We have gotten more snow this week in Utah than we have gotten over the last three months. At least that is what it seems like. Because of this the temperatures have been cold and I thought what a great gift a nice throw would make. Our product highlight for the week is our Manti Temple Tapestry Throw.

Made in the USA of 100% Cotton. These woven throws are machine washable, pre-shrunk, and color fast. The designs are the most attractive, heirloom quality, woven keepsake available. Produced in “Ultraweave”, these throws contain the most color possible in a coverlet, as the detail of the tapestry is combined with the softness of cotton with fringe on all four sides.

This beautiful throw offers the warmth and inspiration you need and is priced at $69.95.

Last week for a scouting activity we decided to play dodgeball in the gym. We initially picked teams a few times and started to play. I haven’t played dodgeball in over 10 years and once we got a few rounds into it I found that I really enjoyed the game again and found myself wanting to organize a dodgeball league for ward play.

Right now the church sponsors a basketball, volleyball, and softball tournament…why not dodgeball? After about 10 rounds we decided to play leaders against scouts. I am proud to say that the leaders destroyed the boys. Over eight rounds, they boys only beat us once. Also, what better way to take out your aggression on a mis-behaving scout than drill him with a ball from mid court sending him to the side-lines.

For those scouts out there looking for a fun activity for a scout night, I would highly recommend a good old fashioned game of dodgeball.

Today we received another testimonial from a recent customer talking about the LDS product she purchase the other day. I thought it was a great one so I wanted to post it for your review.

MyLDSDirect.com
I just received my ring today and I love it! It is so cute!! Thanks so much!!! I wear it all the time!!!!

Michelle
Edgewood, New Mexico

Today’s product highlight is the the CTR Spinner Ring. This ring is one of them most unique CTR Rings that exist in today’s marketplace. The CTR Spinner Ring actually has a floating band that runs around the outer face of the ring that spins on your finger. It is available in whole sizes only because of this unique feature and is made of stainless steel. It also comes in two options, wide or narrow band so you can get just what you are looking for.

This ring has become a favorite for women of all ages and is a best seller as a gift as well. Because of the spinning action, many customers have commented on the amount of compliments they get when wearing their CTR Spinner Ring. Check it out by clicking on the image below. If you have any questions about this ring please let us know.

I hope everyone is having a happy valentine’s day. I wanted to simply throw up this little post to say just that. Happy Valentine’s Day. I hope you enjoy this day as we celebrate the love we have for those that are close to us. Make sure to let them know that you care and tell them you love them today.

While serving on a mission, I remember the fast paced lunches. Lunch was often the only time of the day you could do one of the following: catch a quick power nap, shoot some hoops, write in your journal, fight with your companion (just joking), or day dream about your mighty return home. Because these activities become so important to your daily routine most missionaries attempt to make and eat a very quick lunch so they have the remained of their hour for more important things.

The meal of choice for me was chicken Top Ramen. Now eating it day in and day out could become a little bit boring, and not to mention, redundant. About six months into my mission I received a gift one day containing a book titled “The Ultimate Missionary Cook Book.” This book contained dozens of methods to eat Top Ramen that would make my life much better each and every day while serving the Lord. Not only was my lunch quick and cheap, but it was different.

The missionary cook book also offers many other cheap and fast recipes including recipes with rice, soups, and many other mouth watering ideas.

When serving a mission…one thing is for sure, you are going to receive a lot of stale cookies in the mail. This was a fact for me and most of the friends I have that served as well. I remember in one area our entire freezer was filled with cookies from home that were baked with love. While you appreciate the thought, you often don’t get to enjoy the cookies as they are often melted, or frozen and have been tossed to and fro by the USPS, and have spent days in the back of a smelly truck. Upon arrival, we would gratefully taste one cookie and then off to the freezer they went to spend the remainder of their days. Often, that meant years since most elders had no clue what it meant to clean out the freezer.

Now I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I much rather preferred a gift that didn’t go stale. For example, one of my all time favorite gifts I ever received on my mission was a little missionary joke book. This book was filled with hand-drawn cartoons that made fun of the missionary life-style. One cartoon discussed the many unique ways you could eat top ramen; another would poke fun at the many unique ties you may own as a missionary. This book made me laugh over and over as the many cartoon hit home. I remember reading this joke book over and over and also laughing with my companions as they read it as well.

I guess, what I’m saying is if you are going to send a missionary a care package instead of including some cookies…try this joke book as I’m sure they will love it!

