Q4 Craziness

As green leaves change to beautiful hues of brilliant red, I can't help but think of the red light / green light game we played as kids. A paradox I've noticed, between, let's say "family society" and "business society" is that as things begin to slow down towards winter hibernation in the former, the latter's pace just speeds up.

This is probably glaringly obvious this year, as it's the first that we are REALLY called to balance work and family life. Not saying it's bad, as multi-tasking develops incredible character (and some would say, even Alzheimers). Just a mere observation...

We've welcomed a beautiful new baby. We used to refer to our family business as a "baby" and now I'm wondering why, as few true comparisons exist. Well...the lack of sleep and/or any type of set schedule is definitely a common thread ;) So as the seasons change, we accept incoming DP jobs along with incoming parenthood blessings. How blessed we are!

Growing Family / Growing Business

I'm tardy again......but have a good excuse. We're expecting our first child, and priorities have been shuffled for the better. Time's short today, but I do want to share two links of the week.....one for the crafter in you, and one for the cook.
Enjoy!

http://www.scrapblog.com/
All you fans of picassa and/or scrapbooking, this one is for you (cough, LIZZIE). You can add photos, embed video, add virtual stickers, change fonts, colors, and, most importantly, PUBLISH your work. Check it out, what's your excuse for waiting?!?

http://www.supercook.com
More than once, I've opened both the pantry and fridge, and wondered, "how's dinner coming together tonight?" If you can identify, fret about it no more: this site let's you plug in as few as one or two ingredients, then generates recipes with those ingredients. Better yet, the recipe list grows as you click on any number of the suggested items on the left! Mmmmmm, getting hungry just thinking of those parmesan crisps......how 'bout you?

Listen Here

http://www.podnova.com
if you're into podcasts and vodcasts, bookmark this site.

http://www.pandora.com
build your own customized digital jukebox. far out ;)

Happy New Year

We're all making resolutions, right? Ours is to blog more often, so be on the lookout for more pearls of wisdom from the 'Dish.

This is shaping up to be a busy year, as we are working with several new clients, visiting several schools, and sponsoring a Recess for Success in March.

We're also helping the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce's "Young Professionals" group get off the ground. Check us out at: http://www.lschamber.com/chamberyp.asp

That's just a peek at what we have in store. Let us know what will be keeping you productive this year, and have a GREAT '08!

Sweet Marketing

Yes, it's been awhile since we've been able to offer tricks, tidbits, or commentary. Life, like business, has been a bit on the hectic side as of late. Not to worry, as we are back with another goody: a sweet morsel if you will. Do you ever get tired of collecting mugs, squishy balls, pens-a-plenty, and other junk that collects dust when you get home from a trade show?

Here's a yummy, clever marketing idea: http://www.batterupcookies.com/printed.html. These printed cookies leave their mark without leaving your desk cluttered. What a clever idea!

Pop-up Photo Effect

So, we're back from the conference and had an incredible time! Photos will be posted asap, with more details to come.

Searching for tutorials to get the week started, we came across this one...a great effect to use for creative photo layouts:

http://www.dphotojournal.com/photoshop-tutorial-realistic-out-of-border/

Give it a try, then give us a shout and let us know what you think!

HOW you ask?

Here’s the link to learn more about the coolest conference in the whole world....one guaranteed to spice up your creative juices:
http://howconference.com/