The Brain Performance Center - Neurofeedback In Southlake, Texas

Recently, we did a small business website for Leigh, at the Brain Performance Center in Southlake, Texas. We built her website around the popular content management system with a custom Wordpress theme.  She is super hands-on with her business, and wants to be able to provide a wealth of information to the public, and educate her clients and others about what she does.

When Leigh contacted me needing help with a website design, I thought to myself, what in the world is 'Brain Performance'? And what I found out made me so glad that Leigh and I connected - because what she does is nothing short of amazing. Now that I have kids, and am under different stresses in my life - I am finding that what these folks do is something that needs to be broadcasted to the world - as so many people could benefit from what they offer.

The Brain Performance Center specializes in non-medicated treatments and alternative therapies for very common cognitive and emotional symptoms that are related - quite literally - to our brain performance.  Symptoms such as insomnia, ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety and autism. Or, perhaps you are looking to improve athletic performance receive wellness coaching or enhance your leadership skills - The Brain Performance Center focuses on training your brain, to enhance your life in a positive way.

The first step is your 'Brain Evaluation'. Through an in-depth analysis and several tests, the staff at The Brain Performance Center can identify brain wave patterns and then over a series of neurofeedback treatments, effectively train your brain to keep itself in check.

The same can be done for more physical functions, such as breathing to regulate your heart rate - with biofeedback.

I am going through the program to help my issues with anxiety and insomnia. The top photo is just a picture of the computer showing my head, and the points to which the sensors are connected to read brain waves during my initial brain evaluation.  This photo is showing that I am hooked up and ready to go.

The second picture is that of my brain waves,  collecting data from all those points. You can see a heavy, thick set of peaks on the right side of the photo. These are called 'artifact' (or, "interference' in the brain wave world) and indicates that I chomped my teeth four times.  You have to try and sit very still during this process, so they can get a good reading.

Once we have our results, we review these together and map out a plan to support recovery. We ALL have a bit of a brain wave imbalance one way or another. The goal, with everyone, is to keep a healthy balance of all brain activity - Delta (primarily sleep), Alpha, Beta (hi Beta and lo Beta) and Theta waves have a specific order and 'frequency' they should present.

Looks like I'm in for some neurofeedback. My alpha takes over when my eyes are closed, and everything goes bananas in other areas. Looking at my wave patterns, Leigh was able to tell me a ton about my current state of emotional well-being and mental health...

To learn more about my journey with The Brain Performance Center - stay tuned for our next blog post, which will cover the results of my brain wave analysis and how neurofeedback is helping me, without medications to resolve my symptoms of imbalance.

Tula Hats - New Volusion Website Design

Kim and I enjoyed helping Alice from TulaHats.com redesign her website to fit her brand. What a cool brand it is too. Beautiful straw hats hand made here in Texas. Perfect for the stylish gardener, or flitting around fashionably outdoors. These SPF 50+ hats to protect your head, scalp and face from the sun's harmful rays.  As their website says - "Sun protection never looked so good". A hat from Tula Hats makes a great gift for someone you love (and don't forget Father's Day gift coming up) or something special for yourself.

Visit them online: Tula Hats

Social 121 In Frisco Delicious On All Fronts

I've been waiting for the opportunity to visit web design client Social 121 in Frisco, Texas. I got to go last night, for their special Valentine's Day four-course dining event - and was thrilled on all fronts. The food was fantastic, the service was awesome - and what's more - is that the whole place just oozed cool, hip modernity and style.

It's an upscale, and super-hip Frisco Texas restaurant and lounge/bar/club located very conveniently right off of the intersected Highway 121 and North Dallas Tollway in the Southeast quadrant. I might have missed it if I wasn't looking for it, as it's tucked back a bit off of the service roads (if you're on the Tollway's service road, it'll be on the right, but it's easier to see, in my opinion - from the access road from 121). But once you're there - you'll never forget where it is - because it's awesome.

We enjoyed the four-course Valentine's Day special menu. Social 121 does this on certain holidays, and you can learn more about these and other events (like sports-watching events, and special dinner seatings) on their website - or on their Facebook Fan page. The sleek atmosphere was warmed up with candles, and made even more relevant to the theme of the weekend by the Valentine's Red coloring behind the wall-length bottle storage area and on the screens all around the area.

