Renew your spirit with the New Year!

Tired and worn out from the holidays? Need some relaxation? Spa Spa's (formerly Activa Boutique) passion is about helping people bring balance and relaxation back into their lives… and, who wouldn't welcome tranquility these days?

Now that all the relatives are gone, try a Aroma Home Hot Neck Aromatherapy Neck Wrap made of cotton and filled with essential herbs. Hot Neck goes around your neck and shoulders to aid in the relief of sore muscles and stiffness. Heat in microwave to start soothing away those aches and pains. Great for headaches and tension.

Feeling like you are tired and worn out? You probably are~ so the Age Defying Cream is the absolute answer. Re-energize your complexion and help fight wrinkles, expression lines and dullness with this brightening boost inspired by dermatologists.

Visit Spa Spa (formerly Activa Boutique) for all your relaxation and rejuvenation needs~ a great way to start off the new year.

SvelteLIfe Program and Website Featured On NBC

Congratulations to Dr. Cluff, Irving Texas physician who developed the SvelteLife weight loss system. The program is gaining buzz in the news and elsewhere - with
a full online program of healthy lifestyle changes, effective exercises and even weight-loss workshops to help people achieve their weight loss goals in a healthy, lifelong way.

We're pleased to have helped Dr. Cluff with his new website - and I attended his SvelteShop on December 5th. It was jam-packed with great tips, ideas and a solid plan - complete with interactive web tracking and more. Visit his website for more details!

For Every Day

Just in time for the holidays - a hip and young Christian rock band from right here in the DFW area. For Every Day is REALLY growing in popularity - and their songs are being played on several Christian radio stations in the metroplex. We've brought you their latest video - a rocking acoustic version of one of their latest tunes, Don't Wanna Know.

The band members include Jacob on Vocals, Alex- Guitar, BGV, Tyler- Bass, and Nick in on the drums.

These guys are the real deal! Good luck to them, you will be hearing more about them for sure!

www.myspace.com/foreveryday


For Every Day - Don't Wanna Know LIVE ACOUSTIC

After Turkey, get ready to make a change!

Are you ready to jump-start your long-term weight loss efforts, especially with all the holiday eating upon us? Attending a SvelteShop Weight Loss Seminar will be the smartest move you ever make towards your success. Dr. Cluff and his staff have put together a one-day enjoyable, interactive seminar conducted by certified SvelteLife Health Professional, Dr. Cluff.

A "SvelteShop" Crash Course in Weight Management
December 5, 2009, 10:00 a.m. @ 4:30 p.m.
Spring Creek Barbecue, Grapevine, TX 76051

Dr. Douglas M. Cluff is a Family Physician with a passion in Weight Management. His interests also include; women's health, pediatrics, sports injuries, adolescent health, dermatology and preventative medicine.

Dr. Cluff received his M.D. degree from Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock, Texas. He did his Family Medicine Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Conroe, Texas. Prior to medical school he performed genetic and immunological research at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, Texas Medical Association, and Dallas County Medical Society. Dr. Cluff is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).

He enjoys competitive volleyball, raquetball, computers, writing, playing piano, singing, watching movies, and spending time with his wife, Sandra, and six children, ages 2-14. He is also fluent in Spanish.

SvelteLife is a medically supervised weight loss system that represents a culmination of many years of experiments and experience.

SvelteShops teach you all you need to know, and provide the necessary materials and tools, for your weight loss efforts. SvelteLife is about a healthy lifestyle - and by teaching only medically-sound principles, we discourage (and do not promote) any pills or supplements rather - we promote good nutrition.

Dr. Cluff's goal is to turn the weight loss world upside-down, and in the process, do the same with the obesity epidemic. Seating is limited, so register now (and bring a friend)!

Lunch and snacks are included (healthy of course!) so, take a break from Holiday shopping and eating and head over to the SvelteShop Crash Course in Weight Management .

GIG 'EM AXO's!

Alpha Chi Omega is a national women's organization that enriches the lives of members through lifetime opportunities for friendship, leadership, learning, and service.

Alpha Chi Omega was formed at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on Ocotber 15, 1885. The Alpha Chi Omega's founders chose an ("A"), the first letter of the Greek Alphabet, because they were forming the first fraternity in the school of music. Originally, the object of the fraternity was to attain the highest musical culture and to cultivate those principles that embodied true womanhood.

