Chris Buck

Look for it at http://www.margecasey.com/

The latest

The latest web design. I was pretty happy with how this one turned out.

http://www.middakotaclinic.com

Emergency Flu Mask

I received this in an email today...

A new read

For a good read, check out my gal Heather's new blog.

http://heatherjaymes.wordpress.com/

Boss's Day

Celebrate Boss's Day by creating your own ecard from someecards.com, my absolute favorite site!

Someecards. When you care enough to hit send.

Fall Women's Expo tonight featuring Uppercase Living!

I had this event posted on Facebook and just realized I didn't share with my blog followers! For those of you that like to shop and and want a ladies night out, check out tonight's 1st Annual Fall Women's Expo featuring Uppercase Living!!

I will have a booth there, along with a variety of other vendors. I've got a bunch of new accessories from our latest catalog, some cute and creative ideas for UL, some crafts and even an example of our latest product, photo prints!

FREE to the public
Tonight! Thursday, Oct. 15th
5-8pm
Grand International Inn, Minot, ND
International Room

Door prizes. Coupon books to the first 50 people through the door.

Project Night Light, North Dakota

We learned of this amazing program today at our YP Power Hour. It touched my heart as I think it will yours.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Night-Light/50530071142?v=feed&story_fbid=101863776283#/video/video.php?v=83763821932

If you would like to donate or learn more, visit http://www.ndnightlight.org/

To learn more about our local Advocacy Center in Minot, visit http://www.cacnd.com/northern/

Cute goulish graphic

I received a Girls Night Out invite from evite today with this graphic. I thought it was cute, clever and well done.

Need a laugh?

Peopleofwalmart.com

Shower curtain for designers

Check it out! New at Target.

More local talent

I just wanted to share these pins and necklaces made by another talented local! Miss Maureen is a former student of mine. Such a lovely gal with so many talents! I'm lovin' her latest crafty endeavour. If you want some of your own, give her a shout here.

more images here

The latest

The latest web design

i. Keating Furniture World 5K Giveaway

Thoughts from a three year old

Ok, my kid is awesome. I know, I know, what mother doesn't think their kid is awesome...but he does things all the time that just make me shake my head in amazement at his total awesomeness. I try not to inundate this blog with many mommy stories, but I just had to share this with you today.

Last night as I finished pulling my 3-year-old's bedding out of the wash and I walked past him to go put the comforter on the bed. He stops and says, "Oh, thank you mommy. Thanks for keeping my bed clean." Now, I ask you, what three year old thanks his mommy for washing his bedding??? AWESOMENESS!

I just hope that appreciation continues into his teen years! (yea right)

Featured Photographer

Jason Lindsey. Love, love, love his work. He has done the majority of the photography for the vivid images you see in the North Dakota Legendary campaign by Odney. I've haven't had the chance to work with him directly, but admire his enormous talent!

Check him out at http://www.jasonlindsey.com/

Picture Day: 2009 style

What happened to the good ol' days of Picture Day; where you got one shot, take it or leave it. Ok, perhaps your mom and dad let you take advantage of Retake Day if your eyes were closed, but other then that, it was pretty much take what you get...curly tight perms, missing or crooked teeth, hair flyaways and all!

My coworker was recently showing me all the options now provided in the Jr. High Portrait Package. It's enough to stress any parent out. Standing option, sitting option, collage option, plain background, artsy background, black and white, etc. etc. etc. Not only that, but they now send the elementary kids home with their photo imprinted on everything from mugs to bookmarks...BEFORE they are even paid for. What parent wants to break their little one's heart and send them back to just be destroyed? Oh the horror. (oh the cleverness of the portrait company)

But the one thing that really caught my attention was the Retouching Option. You'd think I would be all for this idea, being a Photoshop junkie myself, but seriously? They will now remove blemishes, scars and flyaway hair, even skin tone, and whiten teeth! Really!?!? What little sixth grader needs their teeth whitened??

I say let the kids deal with it. Body image is hard at that age, but we really should encourage our kids to accept the way they are. We had to. And in the years to come, they can look back at themselves and laugh hysterically at how dorky they looked. Just like we do now!

picture courtesy of my very brave co-worker!

If a man can than I can

A friend of mine just gave me the heads up to this product making some news recently. It's a FUD (female urinary device) that folds up and fits neatly into your purse. Apparently the FUD (ok, I just love saying that name...FUD, FUD, FUD) isn't a new idea, as they have used it in Europe for years. Some of you may be completely disgusted by the idea, but some of you may be quite intrigued. I'll let you decide.

