Preparing For The COMPUTER Crash

In my case, it was my motherboard. GONE. Working along, tap tap tapping on the keyboard at 200 miles an hour - and BOOM. Screen goes out. Everything else appears to be working, but the screen is a gonner. Tried rebooting, never came back on. Plugged in another monitor, no bueno. Grabbed the whole get-up and ran up to Geek Squad, who informed my my machine had a motherboard who wasn't feeling quite as motherly as she once had.

So it was 'time'. I got a newer, bigger, faster (DESKTOP this time so I will stay in my office!) and began the process of computer file recovery. Which brings me too - to our newest site launch as well. Funny it all happened together.

During the process of all of this - I found the following things VERY useful. And they will be something I do - ALWAYS - from now on:

1/ Have a large external hard drive READY! and back it up on your own when you can - I have a 1.5 TB Western Digital External Hard Drive.

2/SIGN UP and USE Firefox Sync. If you are not using Firefox, please do so at this time. Then, sign up for Firefox Sync - this will remember your settings, passwords, visited sites - it's a beautiful thing. Simply sign in and it will 'repopulate' your old get-up!

3/ Save your fonts, brushes and shapes, extensions - If you use Photoshop or another design program - don't lose all you've built up. Downloading, extracting and installing these things takes forever - and especially if you've paid for them!

And finally...

4/ Save your Outlook PST file from time to time. One thing you can recover is your Outlook file. It will get you (PRETTY) close to where you were.

So - without further adieu -

WELCOME TO THE WEB - Blueline Network Solutions! They sell desktops for personal and business use, servers, network security solutions and more. I really like that they have high performance gaming desktops (for those of us who truly relish a little WOW from time to time.) as well as services - like remote backup and data storage and remote IT support.

Honda of Burleson Celebrates Grand Opening

(Left-Right) Honda of Burleson Co-Owner and General Manager Henry Coffeen, the Honorable Mayor Shetter and Honda of Burleson Co-Owner Ken Schnitzer

Buzz worthy in Burleson

The city of Burleson was all a buzz last week due to the grand opening festivities of Honda of Burleson.

Burleson Mayor, Ken Shetter, congratulated Honda of Burleson owners Henry Coffeen and Ken Schnitzer Thursday night during the first of two opening celebrations. He commended them both for bringing such a world class organization to the area which will employ over one hundred workers and for having the foresight to build for Burleson's future which is growing rapidly.

Guests at Thursday night's event enjoyed a champagne reception, sumptuous food and entertainment by the Marc Toussaint Trio. Party goers even had a chance to rub elbows with characters from the Honda Civic National Ad Campaign "To Each Their Own" including the Ninja, The Zombie, The Woodsman and Cesar, the Champion Luchador.

Saturday's Family Festival which was open to the public featured complimentary food provided by local favorite, Fuzzy's Taco Shop. Children enjoyed activities like dancing with the DJ, bounce houses, rock climbing wall, face painting, balloon artist and build your own cupcakes….. not to mention the Sno Cones which kept young and old alike cool during the hot afternoon sun.

Everyone also buzzed about and enjoyed the late afternoon air show which featured vintage planes and an aerial performance. The Zach Heffley Jazz Quintet then entertained guests until the party concluded at 7pm.

Henry Coffeen and Ken Schnitzer were delighted that over 600 guests and their families were able to visit the new dealership and felt like the public had a chance to see for themselves why Honda of Burleson is a dealership experience worth talking about.

Re-posted with Permission from Honda of Burleson

Champion Firearms in College Station - WELCOME!

We at Kari & Company would like you all to give a warm welcome to the new Champion Firearms store! At Champion Firearms you are getting the unmatched, unbeaten, and unbelievable quality of various types of handguns, rifles, shotguns, indoor gun ranges and concealed handgun classes.

Do you want a gun but don’t know how to use one necessarily? Then our suggestion would be to take one of these classes! The State of Texas mandates eight hours of classroom instruction for new applicants, while renewals require three. Afterward, a standardized written exam will be given. Then comes the range qualification! This is a 2- hour section for new applicants (1 hour for renewals) and the State of Texas mandates a standardized shooting test to demonstrate range proficiency. The shooting test will consist of 50- rounds fired over three distances-- 9 feet, 21 feet & 45 feet. The shooting test is timed and graded for accuracy, and each student must be safe and capable of following directions.