The first house included 27 women, and has become much larger throughout the years and at many universities. Alpha Chi Omega no longer has any musical connections, but the legacy and talent of it's founders remains in its symbol and symphony. Currently there are more than 135 chapters of Alpha Chi Omega at colleges and universities across the United States, and more than 200,000 lifetime members.

Kari and Co. is pleased to launch and be a supporter and Fan of AGGIE AXO. We want to welcome the Zeta Nu Chapter from Texas A&M University. WHOOP and GIG EM AGGIES!!

I am stuck on Staccato!

Welcome Staccato Stationery! Staccato is a eco-friendly paper design company that we had the great opportunity to help by creating their new web design.

Staccato offers exclusive designs of stationery and invitations as well as the top designs from great invitation companies. All collections use recycled papers with a minimum of 30% Post Consumer Waste. Isn't that GREAT?

Staccato’s is a small, woman-owned company that focuses on superior customer service. Staccato's mission is to bring eco-friendy style to the stationery industry. In addition to offering, exclusive designs! Check out their “The Anna - Save the Date” invitations~Absolutely a beautiful design and their “Yasmine” invitation is a beautiful retro purple & green floral, 3 layer invitation that I think you could use for any event.

Whatever your stationery need, the women of Staccato have it! So glad to be a part of this great company!

Ready For Christmas?

Christmas Toy Store is ready for the holidays! This is your one-stop resource for ideas on hot holiday toys, holiday gift recommendations, articles and resources on how to find the perfect popular holiday toy, and more.

Christmas Toy Store also has a user forum, and a perfect selection of Christmas Music!

Parents will find particularly handy - the up-to-the-minute Child Product Safety Recalls and the hot product tracker - to help find the perfect toy - that's IN STOCK and ready to roll before the holiday.

A truly handy site - and just in time for the holidays!

REDArena Equine Assisted Activity and Therapy Group

We all would agree that sometimes life can be hard, but for some families the difficulty never goes away. Recently, I had the huge honor of designing and adding content to a Joomla CMS website for REDArena, an Equine Assisted Activity and Therapy group.

REDArena is a nonprofit corporation which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of children and adults with disabilities. They offer a unique combination of equine and related therapies.

A recent study by Washington University found that equine therapy is a wonderful therapeutic tool. The study concluded that equine therapy made an obvious difference in the basic skills needed for function in everyday life.

REDArena gives children with disabilities the opportunity for social, recreational and life skills experiences. They also provide a sanctuary and rehab for physically abused horses, who in turn give service to those with disabilities.

The motion of the horse is an extremely effective tool to help improve strength, balance, coordination, communication and confidence in the student. This is incredibly empowering for the riders who deal daily with physical, mental or medical challenges.

REDArena relies on its wonderful volunteers who give over 100 hours weekly to help with the riding sessions and horse care.

In a world where the “me first” mentality seems to rule, this group is amazingly refreshing.

Mother Teresa told us to “spread our love everywhere we go.” REDArena does just that. Their love for the children and desire to help them is overwhelmingly beautiful. I am humbled to have been a small part of this great group.

Welcome Celebration Designers!!

Most all of life’s big events are celebrated with a party and we have the perfect website to get that party started!

We are pleased to share in the excitement of Celebration Designers new site! Tara, Phyllis & Dana, owners of Celebration Designers, are pleased to be launching their new website. Their site is the main point of contact for customers other than personal consultations. They started their company this year and being new brides themselves, they wanted to bring that personal touch in planning to other brides.

Celebration Designers will help you customize your next big event and with their new site (developed with a Volusion Template), clients can choose and look around before their personal consultation. If you are in need of Wedding, Bridal or Baby Shower custom invitations, beautifully Monogrammed Aisle Runners or “Here Comes the Bride” banners (a cute and trendy alternative to the ring pillow) you need to check them out.

Celebration Designers will custom design all event stationery and also help you choose a theme for your event – or work with the theme you have already chosen. They also have a selection of gifts for the Bride and her Bridesmaids and some awesome party favors (we love the Heart Shaped Measuring Spoons and the Heart Wine Bottle Stoppers).

Celebration Designers is the perfect starting point for custom designed products for your special occasion. Let them help make your next event an unforgettable one!