From the website:

If you camp, you’ll love GoGirl. If you ski, you’ll love GoGirl. If you
boat, you’ll love GoGirl. If you travel, you’ll love GoGirl. If you just want to
avoid the germs you find in nasty public toilets, you’ll love GoGirl. GoGirl is
for active women of all types and ages.

You have to admit, whether you love or hate the actual product idea, their marketing efforts should be commended. Personally, I love the logo and especially the tagline, Don't Take Life Sitting Down. The naming, GoGirl is clever and memorable. And I love how the logo mimics the women's public bathroom symbol in a playful manner. Kudos to their design/marketing team!

Who says there's nothing to do in Minot?

I was just thinking today of everything going on this month and thought it was worth a post. You may find yourself looking for something fun to do this month and it seems as though the nice weather has finally arrived! Just off the top of my head:

9-2-09: Young Professionals Ambassador Team Bring Your Own Picnic
Casual, bring your own food, meeting by the splash pad in Oak Park. 5:30-7:30 Come socialize or bring the kids for a playdate.

9-3-09: Youth Outdoor Festival
Never been to this, but it sounds interesting. 5:30-7:30 at the ND State Fairgrounds Game and Fish Pond Area. Local wildlife clubs will host outdoor activities for area youth! Waterfowl, upland game, fishing, archery, and more outdoor activities! Come join us for outdoor education, BBQ prizes and more!

9-05-09: MSU's first home football game. Tailgating and a 'Red Out' and hello....FREE FOOD! Go Beavers!!

Labor Day weekend: Motor Magic
Drag Racing, Historic Military Vehicle Display, Nodak Speedway Racing, Motorcycle Poker Run, Classic Car Auction, Classic Car Show, SCCA Auto Cross, Enduro Race, Demolition Derby, Vendor Displays, Simulated Impaired Driving Experience, Vintage & Racing Snowmobile Display

9-10-09: Chamber Business After Hours at the Norsk Hostfest
Always a good time to socialize and network. Hostfest is in September this year. UffDa

9-12-09: Downtown Fall Festival
Fun for the family. We like to check out the places downtown, including the Railroad museum. My son loves trains and we even walked away with some 'Thomas' treasures last year and a conductors hat. Festival filled with dance and drumline performances, classic car show, carnival games, bingo, rhubarb baking contest, craft and food booths, historic Minot book signing and presentation, and Farmer's Market. There will also be a petting zoo, horse and trailer rides, in store demonstrations, scavenger hunt, Classic Rock DJ, and so much more!

9-13-09: Grandparents Day at the Zoo
Free for grandma and gramps to take the little ones. And our zoo rocks!! We love it there. My son's favorites are the Otters and Giraffes. Penguins are always cute, too!

9-14-09: Young Professionals Network Membership Meeting
If you are between the ages of 21-39 and haven't checked out what YP is all about, here is your chance. Grand International at 6:30. Current members can also take care of their dues (a whole $25 a year) and offer input for what they would like to see in the next year. At 7:30, Dr. John Girard will presenting Social Media for Business Purposes and afterward, there will be a cash bar and Monday Night Football on the big screen.

9-15-09: YP Power Hour
Grand International 12:05pm. Lunch and speaker Alan Walter, Public Works Director, talking about infrastructure projects going on in and around Minot. Who knew this stuff would ever interest me, but it is a nice chance to hear things you may never have heard before. Any type of professional development is a good thing, not to mention, to know the ins and outs of what's going on in our community.

9-17-09: Downtown's Association Wine Walk
Oh my my, did I have fun at this last year. Not only do you get to sample wine (and a little sock-it-to-ya Saki) in every establishment downtown, there is food and socializing. Should your goal be to fill up your passport, make sure you have a DD waiting for you (or they will provide a ride home if you need it)! I think this idea is just great. It's a wonderful way to visit businesses downtown that you may never known existed before. Very cool!

9-17-09: The View's Best Burger Cook-off Benefit
If Burgers and Beer are more your thing, this may be the way to go. IT sounds interesting to me. Probably because everyone at the View is so awesome and those ol' folks just know how to have a good time!! (Did you know they have Happy Hour and a bar at The View?) This event is a fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Local celebrities will begin judging the burgers at 4:30pm. Following the judging, diners are welcome to sample the burgers any time between 5pm and 6:30pm. To complete the meal, beans, chips and condiments will be provided. A cash bar will also be available.