We got there a few minutes early and checked out the bar area, had a drink and then were seated in a cozy table where we started our meal with a salad. I had a 'Classic Caesar" - that was fantastic. Every single leaf of lettuce had just the right amount of dressing, as though the whole thing had been done piece by piece.

We had a second course of appetizers. We all chose separate things, the mom's had Southwestern Crab Cakes, Grilled Lamb Lollipops for my husband, and I chose the Braised Short Rib Potstickers - we swapped tastes a bit, and ALL were just wonderful. I am partial to the potstickers of course, and I loved the Asian flair with the beefy twist.

Two of us enjoyed the steak as our main course, and both of us particularly loved the Mixed-Herb Potato Pave. The other two enjoyed the bone-in pork chop - which I did get to try a taste of, and they agreed - was the most tender we'd had as far as pork chops go.

Finally, we stuck with the program of sharability with our deserts - each ordering with intent to share a taste for experience's sake. We had bread pudding, 'love cake' and creme brulee, all of which were great. The bread pudding was moist, laced with cinnamon and the love cake had a scoop of mocha ice cream to give it an extra kick, along with a side of some awesome toffee-ish candy.

As I said - been waiting a long time to check out Social 121. I don't live very close, although I'm not too far either. It was worth the drive and wait, and I'll be going back very soon! Thanks to owner Scott Siers and staff, for making a fun Valentine's Day event for us to treat our mom's to!

Welcome Generation Flirt - Flirty Intimates and Apparel For Women

Got curves, ladies? Show them off with Generation Flirt intimates and tees!

We have had a wonderful experience with Sibelle - and are so glad they hired us to be their Volusion Designer – Welcome to the internet... Generation Flirt clothing! For ladies t-shirts, tanks, and super-cute undergarments for ladies - this is the place to go. Look out, Victoria's Secret!

Visit The Website - Find Them On Facebook

Sibelle and Josue started in their garage researching the perfect 'feeling' fabrics and even taking sewing classes – they learned all about what makes good quality clothing and what it takes in the clothing industry to be successful.

Generation Flirt has come a long way! For GF, hard work and a labor of love has taken them to a large warehouse where all the products are now made - and we're pleased to announce - a brand new online store. (one of the PRETTIEST website designs we've done to date!)

Generation Flirt clothing is for the flirty, fun and free spirit. Not only does Generation Flirt have great form-fitting sexy tees that show off your curves but there are three types you can choose from – Baby T-shirts, Cami’s and the Swoop low neck t-shirt. The tees appear to be cut longer than typical - which is an asset that many women LOVE in a soft-sexy-tee!

The Generation Flirt panties come is Sassy Chic, Playful Chic and Flirty Comfort.

Visit Generation Flirt for some great clothes for the curves you have and want to show off! Thanks to Sibelle and Josue for their business, and Good Luck!

LipoGarments - Clothes To Help You Heal From Surgery

What exactly is a Lipo Garment? We found out as we began the journey of doing a new e-commerce design for Lipo Garment’s new website with owner, Wendy - and we got to do their new logo design, too.

Lipo Garments products are designed to physically compress a specific area of the body, to resolve pain and keep things 'in place', if you will - during recovery from cosmetic or reconstructive surgery garments such as – c-sections, breast augmentations, breast reductions or liposuction.

These innovative compression garments are made from light weight, stretchy and latex free fabric to assist in effective compression.

The facial compression garment provides compression and support to surgical areas after procedures such as face lift, chin lift, neck lift or any surgeries involving the chin or neck area.

If you have had a recent c-section or having one, we would recommend the Abdominal Binder. Believe us when we say this, you must have this! This abdominal compression binder is a 3 panel, 9” high abdominal binder that is flannel lined. No panel rolling and is available in white. This abdominal compression binder can assist in supporting after tummy tucks, post hernia surgery, c-sections, abdominal strains and so much more!

LipoGarments.com sells their products on the popular Volusion platform. We are pleased to have assisted in the Volusion store design of such a useful and helpful product. Good luck LipoGarments!

Our Winning Clients

My clients are (WFAA-List!) Winners!

I am so excited....almost giddy! Ok, I AM giddy. I love my job and being able to say I helped to create the website designs and branding for my clients. It kind of makes me feel like a “proud mama”!

THREE of Kari and Company’s clients have placed in the TOP 5 on the WFAA A-List for 2010!

