggest you treat yourself and after the kids go to bed, get a sitter and venture down to Pepperland's for a piece of cake. Bring your husband/wife and while enjoying the creamy, moist, delicious cake with fresh berry ask them how their day was.

I can't wait to hear through the grapevine what your most favorite product or service is in South Berwick, Maine.

Here are some other things I've been thinking about

One more thing!

So, I wrote last night about my experience with Little Hat, but I neglected to mention all the hatters that I've become close to.

Deb Knowlton, "dkhatmaker"..please don't ever change that email address. I cannot explain to you how much I learned from you, laughed with you and am so lucky to have gotten to know you. I will not let go of our dream to sew together on your porch in our fuzzy pants! You have such a nice family and little brit..well she knows how I feel about her! :)

Linda Wozny, "Woz" (I still can't call you that for some strange reason), you are such a nice person and have always been willing to help out whenever you were needed, so glad to have met you.

Barb Mundell, although we didn't get to know each other very well, I know from Jen and Sue how important your role was in The Little Hat Company right from the beginning and that without you, we wouldn't have had the wonderful labels in all our hats that read "The Little Hat Company, South Berwick, Maine". I believe sewing on that label was my favorite part!

Amy Manchester, you are an amazing mom and woman! I envy your strength, both inside and out and miss you, but am happy for you in Nantucket!

Kim Frank, I remember when you began working at Little Hat and if it hadn't been for you, I might not have begun cutting fabric. I have missed you not working with us, but because we are family and friends, I can call you and see you whenever I want!

Sue Page, or Sue Paaage as we affectionately call you. You are an incredible light who doesn't even realize how special you are, always positive, always hysterical and always a joy to be around. New York City and lots of corn come to mind! You have an invisible halo over your head that we can see everyday. Your parents should be very proud to know what a great job they have done. I feel so blessed to have met you and call you my friend, and look forward to so many more years of laughter with you!

And Jen Houghton, you brought me into this magical little company, shared your story with me, eventually hugged me :), taught me countless lessons about business, friendship, life, laughed with me, cried with me and I would not trade any of those moments. You are an amazing person, and I hope that someday you will come to realize how your heart affects everyone around you and has affected all of the "Hatter's". I know that whatever path you are brought on in the future, that it will be bigger, better and absolutely amazing, and I will be right by your side enjoying the ride as usual! Thank you for all of it. In my heart, I will always be a "Little Hatter" in South Berwick, Maine.

xoxoCath

It's time to say "Uncle"...

Feeling lots of different emotions right now, but honestly my experience and journey with The Little Hat Company the past 2 1/2 years has opened my heart in so many ways. I have gained more confidence in myself and my abilities. I have met so many wonderful, caring people in our community. I have learned about small business and most importantly have gained friendships that I wouldn't have had if I had just stayed in my cozy home, with my fuzzy pants on, in my comfort zone. I have absolutely loved every minute of being a Little Hatter, from the beginning to the end, and all the ups and downs in between. It has been a rollercoaster ride, an emotional high, a learning experience and I wouldn't trade one solitary moment of it. We have made so many memories together that I will cherish forever and share with whoever is willing to listen. So although this is the "end" of something that was so much fun, so exciting and even stressful at times, I realize that it can also be a window into something else, something better and something new. Big thank you's go to all the people who have supported The Little Hat Company, listened to the story, shared it with others and bought our hats for their children's noggins and their own.

One never knows what the future holds, but as long as our hearts are open to it, anything is possible...in the words of one very funny "Hatter".....Carry on. Cathie McCoomb

"Uncle" It's time to say Uncle

This will be our last email newsletter from The Little Hat Company. We have loved being little hatters and look forward to finding out what we will become in the future. We want to thank you for all of your loyal support.

We will be continuing our blog as we close down the business and transition into the next phase of our lives. We would still love to hear from you and see how the hats are making their way across the globe.

Good Things We've Learned:

Anything is possible
Dream Big
Money does Matter
When you close a door a window opens
Dishes in the sink will never disappear
It takes a good story to make a good story

We can't thank you enough for all the support you have given us, we couldn't have made it without you!

The Little Hatters

Adults are staying warm in New England with Kozy Kaps!

This past weekend in New England was cold! We were at the York Harvest Festival for Friday through Sunday and loved every minute of it. Well maybe not so much when the rain started coming down Sunday. The Little Hat Company began with a summer lid for a baby, Libby. Since then we have added to our sizes, designs, and seasons and for some reason it always surprises me to see our lids on adults of all ages, sexes, backgrounds, and locations. I love it. When people first try on one of our micro-fleece Kozy Kaps they always say "ooooooohh Kozy". They never think that they will look good in the bright large prints but let me tell you that is what they end up wearing when they leave our booth. At this years Harvestfest we were so excited to make friends with the girls from "A kick in the glass". Faith and Donna as seen above sandwiched between me and Cathie were instant cohorts and we are excited for their new venture and business. They are showcasing their product at The Holiday Showcase at The Old Neal Farm in North Berwick on November 14th and 15th. FMI call 207-676-4040.

Instead of a Purple Cow...How about a Black Crow?

Our Kozy Kaps keep you warm, kozy, and attract birds of all colors and sizes. They are available at The Little Hat Company in multiple patterns and all sizes for babies to adults.

Enjoying the Woods in New England

New England is one of the best places to take a walk in the fall.