Great Fun Today - MEETING KRISTINIA DEBARGE

WHAT A COOL THING.... thanks to our connection with Frinj Salon & Spa, only the coolest and hippest salon and spa in Dallas...who recently hosted a new CD release listening party for Kristinia DeBarge - Kim and I had the AWESOME opportunity today to visit with the folks at Universal Music Group - today and attend an exclusive acoustic performance by Kristinia.

Kristinia is here on tour - (opening for Britney Spears on the Circus Tour) - and I have to say WOW. She'll be headlining her own HUGE shows VERY soon - so keep your eye on this one.

Kristinia was personable, friendly - beautiful, too - and has some SERIOUS pipes! But if you've heard her songs - you already know this. We had the 'goosebumps' all over during her performance of "Sabotage" - it's her second release from her new album, Exposed. She was super-sweet and signed some posters for my neices, Gretchen and Gaylee.

What I liked best about the whole experience, was that I truly feel that Kristinia is not just a great performer - but she's also a great role model for young people. She's truly talented, but also has worked very hard and endures the tough schedule of a musician. Poised and professional - she's destined to keep soaring - up the charts and into super-stardom.

Thanks Kristinia, for singing for us today - and being such a great role model!

Here's the video courtesy of one of the other people who was at this exciting performance!

New Client Spotlight - Geek Armory

Welcome to the web - Geek Armory! This is your one-stop shop for movie prop replicas, video game replicas, swords and sabers, armor, costumes and more for the hobbyist and enthusiast who loves movies, video games and the world of science fiction and fantasy!

Jon, owner of Geek Armory, had been a video game producer and designer for the past seven years, working on everything from snowboarding games (Amped 3 on Xbox 360) to golf games (Tiger Woods 08 for the Wii) to the Rock Band series.

As long as he'd been doing games, he hadn't had the chance to work on his favorite genre, RPG's (Role Playing Games - and MY favorite genre too - I'm a HUGE World Of Warcraft, fan ya know...) Merging his love of RPG's with the real world tangibility of prop replicas gave him the idea to create the ultimate place on the web to find everything that's out there, from Buck Rogers ray guns to Zelda swords and Iron Man helmets.

For the true enthusiast - it really helps make the fantasy worlds created in games and movies become a little more real.

Jon's personal favorite movie series is the Lord of the Rings (and, I should mention, I'm a huge Legolas lover...) and Blade Runner. His favorite games are the Fallout and Elder Scrolls series.

Right now, his current inventory is growing - but there's tons of great accessories for the movie and game lover. Right now, his favorite offering is Link's wooden sword from the Legend of Zelda.

Happy collecting, shopping, movie watching and gaming to all of us out there who love the imaginative worlds of fantasy and of science fiction.

Webdesign In The Eye Of The Beholder

Have you ever thought, “That’s the ugliest, most confusing web site I’ve seen to date...” and just couldn’t hit the exit button fast enough? Thinking to yourself – “Ugly…Ugly…Ugly - those colors are awful, and that music didn’t make it any better, what were they thinking when they created this?” Sure you have. One has to wonder if the web designer is creating the site design based on their client’s preferences on color, style, and content – or if the web designer is just not using instinct and experience on what will work for a web site depending on it’s audience, and needed functionality. If it’s the first case scenario, then the old saying “the customer is always right” should not apply to web design!

Leaving some of the design to the professionals (based on your inspiration and style, of course...) can result in more targeted traffic, and wider exposure and hopefully ‘actionable’ items – that is, graphics and keywords to entice your clients to CLICK around, and BUY your things! The pros have the insight and imagination to create a web site that showcases your particular product or service – and hopefully from your online buyer’s point of view.

It’s always good to keep your viewer’s interest, entertain them a bit – and lure them into wanting to know and see more of your web site. And as always - navigation should be clear and consistent; user friendly and ‘brain pleasing’. We please the brain by not making it do too much work. 'Effortless' is a good word here...

Designers listen to and work with their clients to produce a website that is pleasing to them (as site owners) and looks how they envisioned; but in turn – clients of web design services need to remember to trust in their designer’s suggestions and their talent & experience for being able to see the overall picture.