J. DOUGLAS DESIGN WON FIRST PLACE on the WFAA-List Best of Dallas competition for BEST FURNITURE! Of course - we knew they had the finest furnishings available - and now Dallas knows too!



LE BEAU VISAGE WON FIRST PLACE on WFAA-List Best of Dallas for BEST FACIAL! Of course - they're talking about the one-hour spa-medical microdermabrasion program. It's the bee's knees! Make 2011 your most beautiful year ever with Le Beau Visage! :)

And a special thanks to all of you who voted for:

ZIZIKI’S RESTAURANT on WFAA-BEST BRUNCH List Best of Dallas! We are thrilled to have been in the TOP FIVE - Ziziki’s came in third! We want you to come in and experience Ziziki’s-bring your friends and family for the best Greek food in Dallas! Then - we'll make another run next year!

We really want to thank all our loyal patrons and friends & family who voted and helped my clients WIN these awards!

Congratulations to Ali's Cookies - Best of Atlanta

Congratulations to long-time Kari and Company client, Ali’s Cookies of Marietta, Georgia, for winning the “Best of the Big A” contest by Accessatlanta.com, Georgia’s online guide to what's happening around Atlanta.

The "Hotlanta" resident voter who put Ali’s Cookies over the top exclaimed, “Definitely Ali’s. They are worth the drive to Marietta no matter where you are! I can’t even pick out a favorite, because every cookie I have eaten from there is divine.”

The Best of the Big A is a contest where locals nominate merchants for the best food, festivals and entertainment events. Ali’s Cookies rose to the top and was crowned “Best” in the cookie category.

Ali's amazing gourmet cookies come in more than 20 varieties including THE Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie, Choco Choco Chunk (featured as “Snack of the Day” on Rachel Ray), and Toffee Crunch Cookies – YUM!

Other delectables offered at Ali’s include cup cakes, chocolate dipped pretzels and cookie cakes in 8", 12", 16", 18" sizes as well as a super size 18x24" that feeds up to 60. Ingredients are all natural, preservative free and certified kosher.

Is your mouth watering right now but don’t live in Atlanta? No worries. Navigate your web browser to www.shipacookie.com and have them shipped right to your door.

Client Featured As TOP DOG With Volusion

Long time Kari & Company client - Jennifer Kirk, owner of Posh Puppy Boutique - an online store featuring upscale dog clothing, dog toys, pet accessories and more - was recognized by Volusion E-Commerce as TOP DOG with growing sales and success - and having been selected as the official outfitter for a cast of canines in an upcoming motion picture - due out in 2011.

Volusion's press release is right on the money as far as their e-commerce platform being cost-efficient, easy to learn - and hands down - the best way to sell online. Volusion is by far the best way to sell anything online because the store comes packed with SEO features, easy inventory management and order processing - and tons of other great features.

In my opinion - having worked with Jennifer on her designs for the last few years - this site's booming success should be credited to Jennifer herself - as she is one of the few e-commerce store owners who really seems to 'get it' with regard to marketing her site. She's all over the web - and it's due to her hard work with regard to social networking, blogging, internet networking and marketing - and getting her name and products in front of buyers worldwide.

Click here for the press release.

Congrats to Jennifer and Posh Puppy Boutique!

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.

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!

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.

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! :)

Great Gifts Galore ONLINE NOW

The holidays are fast approaching - and thankfully - it's been a busy time for us! We've had lots of new clients, and they're all great opportunities to get prizes and presents this holiday season. Check them out!

Welcome to the internet!

Defend Max - Owned and operated by an ex police officer who knows and understands the need for such products - DefendMax offers tons of articles and resources to help you in your choices. Visit DEFENDMAX - for all your personal security products, including mace and pepper spray, video and surveillance cameras and more!





Electric Smoker Pro - Commercial and Personal Smokers, Grills and more - Michael's motto: "Smoke like a PRO from the very first day" - this sounds like a GREAT gift for DAD!!! (or ANYONE!)








Evolution Import - If you've got a Volkswagen or Audi, this is your one-stop parts shop. Specialized German stuff for specialized German cars!! Check out their world-famous aluminum skid plates!








Sleep Well Baby - is not new to the internet, rather - it's redesigned and reborn anew! Check them out for great specials on wellness products, bath, body, aromatherapy, rest and relaxation products and more.

and finally...