9-19-09: Souris Valley Garlic and Grape Festival
More wine!! I haven't been to this before, but it sounds fun. (Bring your Altoids) Hosted by Zone 3A Lions Clubs. Wine tasting, garlic laced foods, and craft booths. Educational classes and entertainment offered all day. Festival hours are 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

9-21-09: Unity in Our Community
YP and MSU team up together again this year to bring an informative speaker to our community. Bill Rancic is slated to speak this year at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at 6:30pm. For those that don't know, Bill Rancic was Trump's original Apprentice and can be seen on the A&E channel series, "We Mean Business" Saturday mornings. His bio is filled with much success, so it should prove to be a very interesting and informative evening.

9-21-09 thru 9-26-09 MSU Homecoming Week
Lots and lots of events to take it. Support your community's University! If you haven't been on the campuses of MSU in awhile, take some time to visit and attend some events. It's sure a lot different from the days I was there! Go Beavers!

9-26-09: Kiwanis Pancake Day
I've never been, but I'm thinking everyone should go get their grub on before the MSU Homecoming festivities for the day!

9-26-09: MSU Homecoming Football
Parade in the morning. And again, tailgating and football in the fall. I don't think many could ask for more...I know my husband would agree

9-26-09: YP MSU Homecoming United Way Social
Come to the Barley Pop after the MSU Homecoming football game (5pm-8pm) for all you can eat and drink (keg beer) for just $10. Door prizes will be given away throughout the event. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Souris Valley United Way. Rah Rah Rah and a keg of beer!

So there you have it. Nothing like a Community Calendar by Candace, huh? I'm sure there are a lot more things going on around town. It looks like September will prove to be a very fun filled month with my family and friends!

more events here and here

When to BS and when not to BS

A random thought today...I saw an email recently where the signature had the name and the contact info, etc. No big deal. Just a regular email signature, right? But after the first and last name, it listed the letters BS, University of XYZ. Bachelor of Science. I get it. But, are we really doing this now?? Is this something that is the norm and I'm just out of the loop?

I always thought that attaching initials to your name was pretty much standard practice for these groups:

1. You are an MBA, a MFA, whatever. If you have your masters degree and went through all that additional work, then heck yes, display it proudly!! Same for PhD and so forth.
2. Anyone in the medical profession
3. Anyone in the military

Now, don't get me wrong, I am very proud of my educational background and the fact that I hold a few degrees. But enough to place it in my email signature? I think not.

Tell me your thoughts.

Is stamping your BS just a bunch of BS?

Trademark ad

So, what are you trying to say?

image is snagged from Little Tree. To see more of their Trademark ads, click here. Please don't send your lawyers after me.

Bugged

Just a shot from another weekend at Metigoshe!

Decorating fun

Yesterday I had the pleasure of being my friend's interior design consultant/personal shopper! She has a beautiful new home and it was such fun choosing rugs, chairs, accessories, etc. for all of the new spaces she has to fill. This led us on a mission to also rug shop online, which of course led me to wonder off and find some other cute finds.

Check out these adorable and fun rugs from Company C.

Logo design

I actually got to take a break from web world and design a logo recently. Here's the final chosen by the client.

Mommy's little artist

I'm so proud. :-)

New Uppercase Living catalog

Some images from the new Fall/Winter Uppercase Living catalog. See my website for the full product catalog!

http://candace.uppercaseliving.net/

Fight Like a Girl

I like this new song by Bomshel. The fact that the lead singer sounds like Leann Rimes bugs me a bit since I'm not a fan of LR, but I'm digging the lyrics.

To paint or not to paint?

My dad would just die if he knew I was considering painting my hardwood floors. Seriously, though, look at how darling it could be for my son's room! The floors are original hardwood and not refinished, so it's not like I'm doing anything that drastic, right?

Paint or no paint?

image by Land of Nod

Go green by peeing yellow

There's a new ad campaign going on in Brazil, developed by Sao Paulo-based F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi, urging people to conserve water by peeing in the shower. The ad campaign includes TV, print, radio, outdoor and a website.

The group behind the campaign claims that if you do pee in the shower and eliminate just one toilet flush a day, it can save 1,100 gallons of water in a year.

I guess that's what my 4 year old nephew is thinking when you catch him whizzing in the corner of the yard. He's saving the damn planet, people!

see the commercial here

Great Plains Assistance Dogs Foundation

I got the chance to meet the sweetest service dog today named Eddy. A Golden Lab, just like my baby, he is an Assistant Dog for a gal with MS. He was trained at Great Plains Assistance Dogs Foundation in Jud, North Dakota. Here is just another great place with a great purpose right here in North Dakota. I didn't even know it existed!