Of course, not every suggestion or idea is going to be accepted or workable – we know this. However, there are some of us out there who are truly interested in helping your company be a success on the internet – and we don’t just say things to complicate the process, rather, we hope that we’re sharing valuable information with you that will help you have more success on the growing and changing internet.

And - we don't know everything there is to know about your product or service. We NEED your input and feedback along the way to get to a design that works for you (and for your audience!) - and produces good results where accessiblity, functionality and overall look and feel are concerned.

Just like art – web design is subjective. What we like as individuals is not always as pleasing to our neighbor’s eyes, and when you are on stage to the whole world (wide web) don’t you want to put your best foot forward?

So, keep an open mind with your next web design project, and find a designer (hopefully US!) who will work with you to achieve your goals, see your vision and keep your audience interested!

Posh Puppy Boutique Featured On Good Day Sacramento

Our client, Posh Puppy Boutique was featured on Good Day Sacramento - They've opened a new store in the mall and are selling MAJOR puppy apparel, treats, toys, bowls, designer pet collars and leashes and more from there new storefront. If you're in the Sacramento area, check them out! Or, if you're looking for high-end dog apparel and great brands featured in this piece, such as Juicy Couture for Dogs, Linda Higgins Couture and more - you can visit them online. Watch the video below for more information and a doggie-fashion show! Congratulations to Posh Puppy Boutique on some great exposure!

Where the DAWGS go....

If you have the chance to visit Athens, Georgia take a walk down Clayton Street. There are many little eateries and stores there, but one sticks out historically ~ George Dean's Menswear Store. This great little old store sells traditional fine menswear and has been around over 40 years and just a rock's throw from the University of Georgia.

George-Dean's carries great brands such a Lacoste, Johnston and Murphy, Haspel and Southwick and is known all of Athens for their signature

Georgia Bulldog knit shirt and Georgia Stadium Shorts.

George Dean's has wonderful customer service and a warm and inviting spirit, don't believe me?........give Wayne a call, you will see.

We are so glad to have had the chance to be a part of history for the wonderful menswear store and for downtown Athens, Georgia by being a part of building a great site for:

www.george-deans.com!

Welcome TINY DIMPLES

What a beautiful design - and what a fun store! It's EVERYTHING BABY at Tiny Dimples. Whether you need a car seat cover, baby apparel, or safe toys - even nursery decor and bedding - Tiny Dimples has it. If you're having a baby, or know someone who is - they've got what you need for the perfect baby gift.

This was a great client, who knew what she wanted - and the site turned out great in my opinion. She's got a knack for carrying the right products, organized them properly, and also displayed them with a common theme and branding throughout the site. The site is usable, easy on the eyes, and packed of products to choose from.

Speaking of babies......

It hasn't been too long since I had my first baby, he'll be three September 1st. We just had a positive experience getting off the pacifier that I'd like to share with you guys - (if you're interested in something off the beaten path of websites and such.)





He'd had it the entire time - that is, the pacifier. The pacie, as he called it was a staple of all events - eating, sleeping, car, school. He was attached. Any mom whose kiddo is on the pacifier kinows this is a tough habit to break. Everyone said to try and cut off the end - that didn't work. Others said to try dipping it in vinegar or hot sauce. Now my kid loves salsa. (hot salsa too.)

He'd gotten pretty good about giving it up during the day, but night time was terrible - and the pacie was a must to get him to sleep and keep him that way.

One morning - right before his typical time to wake up - I looked at him as he slept. I thought to myself, "wouldn't it be great to lose this pacifier today?"

So, I reached down and unplugged it from my child while he was asleep. Just like that. Threw it in the garbage.

Then, I grabbed a prize, and ran back in to him.

A few moments later, he was waking up - and I was THERE. Of course, little hands feeling around for his small rubbery friend that was now in the kitchen trash can.

When he opened his eyes and began to ask me, I cut him off and said (loudly and excitedly) "WOW - You didn't have the pacie ALL NIGHT! What a BIG BOY! You get a surprise today for NOT having the pacie all night!" and I presented him with a dollar-store book.

He was a bit confused, but happy to get a surprise nonetheless, and when I just kept on about what a big boy he was - making a HUGE deal of the occassion, (calling in Dad to woo him on the event, calling the Gaga to tell her, and Aunt Kimmy) - he smiled and looked a little proud.

I told him that each night he went without it we'd give him another surprise in the morning.