Once done with your training the obvious next step would be to buy a handgun. Now in these economic times Champion Firearms understands that you may not be able to pay all at once, which is why they gladly offer financing plans and a 90-day layaway plan as well!

Once you have the gun you’re going to have to take care of it though, which is why there are also many different cleaning supplies as well. Is the idea of a gun a little intimidating to think about though? Well that’s ok! At Champion Firearms there are also products that are less than lethal like different types of pepper sprays and stun guns for those who find the gun to be a little much.

If you ever need to contact them for any reason to set something up, or just to ask a question, you can call at (979) 693-9948, or email one of the two owners at either mike@championfirearms.com or katie@championfirearms.com. You can also email the general manager at roger@championfirearms.com. And if you’re wanting those hard-to-get items, e-mail them at sales@championfirearms.com.

Welcome Champion Firearms and GOOD LUCK!

Well being for the body, mind, and sole!

I LOVE MY JOB - being able to help design websites for some amazing companies has its perks! Whether it’s getting the inside scoop on yummy food, top of the line furniture design, the sassiest of gifts…

…OR getting the BEST one-of-a-kind massage experience around, Kari and Co has the greatest Volusion Store Design Clients :

All we can say is OMG!
If you live near Coppell, TX. - you MUST check out Foot Master - for only $35 you get a ONE HOUR FOOT MASSAGE - it's like BUTTA!

The Ancient Art of Reflexology
Reflexology is the ancient art of applying specific pressure to areas or points on the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. With focus on specific pressure points, this body work effects a physical change in the body. It has been used throughout the world to cleanse the body and increase natural energy flow. It is known to reduce physical and mental tension, and other benefits similar to those of massage therapy.
Reflexology is a system which stimulates balance (chi) and removes unhealthy blockages. From back pain to sleep disorders, to managing migraine headaches - Reflexology is a safe and natural tool to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If is also often used for sports injury therapy, and for arthritis sufferers.
The Healing Benefits of Massage
With the ancient art of massage, you can alleviate a number of ailments, including low-back pain, migraine pain and muscular pain. In addition, massage has been proven to be a powerful method to rejuvenate the soul, reduce stress and depression and anxiety - as well as improve circulation and flexibility. Massage works by stimulating the body's lymphatic flow, which is your body's natural defense system. It also releases endorphins - which are amino acids that act as your body's natural pain killer.
Massage is also used in many forms of therapy to manage pain of athletes who strain and overuse their muscles, or for those recovering from injury or accident that require gentle, natural therapies to ease their pain.
Massage has been used for centuries to improve general health, and has been proven to have a number of physical and mental benefits. Massage is an important part of your balance between physical and mental health. Massage is a safe and natural way to maintain health, and the more you do it, the better the benefit.
Foot Master offers the best treatment, from the most experienced therapists, at a great price. They believe that the healing and rejuvenating properties of massage should be affordable for all.

Be sure to stop on in for a relaxing treatment that will leave you feeling energized and relaxed - and tell them Kari from Kari and Company sent ya!

Go to Beverly Hills with Posh Puppy Boutique!

Once again, Kari and Company’s long-time Volusion store design client, Posh Puppy Boutique, is making headlines!

If you don’t know who they are, you soon will! Posh Puppy Boutique is an upscale doggy boutique headquartered in Rocklin, California. They cater to give their clients' dogs only the best in life.

The Posh Puppy Boutique offers a large selection of dog clothing, accessories, beds, carriers, gift ideas and more for dogs of all breeds and sizes. It is no surprise why they were selected as a supplier of clothing, accessories and costumes which were used in the making of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2...coming to DVD and Blu Ray on February 1st.

Now, they have teamed up with Disney and Funjet Vacations in a special promotion for the upcoming DVD release of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. For a chance to win the Beverly Hills Funjet Vacation Family Getaway for four to a "Posh Puppy Pack" from The Posh Puppy Boutique, their exclusive vendors and business associates, go to http://sweepstakes.poshpuppyboutique.com, starting February 1, 2011.

Jennifer Kirk, owner and President of The Posh Puppy Boutique, was extremely honored for the opportunity to assist the costume designers working with Disney Productions and realized the opportunity it meant for her business.

Kirk commented, "Every area of the pet industry has always been extremely competitive. The Posh Puppy Boutique had always been able to stay ahead of the competition and maintain the level of growth in revenue and inventory I had envisioned. When the realities of the economy came to light, I knew it was time to get creative. These are the moments in business the text books can't teach you. You have to go with your gut and trust in your product. Our association with Disney for Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 was an exciting opportunity for The Posh Puppy Boutique which has exploded now with this fun contest."