So, for all you dog lovers out there...especially those lovely labs, here's a place where you may consider donating to. I'm sure there are more people in need and what a wonderful service they provide!

Their wish list

Useless Information

Watermelon Ring Pops are the bomb.

People have too much time on their hands

Obama Healthcare Logo

Swastika

Medical symbol

Have you heard the latest logo controversy? Some websites have been likening Obama's new healthcare logo to a Nazi swastika. Seriously people. Find something better to do. As we know, logos can always be interpreted differently, but in this case it is so obvious what the designer intended. Hello? Have you seen the universal medical logo???

Designers beware: People will think what they want and see what they want no matter what your vision intended.

The Latest

The latest website design is alive at http://www.odney.com/

We'll be adding more portfolio items, more news, more blog posts and more content, so check back often!

All Representatives Are Busy....Please Hold

There was an interesting opinion article in the Minot Daily this weekend about customer service. It seems this woman was frustrated by the recent closing of the Minot MDU office to walk-in traffic. Of course, everyone has now been directed to a 1-800 number and she had experienced frustration with the "all representatives are busy...the wait time is 10 minutes" response. I don't blame her. How many of you are really getting frustrated by the lack of personal response these days? Calling 1-800 numbers seem to be the norm for smaller towns now that large corporations are 'integrating' and cutting costs. The most frustrating is when you dial the 1-800 and can't even understand the language they are speaking. Now that really yanks my chain.

I do have a few pieces of advice for this lady. (not that she'll ever read this) But in your frustration, please think of all those people that used to help you face to face that have now been put out of a job. Obviously, my immediate family has been affected by the recent layoffs at MDU. They have cut jobs across the board in small towns all across the midwest. They have pulled those valuable faces in communities from North Dakota and beyond that used to be able to help us with our needs. They have cut service men that used to be there for us when called. My advice would be to support these men and women in their new ventures. Some have started their own businesses and will be a great local resource for us. Encourage them and have patience with them as they now try to meet our needs all on their own. I know how hard it is to try and make a go of it with your own business.

Now, I know hundreds of jobs are incomparable to the thousands that are being lost across the United States. MDU must look at cost saving measures and this was one of them. I get it.

But....

My last suggestion would be for MDU to really rethink their brand.
"In the Community to Serve"

Just a photo

Took a little nature walk up at Metigoshe

Brands that died in 2009

A few brands that died in 2009.

http://www.businesspundit.com/20-brands-products-that-died-in-2009/

Haste Makes Waste commercial by Odney

This is a commercial the creative team at Odney recently put together. I don't know if it will run in this market, so I just wanted to share it. Not to mention the fact that I just love it!


Kudos to the team that worked on it. (wish I could say I was part of it, but they pretty much keep me in web world)

International Music Camp: Not just for musicians

First off, I apologize for neglecting my blog lately. I will try to get back on track!

But back to the post...Last week I had the fortunate experience of visiting International Music Camp for the very first time. Nestled in the beautiful Turtle Mountains of North Dakota (one of my most favorite places...even though they aren't really mountains) is a camp rich in culture. Just walking through the facility, hearing the different sounds and seeing the energy from the kids was truly an inspiration. And that environment, being surrounded by the birch trees and just a skip away from the International Peace Gardens, is truly a site to behold.

I had the misconception that this camp was strictly for musicians, and I, not being able to do a thing musically, had never gotten the chance to see what it's all about. Little did I know, the camp offers sessions for all the ARTS! They offers sessions on painting, basic art, creative writing, dance, digital photography, drama, drawing and more!

Now, my mission should be one of two things:

1. Attend camp as an adult. After all, don't adults need more of an escape from the everyday than kids?

2. Convince my boss to give me the summer off so I can teach there.

Since I know #2 is never going to happen, perhaps I should focus on #1. Fellow blog followers...you should really hold me to this!

Photo of the Day

Took this at a petting zoo recently. Thought it would make a good Comment Your Caption.

You know what to do. Comment your caption. Make me laugh.

Thoughts from a three year old

Well, it's been awhile since I've shared anything on my blog. Call it uninspired I guess. So today I will share some happy thoughts from my three year old yesterday.