Well…the testimonials just keep rolling in. Here is one we received from someone getting their Valentine’s gift just in the nick of time. For any of you out there that are just realizing that Valentine’s day is just around the corner…you better order quick. We can overnight any thing from CTR rings, Joseph Smith rings, and other LDS Gifts until Monday and get them to you in time for your special day.

MyLDSDirect.com,
I appreciate your help in getting the ring here to me by Valentine’s Day. The ring is nice and the size worked out perfectly! Thank You.

Jackie
Blanding, Utah

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

For many years I have traveled via car through out Provo and Orem. My experience normally goes something like this. I get in my car, I buckle up, I put my car in drive, and then fight traffic and get cut off 10-12 times in about 5 miles. How can this really be “happy valley” if every time I get in my vehicle I go crazy?

Maybe it’s just me? Maybe I’m a road rage-aholic? Maybe it has something to do with my car? Or, maybe it just has something to do with happy valley. As I travel through other cities in Utah I don’t seem to encounter as many frustrating driving experiences. Just today on the way down 8th North I got cut off three times in about a one mile distance. I was not driving slow at all…maybe a little over the speed limit, yet I still can’t seem to leave any room between me and car in front of me or another driver slides right in there and slams on their brakes.

I sure hope something changes so I can continue believing in happy valley.

I was recently asked to write an article for a local magazine in Utah Valley. I thought it might be fun to post it in here as well. If you can tell me what magazine the article was featured in I’ll give you a 10% off coupon for your next purchase at MyLDSDirect.com. All you have to do is enter your guess on our Contact Us page. I have placed my article below for your reading pleasure. Have fun!

Recently, a friend asked me what it takes to build and market a website. The challenge with this is that websites are multifaceted; they include a variety of components. The requirements of each website may vary greatly according to the intended use.

For example, an artist may only need a simple website containing a few pages detailing the style he or she uses and featuring samples of their work. On the other hand, a hair stylist may need a complex website involving product sales, appointment scheduling, multimedia hair dressing guides, and other interactive tools. These features would require a significantly more advanced platform and would likely require custom programming to satisfy the purpose of the site as well as the needs of the business.

Regardless of the complexity, websites have become virtual business cards and without them, businesses are falling behind the curve. For most businesses, creating a website is often as important as maintaining a professional approach with customers or placing an ad in the local paper. A website creates a look and feel for the business.

My friend is an architect and was seeking to create exposure for his business through online marketing. He realized that a website would be instrumental to the future success of his business.

In order to help my friend understand more about creating an online presence, I listed some of the eight most important characteristics of a simple ecommerce website. These features are important for any business owner as they prepare to enter into the webosphere. These key principles are as follows:

• Homepage—all websites should have a solid homepage describing what the purpose of the website is (this can be done visually) and directing your visitor to the pages you want them to visit. The homepage should entice viewers to surf the other pages of your site.
• About Us Page—this is an important page to build perceived value and explain what your business has to offer. Fraud is a significant concern for online shoppers and a well-constructed “About Us” page can help overcome this concern. The goal is to build trust and establish a relationship with the customer.
• Contact Us Page—include, at a minimum, two forms of contact so that your visitors have multiple ways to reach you. I recommend a phone number and email address.
• Policies Page—clearly outline your policies on this page so visitors understand what they are agreeing to when doing business with you. Include, if applicable, policies defining shipping and handling, returns and cancellations, and privacy.
• Catalog Page—for a retail business, a well-organized product catalog helps your visitor find the products and services they are looking for quickly and easily. This creates efficiency and increases your perceived value.
• Quote Page—for a service business, pricing and quotes are elements your visitor wants access to immediately. This will help the customer decide if they want to contact you.
• Online Checkout—when visitors search you out online they are often looking to purchase online as well. Provide a method of online payment even if it is only the address where they could send a check.
• Reporting Tools—every website should include tools that enable you to analyze your traffic. These tools allow you to see how many visitors are visiting your site, where they are coming from, what they are viewing on your site, how long they are staying, and other useful data.

These eight primary characteristics will allow businesses to recruit visitors, satisfy their immediate needs, and create a new stream of revenue via an online marketplace. In addition, you will be better able to serve your current customers as well as giving them additional ways to interact with your business.

Keep in mind that, although there are various bells and whistles available to create a more interactive experience for your customers, focusing on the overall objective of your website is important. Do not allow these upgrades to take away from your ecommerce goals.

As for my friend, we will see what the future holds for him as he begins his journey into the online marketplace. I hope he is already engulfed in the first draft of his website!