The ULTIMATE Home Journal - if you're a realtor, the key to referral success is client gifts. What better gift to give your client - than the Ultimate Home Journal - to help them manage the hectic day to day needs ot moving and settling into a new home. Earn your client's referrals with this great client gift.

Welcome to the internet... SPEXY LADY...

One of my clients, for whom I designed a blog - and who shall remain a complete mystery (because mysteries are really fun, and this person is...) - is a total SPEXY LADY.

A very saavy fashion editor and style guru, you are sure to find great info on her blog, info and news, great articles on style, fashion, parenting, relationships, nightlife and more - on her very cool blog: SpexyLady.

Welcome to the internet, SPEXY LADY! I for one am going to follow this blog!

Gosh, I've been busy... but new GREAT sites are up!

Hi Everyone, I've been busy lately! But there's some newcomers (at least, new designs for me - some of them have been around!) to the web I'd like to take a moment to introduce!

A great big Texan Internet "HELLO" to:

Inspired Endurance:
Marie is a crafts-woman who creates custom gold and silver jewelry for the inspired athlete. The perfect gift for someone in your life who is training for a marathon or running event, or any sort of endurance sport. She's got the best, most unique jewelry.

I have to say - she sent me the CUTEST bracelet (or, RACE-let!) and I just love it. You'll be inspired by her, and her products. Check out her new site.


Wine Christmas
Chari and her team at SuVino Winery have
been working hard to get their ultra-cool new site, Wine Christmas - up and running for you to browse holiday ornaments, decor, wine stoppers, items for the home and table - and more!

The Winery is great fun too - and look soon for DIVA WINE SHOP for all your whimsical wine gifts!




And also for your holiday season shopping needs....
Christmas Dealz
Brandon and his team at Christmas Dealz have the best electronics, Wii, Nintendo, Games, and so much more - for great GREAT holiday gifts for the kiddos, or grown ups (like me) who still love to play.

He's a very smart guy, super-nice, and extremely customer service oriented. He'll provide quality, authentic products - and great service and support with your order. You can't go wrong buying your Holiday gifts here.

Get ready for Holiday shopping with these great sites!!

Congratulations POSH PUPPY BOUTIQUE

Congratulations to Jen over at the Posh Puppy Boutique! She's won TWO Webmaster Awards on her fun website - where you can buy DESIGNER DUDS FOR YOUR DOG, BLING COLLARS, DOG BOWLS, PET BEDDING and more.

It's nice to see a website that takes off and does so well after we've edited the Volusion Template. Volusion is the e-commerce platform for Posh Puppy Boutique.

So - again, CONGRATS, JEN - for webmastering your new website to success of these two niche awards! Not an easy task!

Awarded by: Next Day Pets

Dogs, Pet Supplies, Dog Breeders Frontline, Pet Meds, Revolution

	Awarded to quality pet websites. (dogs, puppies, cats, horses) Type: Dog Site

NEW WEBSITES - And some REDESIGNS

WELL, it's been a busy couple of months for Kari & Co. - which is great! And, thanks to all my clients who have sent me referrals. Most of my business lately has been repeat and referral clients, and this is great to me, because that is how I always envisioned my business - trust and cooperation, effective communication is really important to us - so we're pleased to get the referrals and great feedback.

So, without further delay...

Welcome to the Web


Better Bronze, owner Allyson Adair, has started the ultimate business, providing mobile tanning services to the Austin, Texas metro area. Welcome to the web! If you're in Austin, you're in for a treat, because she uses Fantasy Tan products, featured on ABC's Dancing with the Stars! WISH I WERE CLOSER TO AUSTIN....









Want the Celebrity Look for less $$? Get the hottest styles of accessories, handbags, and other great stuff
at the Celebrity Look! "Paris and Nicole" style, at "Kari" prices! Whooooooot diggity! Designer inspired, at an inspiring price. Get your celeb-style today!







REDESIGNED AND REFRESHED





Aim Higher Jets - what a neat thing. Owned by the Gilmore family, and operated by Jeff - a US Air Force Pilot stationed overseas (THANKS JEFF!!!). If you're looking for replica/diecast/custom mahogany aircraft models - this is the place.







Coming VERY SOON!

• The Anderson Law Firm (finalizing!!)
• My Seafood Gourmet
• Red Ass Gear (for all the Aggies out there!)

And a special thank you to my ongoing clients, if it weren't for you - I wouldn't be able to be a WAHM!! Work at home mom!