www.World-Shoppe.com On Its Way to a New Look

If you've been receiving our monthly e-newsletters you will have learned that we're in the process of "refreshing" our Web site! And we're so excited.

While you may have realized that we've been using a Yahoo platform to host www.World-Shoppe.com, we've realized that its functionality isn't doing it for us anymore. You've asked to be able to see images larger - we're doing that; you've asked for a better way to get gift certificates - we're doing that; you've asked for gift wrapping options - we're doing that, too! Honestly, I'm giddy with excitement as we're working on the new site. I feel like our "Phase I" was a great starting point and we've learned so much over the past 4 years...and now we're ready to give it the functionality you're really asking for based on the feedback we've been receiving.

We're hoping to go live over the next two month period and much of that will be dependent on how quickly we can re-shoot our product images and draft the product descriptions.

If you have any ideas on what you'd like to see with the new site, please let us know!! I know I say this over and over but it's true - we couldn't do this without you and your feedback is important!

I just approved the first rendition of the architecture site today and I'll be seeing the next phase Friday morning. After that I'll be reviewing the home page and a sample product page (yippee). www.World-Shoppe.com is growing up before my very eyes. I can't wait to share the results with you.

Keep me posted if you think of anything...I'm all ears!

With warmest regards,

-Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com

SmartHome - finally - at the Museum of Science and Industry

My family and I visited the Museum and Science and Industry this weekend and checked out the SmartHome (http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/smart-home/). Dubbed the "greenest home in Chicago," it's impressive because not only is it a beautiful home, but the materials used and the products in the home at eco-friendly in some fashion. The outdoor living spaces are wonderful and the landscape which includes a vegetable garden, is lovely for children to see and enjoy. If you've not had a chance to check out the home, I'd recommend it. It's great to see the eco-friendly options that exist for homeowners.

On another note, in our ongoing effort to teach our children where our food comes from, we're finally seeing the "fruits" of our labor these last couple of weeks. We've picked rasberries, cucumbers and some tomatoes from our backyard. Sometimes the kids plop them into their mouths before we have a chance to wash them but I love the fact that they are seeing firsthand where food comes from. They are too young to understand the significance (since they are both under the age of 4 right now) but we're hoping to build upon this experience so they'll understand what's going on as they get older.

I hope you've had a chance to enjoy some of the new items we've been introducing at www.World-Shoppe.com. The site is going to be getting an overhaul over the next couple of weeks which I'll keep everyone updated through the blog. I'm in the final stages of signing on with a web designer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I can't wait to begin in the process. I'll write more about what you'll be able to expect in the coming days, but suffice to say the site will be improved with many more functionalities and better information!

Thank you again for your support! Until next time...

-Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com