This went on for about a week. Seven dollars later - we're paci-free.

Enjoy your babies, your blogs, and your websites - until next time!

Seriously - Why Are You A Table Hater?

I still use them. A lot. In fact, most of the time.

I really want to know what the big problem with HTML tables REALLY is - so this is the first time I'm ASKING for you to comment here. I just want some feedback and opinions from you guys out there - but if you're going to call me an HTML-Loser or scold me for utilizing HTML tables still - just know - I'll NOT PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT!! So, be nice and helpful, please. :)

OK, so onto the discussion going on in my brain.

Yeah, yeah... I know - a pure CSS layout that's totally fluid, accessible, W3C Valid, splash page-free, hydromatic & systematic, turbo-fueled, vegan, eco-friendly and sugar-free website is all the rage... But SERIOUSLY - are tables REALLY that bad?

I think there's some great things about tables.

For starters - I feel like I have absolutely more design control over tables. I set the size, and right from the start - I know EXACTLY how large my accompanying graphics should be. I find with design work for Volusion E-Commerce, I prefer customizing a fixed-width table template rather than the fluid ones. The main reason for this, is that once the 'core design' is in place, the client or store owner almost always wants a main page graphic that is either in Flash, or clickable to different areas of the site (for example - we did this on the Medical Department Store, and Mom's Gift Shop - if you view the front pages, you'll see heavily graphic landing areas). If these were fluid layouts - then our static graphics would be dwarfed in large browsers. Am I wrong? Is there something I'm missing here?

How do you guys that create fluid 100% width websites manage to have center front page content or design elements that 'fit' well in 'most' browsers and screen resolutions?

Am I just a control freak? Is it that tables are just plain easier to create and work with?

OK, so now you're saying - "just build your site in fixed width DIVs if you want fixed width..."

BUT WHY? Or, I should say - WHY NOT just do it with tables? What's so wrong with tables?

Maybe it's my brain, or maybe it's just that I stick with how I learned - but tables click in my brain better than divs. They always have. Maybe it's just that I am stuck on tables.

Maybe there is a 12-step Get-Away-From-HTML-Tables program I need to start.

Are there any of you like me out there? Or am I totally alone? Offer feedback, just don't hurt my feelings, OK?

Don't get me wrong: I use divs all the time - and use them WITH tables. I have a few sites that are table-less, and honestly, I'm no more proud of them than I am the ones that are table-ridden.

I'm not a table hater. I'm still a lover.

New E-Commerce Websites And Designs

Welcoming two new e-commerce designs to the internet: Mountain Mama's Soy Candles in a Can - and Nothing But Chocolate!

Mountain Mama's Kitchen creates YUMMY soy candles in-a-can featuring Hand-poured, cotton wick, lead-free DOUBLE scented candles! With fascinatingly creative titles - such as Elk-Poop In A Can (which is really chocolate Biscotti) and Trailer Trash In-A-Can - you can't go wrong with these for your own personal stash of good-smelling things, or for a great gift.





Also welcoming Nothing But Chocolate - and their name leaves NOTHING But CRAVINGS to the imagination. Each order produced in small batches - hand made fresh for each order. Perfect for special occasions such as weddings, baby showers, holiday events and more - The owners of Nothing But Chocolate will work with you one-on-one to create the perfect sweet nothings for your event or taste, and they make a great party favor.



Once again - I have to say - we're so pleased to be able to help small businesses (and large ones too!) bring their vision online. With E-Commerce template designs, in so many cases - we find that store owners don't feel that their 'personality' and vision come through in their design. We try really hard to see your vision, and make it come to life online.

Welcome to the web to all the new clients we're working on - and may your new store flourish - we know you'll both do great!

Why not feel like a “super-hero”?

Kari and Company recently had the wonderful opportunity to work with a new company selling hot and cool product: FLY JUMPERS!

Fly Jumper Canada is an authorized reseller for the Fly Jumper brand of jumping stilts and accessories in Canada.

We didn't know it - but the claim is that you can you jump six feet in the air and run almost twenty miles per hour wearing jumping stilts! Surely, by now you have heard of them (or if you've seen "Jackass" the Movie...) and if you haven’t - welcome to the world of a new and exciting way to exercise and have fun all at the same time! This Canadian based company is also trying to develop and inform people of the sport of Powerbocking.

