A Hip Website For A Hip Company

"I want something HIP and COOL." That was Beth Garvey's vision for the InStaff website, and so it was - one of the hippest and coolest informational websites Kari & Company has done to date.

Complete with retro dots and bright colors - the InStaff website was designed around a color palate that Beth provided - a beautiful floral cell-phone cover. "These are the colors I want..." hues of purple, pink and turquoise and bold made for a (if I might say so myself...) stunning website.

And, three cheers for Beth Garvey, CEO of InStaff who was recently named by Dallas Business Journal as one of “Dallas 25 women to watch” - and InStaff is also ranked #4 on DBJ’s list of Largest Metroplex Staffing Firms – so that's a double WHOO HOO!

InStaff is a Dallas- based staffing company delivering exceptional service to both employers and job seekers - and making a real difference in people’s lives. They like to say “we’re in the people business – we recruit, we hire, we motivate and we lead.”

InStaff has been in business for 25 years with offices in Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi and New Mexico. This is not like the temporary staffing agencies of the 80’s. InStaff doesn’t just fill in for vacationing employees – they serve as a strategic partner for their customers. From recruiting and staffing to on-site management and human resources consulting – InStaff is the choice of demanding businesses and industries throughout the United States.

So here's a WHOO HOO for Kari and Company - for unveiling our hippest informational website design to date.

LOVING Blogger Right Now

Ok, I just saw and used the BRAND NEW BLOG TEMPLATE DESIGNER - on Blogger.com - (where I proudly host my own blog) and while I'm a little worried that it is SO easy to design your own blog with these tools - (since I offer blog design as a service) I have to say - it's AWESOME.

You can easily select layout, theme, colors and your own elements such as font colors, background pattern or image - to make your blog stand out and be unique.

It appears - that now anyone can have a GREAT looking blog without any trouble at all - and just a few minutes of fiddling around back-end of Blogger. Could life be any better? Blogger is free - and now you can design it on your own in just a few minutes.

Seriously - With all the different layout, customization options - I can't see how any two blogs could be exactly alike using Blogger's new template design tool.

But certainly - (hopefully) people will still need help with custom graphics and special touches on their Blogger blogs.

If not - I can start selling more WordPress customizations.... :)

Happy Blogging!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Summer Promotion - New Sites

We'd like to take this opportunity to welcome some new sites to the web - and draw your attention to the hip stuff they can offer. Check them out:





The POSH PARTY BOUTIQUE - offering all sorts of neat favors and gifts for parties and weddings, baby showers and much more!



The AUTO LOAN GROUP - the place for you to get a new auto loan on a new or used vehicle. No hassles, no problem with credit or bankruptcy issues - if you need a little help getting an auto loan, these are your guys.







And, the very popular POSH PUPPY BOUTIQUE! Need the perfect gift for a pet lover? Need a hip new water bowl for your furry friend? Check out this website for the coolest and hippest pet products, pet accessories and gifts!







Check out these fun sites when you can!

Beautysak LAUNCHED

A new site (on Volusion e-commerce) launched last week - and I am proud to say I am behind the template, created to mirror the original beautysak.com website. Check it out here: www.beautysak.com. If you need any sort of makeup, skin care products, hair care products or nail polishes - beautysak.com has what you need.

There's Nobody Out There.

New blogger here. Feelin' Pretty alone, too. If you read this, please post a comment, or drop me an email that you're reading it so I don't feel like a dork, typing my life away and feeling like nobody reading. If you aren't reading this, well then, you must be a very busy person not to partake in something so very important. Sheesh!

NEW SITES UP AND RUNNING!!

A fun blog: Christie's Divorce Party - you go girl- Life is going to get GREAT!
The ION CHI PATCH - these from my favorite entrepreneur - and provider of great holistic health care products. Personally -I can't wait to try these, need to DETOX!
and coming soon - VERY SOON - the DUMPTANK. We just did the Dumptank's MYSPACE BLOG too
- so get hooked up if you have a MYSPACE account, the Dumptank is going to be lots of fun.

More coming soon -

Ali's Cookies:(YUMMY YUMMY!!! Get your cookies NOW, even if we haven't redone their site yet. They sent me some for 'inspiration' - and I have to say - the BEST EVER!