We were driving in the car and I let out a "darn it". Not bad, I know. It was even a "darn" and not a "damn" so I should be pretty safe. Anyway, he says, "Why you say dat mommy?" Busted. So, I explained that I probably shouldn't have said that and mommy was naughty. He says, "You're not naughty mommy, you're HAPPY!"

Awwww....even when I'm not feeling that happy, it's good to know that he still has the impression that I am!! It reminds us that those little ears are always listening and those little eyes are always observing. ;-)

Make it a Happy Day!

A look back: package design for gum

I'm kinda diggin the 1941 Juicy Fruit.
images snagged from http://www.wrigley.com

Bedding design

My trouble is that sometimes I know what I want before it actually exists. Does anyone else have that trouble? I can picture in my head exactly what I'm looking for and plan it all out in my head....but then what? So, this is the case with my bedroom decor. I want desperately to change my master bedroom, but I don't want to paint. I actually haven't tired of the current color yet. So, with the color scheme I have now, I have been trying to find the perfect bedspread. The other day I found a pattern on a pillow and it is very similar to what I was imagining in my head. So it inspired me to just create my own bedding design.

Now, does anyone know a textile designer/seamstress/retail store to actually make it and sell it??? Too bad my name isn't Ty Pennington and I could just come up with my own line! Now, that would be fun!!

original pillow design came from Pillow Pagoda via a Dose of Design post.

right pattern, wrong color and wrong avenue.

Try to remember the bigger picture

click on the picture for a larger version

(source unknown)

You go girl!

I love this video! My son does the same thing when he has a story to tell but doesn't quite know the words yet! She had quite a story to tell, though, didn't she? ;-)



snagged from http://www.snotr.com/video/2630

More fun with flowers

While taking some snaps last week of my flowers, I thought this one was so cute with the little drop in the center. I actually ran across a Flickr account with some very interesting shots of droplets just today, so it seemed fitting to share this one of mine today. (no photoshop this time)

Check out some of Steve Took It's drops. His macro work is so awesome!

Just another photo

My bleeding heart blossomed! I planted it last year and didn't think it was going to make it.

Share Some Candy

How can I not love this site??? :-)

sharesomecandy is a curated collective of inspiring design finds and art. the content is appropriate for all audiences - 9-99. criteria for inclusion are finds that are universally inspiring, beautiful and thought provoking. every image is referenced to its found location through a 'via' link.

Check it out!

Thanks once again to suffix.abuse for the great find.

Just a photo

Took some photos last night and was messin' with a little digital manipulation. The originals were ok, too, but a girl's gotta play, right?

My flowers bring me joy :-)

More to come...

Davy Pottery: Great stuff right here in our backyard

I've always been a fan of these birdhouses, and they are made right here in North Dakota from a local potter, Susan Davy. I don't know why I haven't shared these with you before, as I've been a fan of hers for awhile now. I've been fortunate enough to have worked with this very talented lady (I designed her website quite a few years ago and also collaberated on some other projects) and couldn't help but feature these adorable bird houses.

You can purchase them on her website (woot woot!) and also check out the other stoneware. I personally have some of the High Plains pieces and love the color combination.

http://www.davypottery.com/

Local talent. Gotta love it!

Grandin Road

With thoughts of summer and outdoor decorating, I'm adding Grandin Road to my list of "If I had a million dollars" stores. Now if only we had more than two months out of the year to actually enjoy the outdoors... ( I am usually an Ambassador for our lovely state, but seriously, I think I need to move to Arizona)

Anyway, I would love to rev up my patio with some decor from this site. Topping my wish list are these planters. LOVE 'em!

Cori Dantini on Etsy

Just ran across this seller on Esty and absolutely love her stuff. She's also got another shop with much more muted tones in an illustrative medium. The bold colors of her paintings and unique style was what caught my attention.

Check it out!

images snagged from Cori Dantini's shop #2 on Etsy.

I simply love ALDO shoes

The first time I came across ALDO shoes was on a trip to Vegas. I picked up a pair of brown slide sandals. I love everything about them. They're cute, comfy and light weight. So, on a recent trip to Arizona, my mission was to find another ALDO store. I like to try them on, so I took advantage while I was there. But their site is great, so if you want to shop online go check them out. The selection online is amazing, whether you are a flip flop or a stiletto gal, you'll find what you're looking for. My next mission is to be able to pull off a high heel so I can get the ones above!! Too cute!

ALDO = AWESOME!!!!

http://www.aldoshoes.com/

PS. love their logo, too ;-)