Some describe Fly Jumper Stilts as “spring loaded jumping boots” or “jumping stilts”. You can purchase different ones for your weight and also get one for your kiddo! Kids as young as 10 years old are also enjoying the Fly Jumper fun. Families are improving their fitness level together, having fun instead of watching TV all day and playing video games!

This looks like great fun for the family and is very affordable.

Kari and Company is pleased to have had the opportunity to help them with their e-commerce template design.

Congratulations to Ali's Cookie (Shipacookie.com)!!

CONGRATS to our client Ali's Cookies!

Ali’s cookies (also known as shipacookie.com) has been online now only for a little over a year, but is already being spotlighted by those with a taste for gourmet cookies! Their homemade goodness will be the audience delight on the Rachel Ray show tomorrow, Friday July 3, 2009. They will be the featured “snack of the day” showcasing their exclusive Choco Choco Chunk Cookies.

Ali's Cookies are baked fresh (seriously! from scratch!) daily, and are certified Kosher. They focus on the cookie, and the taste - not just the packaging; adhering to the strict standards of a kosher bakery - all treats are made with the best and freshest ingredients like real vanilla, fresh cracked eggs and sweet creamery butter. There are no preservatives added - and they even hand scoop the cookies to give them extra effect for that 'homemade look'. Once you've eaten them, though - it doesn't matter that they looked homemade - you KNOW they are. (or - in our case, were.)

Alison & Jeff Rosengarten are the owners of Ali’s Cookies and their recipes have been passed down through the family for years. They have been baking wonderful cookies since 1981 - and have been in the press several times.

Need a gift? Try Shipacookie.com for a neat, unique and scrumptious gift!

I bought a photo cookie cake for my husband last year - and was delighted with the prompt and personal service -the precious cookie we received - and we absolutley enjoyed the thick, chewy, chocolately goodness - icing and flavor that came with it. It's a great gift.

E-Commerce Suggestions From Kari & Company

So many of our clients come to us and say - "I'm not sure where to start" - we always try to help our clients along the way and offer suggestions based on their needs.

Of all the issues that arise during the process of designing an e-commerce template or website - we find that the products, features or promotions aren't always 'in your face' front-and-center of the store in a way that entices the potential customer to want to buy. So when you work with us - we will usually make suggestions like these - we want to share them with you now:

1/ Say who you are on your homepage: From the moment someone hits your site - they should know what you're about. Steve Krug's book - Don't Make Me Think - is a great primer to this concept. Sure, the book is a few years old - but the idea is forever. Your potential client doesn't want to click for days to find your products or what they need. They want to be in control; and know where they are. Say who you are and give them options RIGHT FROM THE START!

2/ Offer standard layout when you can: Store owners don't always like the standard layouts - horizontal navigation, side menus, etc - and want something different and unique. But the truth is - standard layout is what your user expects. They EXPECT to see your logo and branding top left. They EXPECT to see horizontal and/or left-side navigation so they can find what they are looking for - categorized in an intuitive way.

3/ Treat it like a REAL STORE: Store owners of e-commerce sites often think that what they are doing is totally different from owning a brick and mortar storefront. Really, it's not. E-commerce site owners have to prepare 'virtual endcaps' with great promotions, graphics and displays in and around their site, have 'point of purchase displays' throughout the shopping process to incent your client to click around, and showcase their product and/or services in a creative way.

4/ Keep it clean and fresh through design: Certainly - the end-user experience should be an aesthetic one; one that looks and feels nice. This creates a sense of security - a nicely designed website will give your client a feeling that they're buying from someone who cares enough about their store to keep it nice.

TIP: "Splash pages" are officially out. Just so you know. I still get people ask for these all the time. While they're cool - and pretty - it's an extra click for your client! People tell me all the time - "I leave a website that has one of those intro pages....." Now, if you really want one - I can make you a darn pretty one. Even a Flash one (which are more annoying to users than the static ones...) But don't be surprised if I try to talk you out of it - because I don't want you to lose visitors. :)

That's about it for now. Certainly each design or project has it's own needs - and we try to customize your results based on your vision and needs. Happy Surfing!

Virgina Tech Fans UNITE

We recently completed a really fun website design for Volsuion e-commerce - called Gobbler Gear!