For more information about The Posh Puppy Boutique, be sure to click through to www.poshpuppyboutique.com or they can be reached by phone during normal business hours at 1-888-837-5230.

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!

New Years Resolutions - Eat Healthy and Enjoy Life

Eat healthy, enjoy life. That's the motto of the newest and most tasty Dallas Chinese Restaurant on the scene - Ming Place China Bistro! Kari and Co. would like to welcome to the web - one of our newest clients!

We are SO pleased to have provided Ming Place a new website design for their business, as well as a takeout & dine-in menu design.

They're getting RAVE reviews, Ming Place has received 5 Stars from customers on www.yelp.com - here's what some of the patrons have said:

-”…this is the best Chinese food I've had in about 5 years, I'm going to Yelp! it.”

-”This is also genuine cuisine, the owners know their food and this family-owned business is run by the nicest and friendliest people you can imagine.”

-”I have found my new Chinese restaurant!!”

Kristy Yang of Dallas Observer says-
“…the combination fried rice was some of the best fried rice I've had in a long time. Dare I say, it's the best fried rice in Dallas proper? Hyperbole aside, it truly is a great fried rice. The sign of a good fried rice (without a better way of putting it) is if it tastes like the wok. Just like how a tasty cornbread is seasoned from a years-old cast iron skillet, the wok should be the main seasoning component of the rice. The perfect fried rice is a very simple thing, but not the simplest of tasks to achieve. Ming's Place's fried rice allows the wok to do all the work, and it results in a perfectly non-greasy and balanced dish.”


Read more about owners Ming and Grace, or better yet, come on down to meet them personally:

Location:
5715 Lemmon Ave, Suite# 3
Dallas, Texas 75209
Phone: 214-350-8188
Fax: 214-350-8088
email them - info@mingplacechinabistro.com or
Download their menu

Hours:
Monday - Thursday
11:00 am - 9:30 pm
Friday - Saturday
11:00 am- 10:00 pm
Closed Sunday

'Tis the Season to Celebrate the Grand!

WOW! I can’t believe Christmas is less than 3 weeks! If you are anything like me, you are not half way done with your shopping. With so many family members, it hard to find that perfect gift for each and every one of them, especially - finding that perfect gift for grandparents.

You want to make sure the special gift you get for them is EXTRA GRAND because they are…so, well - GRAND! One thing I love about my job of web design is having the “inside” scoop on where to find all the best gifts and interesting, unique products on my client's e-commerce websites…it makes shopping much easier. One of my newest clients that I was fortunate enough to get to create their Volusion store design is Grandma and Grandpa Gifts - an online specialty retailer of boutique gifts JUST for Grandparents.

The idea for Grandma and Grandpa Gifts was born not long after the birth of Kelly and Rob’s first Grandchild, Gianna. It's been a labor of love, a HUGE learning curve - but is now a reality! They are located in Illinois, the company is family owned, and like many baby boomers, they are now celebrating the GRAND!

Grandparents have changed a lot since I had the pleasure of spending time with mine... many of today's Grandparents think 'rocking' means attending a concert or climbing a wall...perhaps with their beautiful Grandchild! They think it's time to break a few rules and some long-held stereotypes about Grandparents.

The principles behind GrandmaAndGrandpaGifts.com:

• Reasonably priced, boutique gifts for today's baby boomer Grandparents

• Every item they carry celebrates the unique relationship between Grandparent and Grandchild

• No senior citizen gifts, kitchen appliances, or household tools allowed

• Some fun along the way while celebrating the Grand

With the upcoming Holiday, you must check out their Christmas gift ideas for Grandparents. Any grandparent will surely enjoy these keepsakes for years to come. And of course, EVERY Grandparent loves to brag about their little “grand” bundles of joy and what better way to show them off? By getting one of their memory books and brag books, journals and/or grandparent picture frames.

Grandma and Grandpa, Nonnie and Pawpaw, Gaga and Gramps will love any of these gifts, so please go check out www.grandmaandgrandpagifts.com today - PLUS - you can get 10% off your 'Grand' gifts (use code: GRAND10) and it just time for Christmas!

Hope you all have a very GRAND HOLIDAY! One of the many reasons we LOVE our job. What an awesome idea - now a reality. It's GRAND!