Laughing at Myself

Pricing is not my strong suit.  It is a constant balance between not feeling like I am working for free and worrying about loosing customers because the perceived value of my product is not in balance with the actual cost.

The other day I saw an Amazon Local deal for Yuen Lui.  The deal was a 30 minute photography session in studio or on location,  an 8x10, two 3x5 and eight wallets along with a digital image for $49.  Sounds great, but it says all this regularly costs $485! 

I haven't priced out studios in a while but whoa, that number made my head spin.  An equivalent package with me would be under $150 (yes, I just had to do the math.) 


Thanks for reading,
Sarah

www.ardentphotography.com
www.smcternen.etsy.com
www.ardentlife.etsy.com

The Television Conundrum

I have always battled with the television conundrum. 

All too often, I know they watch "too much" according to the all mighty THEM.

Then I think about how son's favorite TV show since he was three has been Mythbusters.

I think about how my littlest knows not only her ABC's but also most of the letter sounds and she isn't yet three.

I think about how the actress has used plots she has seen on TV to create make believe games that drive her brother crazy.

I have watched them walk away from the TV to paint, read (or in my son's case he reads and watches TV at the same time...I don't know where he gets that from), or run outside to play with friends.
The problem with most of the people who say that TV is evil, is their solutions do not fit our family.  We do not live on a large plot of land.  Yes, we have a back yard, but it really isn't that interesting.  It is not something you can really explore.  We also live in Washington and well, a lot of days you just don't want to go outside. We live in a quiet neighborhood with one other house that has kids and that's it.

My kids also have a mother who doesn't play, not the way I am "supposed to." I am a more reading, discussion, and doing type of girl.

So, I think I am going to stop beating myself up about it.

Thanks for reading,
Sarah
www.ardentphotography.com
www.etsy.smcternen.com
www.ardentlife.etsy.com

For further reading check out
http://theoutlawmom.com/2011/12/07/live-too-much-television-is-awesome-for-your-kids/
http://awesomelyawake.com/creative-ways-to-break-a-tv-habit/

Rambling Along

http://www.etsy.com/listing/100078189

I haven't been around in a while.  I'm sorry.  I know, it doesn't make up for my lack of attention.  I could make up a whole bunch of excuses like camping, children, schooling, doctor's appointments, but I've made time before, and none of those things are new complications to my life.  In the end, I have just been busy creating (oh yeah, and doing all those other things).  I have been trying to put together another Ardent Life Market, but the weather does not seem to be cooperating.  I really wanted to put one on this weekend....but again it looks like rain.  I haven't really had anything new to write about.  I have not been playing with any cool new techniques (though I have ruined a few things with my torch).  I went crazy with Magpie Rings and I have so many designs.  There is a tone of new copper work that I have shown you and I have started making flowers again for the big glass flower rings.  Oh, and now the baby is awake so i will leave you with this rambling post.

Best wishes,

Sarah McTernen
www.ardentphotography.com
www.smcternen.etsy.com
www.ardentlife.etsy.com