If you're a Virginia Tech fan, look no further than Gobbler Gear for Virginia Tech branded apparel, Virginia Tech Hokie Gifts, VT Flags and Banners, and Hokie Collectibles!

These guys are serious about Virginia Tech - as a web designer, I am so thankful they came to us with hexidecimal color codes for the proper Hokie color scheme, information on what we could and couldn't use with regard to the VT Mascot and logo - we were able to get to their design much faster with the information they provided us. Thanks to all at Gobbler Gear for a great website design experience - may you have many customers and sales with your new online store!

AND - We just heard - Gobbler Gear will also have a physical storefront near the Virginia Tech campus! Congrats on all your growth!

Learn more on their website at www.gobblergear.com.

Expanding Services - New E-Commerce Design Platforms Availalb

Well, I'm pretty proud of myself over here - I taught myself how to customize 2 new carts this week. How's that for expanding horizons? :)

I really love it when we take time to figure out how something works - and help someone out - and such was the case in all three of these instances.

While I already had some experience with Core Commerce - (One website - Camo Supply - online boutique carrying hunting, fishing gear and more) and have an opportunity to work on another one right now. This one's cool - it's CANADIAN - and you know how I love those Canadians -( the guys at Attribune )- they helped me with that horrible virus last year. And - this new Core Commerce site sells a really cool product.
Also, helped a colleague with a Channel Advisor store - which once it's live - is going to be GORGEOUS. Can't wait to post a link to it.

Also, customized a very cool E-Bay Company Pro-Stores site. I'll post a link as soon as it's live - but it looks great so far!

I will be adding these services to my schedule of services - likely at the same price as Volusion customization. I haven't completely decided yet, because the features and flexibility of each are so different - it might take doing a few before I really know how much time it will take.

Why Volusion for E-Commerce?

I have tons of clients wonder if I work for Volusion, because I recommend it so much. The short answer - is "No". But when it comes to e-commerce, it's the one hosted shopping cart solution I recommend every time.

It's not just because I work on the designs for many Volusion sites, it's because I own my own Volusion store, and manage a few others. When it comes to sales and traffic reporting, product import and display, feature-rich amenities that are hosted - all in one place - Volusion is the best I've come across so far.

I've worked with many other carts - and I have to say, from a designer's point of view, and also from a store owner aspect - for ease-of-use backend for the merchant, design flexibility, and GREAT support that comes with this hosted solution - Volusion is hands-down the best bang for your buck.

To have a V-Store, you don't have to have hosting. You can sign up for your domain, your shopping cart software, apply for a merchant account and secure your site with SSL (Secure socket layer) technology - all in one place.

Owning an e-commerce site is much like having a physical storefront. You have to manage your inventory, display your products - say "Who you are" and "What you do" right on the front page - so that from the moment your customer hits your site (first page, above the fold) they see what you're about, and are enticed to click around and take ACTION! (BUY) It's no different from arranging an endcap, or preparing a great point of purchase display at a store. With Volsuion, you can easily add product, process orders, set up shipping and accept payments - all with one convenient control panel and monthly payment.

So, for e-commerce, Kari & Co. recommends Volusion. For more reasons why or to see if Volsuion is a good fit for your needs - shoot us an email. We're happy to help and answer questions you might have.

AGAIN - I don't work for Volusion and never have - I just think it's a great product. And so will you.

We Refuse To Participate in the Recession....

The internet is where it's at - for e-commerce, and visibility. Kari and Company is proud to welcome some new clients to the web. Some for the first time, and others as a redesign of their existing website. This group is all Volusion E-commerce designs. There's also a few Joomla customizations coming soon - for NOT JUST INVITATIONS (not live yet) and RED ARENA (A non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids with disabilities through equine therapy). We're just wrapping up those sites - and a few others - so look for them to come soon!

WELCOME:

Suite Tabu:

What IS Suite Tabu? It's a cool collection of eco-friendly and eclectic products perfect for gift-giving, or self-indulgence (in a good way!) check out Akidah Njuzu's serious style at www.whatissuitetabu.com.





HPMS: The Therapy Connection

Bio-Freeze Lovers UNITE! Are you athletic? Are you tired and achy from it? (I would be, LOL) - if so - HPMS The Therapy Connection has the products you need, from exercise therapy to rehabilitation and taping/bandaging - everything you need to stay fit and healthy!





GETTING MARRIED?

Then you DEFINITELY need a customized, personalized aisle runner, a personalized parasol, or a hand-painted sign or banner to WOW your guests. Check out these beautiful hand-made creations if you're planning a wedding!





DO YOU PLAY GOLF? DO YOU LIVE ON THE WEST COAST?

Then CLEARLY West Coast Golf Rewards is for you. If you play often, you can purchase a "West Coast Golf Rewards Card" and get discounts at your favorite golf courses, and on new ones you'd like to play! Tons of benefits for the frequent golfer - learn more on their website!



GOT COUTURE?

IF not - you need YOURS TRULY COUTURE. Great fashion at an affordable price. Choose from clothing, handbags, jewelry, and more!








WHAT A GREAT GIFT... BABY SHOE!

Need a gift for the new baby? This website is packed with great ideas to make memories for the baby. Great gift ideas including gift tins, stuffed animals and the very cool name/date baby shoe - as featured on NBC's TODAY SHOW. Learn more about these great gift ideas at BABYSHOE.com...






GOT MAKEUP?

Well now you can. Rellas Cosmetics is THE wholesale connection for makeup and cosmetics resellers around the world. The best makeup brands, the best wholesale prices.






Welcome online - everyone! :)

New Virus Alert - "XP Police Antivirus"

So, you are trying to be careful with your internet browsing practices, you don't open 'mysterious emails', you've done the research - and you thought you had downloaded and were using the best browser for internet security (Mozilla, right?) - and POOF - now you've just installed XP Police Antivirus and you didn't even hit a button, confirm, ask for it, or know you were downloading it.

Made me feel like I was living in the Matrix. Like the computer totally had a mind of it's own. Thought to myself - "I'm GOOGLING this S.O.B. and getting it off my machine. Today."

So I Googled. And found what I needed to find. I tried a few things, and I'm sharing what I know with you. I accidentally downloaded, I Googled, and I fixed. All by my lonesome. :)

This one is easy enough, but it's still a bit ugly - one, because it installs itself even with the extra precaution of exclusively using Mozilla. Second, it disables your task manager, so you can not just go in and manually begin to remove by stopping processes.

It did definitely slow down my machine, as the VUNDO and ZLOB Trojans did that I had last year - but this one was much easier to remove.

For this little bugger, the best instructions I found for removal were on the Bleeping Computer website/blog. There was also a direct download for Malwarebytes.org Anti-Malware software. Download the free trial - and give it a test run. It'll remove your XP Police virus. Once you're sold on it, it's only 24.95.

Can't beat that with a stick. With last year's VUNDO and ZLOB trojans - I purchased SpyHunter 3 and XoftSpy - both of which I wasn't super-happy with. While I felt like they 'might be helping' - there were really problems all-around - with support, updates, even the basic operation of the software (can't even run SpyHunter anymore - it just shuts down). I don't work for Malwarebytes.org - but what I can say, as an affected user - it's the ONE PROGRAM that truly did what it said it would do - removed the virus. So it's the one I'm buyin'.

Next - we need to gain access to our Task Manager again.

Depending on which version of Windows you're on - you might need some instructions. I followed this post on Software Tips and Tricks Web Forum and was able to enable my Task Manager safely within about 5 mintues.

So that's it - cure XP Police:

1/ Get MalwareBytes.org Anti-Malware
2/ Enable your Task Manager again

Unless of course there's something ELSE lingering on your machine - which - we're all over here hoping there's NOTHING more on your machine - because those boogers sure are smart & sneaky. If we get another one, we'll find a way to remove and post our experiences.

Good luck and safe surfing!

Holidays BLEW by!

I'm sorry I haven't written much lately - the holidays just BLEW BY - and now we're into 2009 already! I've got some great stuff to share about SEO, so I'll have to organize it and post it ASAP for you. Also - some great new sites are now live!

So, look for me to post again this week on some things about natural & organic SEO and the new sites Kari & Co. was working on over the 2008 Holiday!

So far for 2009, I've got a few Volusion customers that I'm working with to help them get their site BE-AU-TI-FIED!

Hope everyone is great, had a GREAT holiday season - and we're looking forward to a successful 2009!!