Updates to the M-Vision Portfolio

Check out the new updates to the M-Vision Web Design Portfolio!  There are new websites, print work, and photography (check 'em all out under the link "Work It!")!  It's been a busy few months - but I couldn't be more happy with the outcome!

Also, be sure to become a fan of M-Vision on Facebook!

Hello Big Giant Ball of Warmth!

Things I love:
1.  My boys (big one and the two little ones!)
2.  My family and friends
3.  A HUGE plate of vitamin D with a side of SPF 15 (hey - it's my resolution to WEAR sunscreen...so don't scoff at the number).
4.  A good book enjoyed in vitamin D.
5.  LAUNCHING NEW SITES!!! :)

Check 'em out!

www.maidenrockwinerycidery.com
www.soulsshine.com
www.chaircompressors.com - Thank you contractor extraordinaire, Kyle.
www.shuffle52.com (web banner)

....with more to come! :)

Also, I have some new print work to showcase on my website.

AND!  Watch for M-Vision's first newsletter, produced by my new intern, Erica.

PEACE!
mm

March out like a giant lion!

Hello Spring!  Glad to see ya!

So many new things this Spring at MVWD.  Numero Uno - Intern baby!  That's right, just today I met with my brilliant new intern.  Her formal introduction will be coming soon, so I won't steal her thunder.

And - March went out like a lion.  Count 'em - FIVE new sites to share!  WHOO HOO!

Have A Heart Inc, River Falls, WI - props to Amanda Petersen, thanks girl for contacting me!
Clifton Highlands Golf Club, Prescott, WI - thanks again Ryan!  Everyone get out and go golfing and enjoy the weather
Oasis Sprinkler, Prescott, WI - if we have the summer heat again, and your grass turned as dead as mine, call Roger.  He'll literally hook you up with some H2O!
Speed TracX Sports Radar, Prescott, WI - local and global company for digital sports speed radar units.
Croix Insurance, Prescott, WI - they're there when you need them the most.

Please watch for many more great things coming out of M-Vision Web Design soon, especially a blog or facebook post or two from my new intern! :)

Peace.
mm

Feather pillows + dryer = NO GOOD!

Did you know that feather pillows blow up in the dryer?

Did you know that you can clog a shop vac with feathers?

Did you know that you can start a fire if you don't clean out feathers from the dryer output vent?

Did you know that birds will dive bomb you if you attempt to shake out feathers out of a sheet in your driveway?

Did you know feathers stick to your drive way when it's wet?

Did you know that you can't shake out feathers out of flannel sheets?  Tip:  just throw them away and suck it up and get some new ones.

Have I given you some thought provoking and picturesque views of my morning?

TGIF.

Technology: turned up or down?

I've had a bad week.  Early this week I upgraded to the fastest internet speed known to man....only to have my work capabilities be put to a screeching halt.  Technology: turned up or down?  To keep this simple, with the upgrade in internet speed, I had to get a new modem.  While I could surf the net faster than ever (espn, your site is a pig, but bless you!), and get all 1000 e-mails a day faster (great!?), I somehow lost my capabilities to upload web stuff to my web servers.

Things that make you go "hmmm".

After six - 2 hour each - and $75 "service fee" - calls into "advanced tech support", and multiple cases of troubleshooting, they determined that my new modem was to blame.  DUH!!!  So my internet provider finally sent me an angel today, with a new modem as a gift, and ta-da, back at 'er.

So the question still remains...upgrading technology and speed for a digression of four days.  Did I speed up or slow down?

But, I pride myself on being a person who reminds herself that the glass is half full.  It's all working again and I am back in business, with few scars.  My boys and family are healthy.  Jax is doing great potty training (it's a mom thing, so high-five to all the parents that are cheering with me!).  Our new fish Marge (a.k.a "b*tchy fishy") has stopped turning her back on me when I come near her bowl and feed her.  And, this weekend, I get to spend time with long time girl friends AND have a date with my husband.

In the words of the Zac Brown Band, "Life is Good Today".

Word.
Cheer!
mm

Factoid's of the week

Happy day-after-hump-day.  I had a great week: talked with a new client from Speed TracX - a portable speed sport radar device.  Can't wait to help them out and give their site a fresh new look! Also, made are some nice upgrades to the His Arms Keyan Orphan Mission site including an integrated blog and an embedded Picasa photo gallery.  We have some past missionaries updating the His Arms Picasa Albums as we speak.  God bless their work and dedication to these children!

Factoids of the week:

1. It is impossible to lick your elbow (busted) *okay, I can not lie, I did try it too....and I have double-jointed elbows and still couldn't even come close.
2. A crocodile can't stick it's tongue out.
3. People say "Bless you" when you sneeze because when you sneeze,your heart stops for a mili-second.
4. In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand.
5. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.
6. In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.
7. The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.
8. A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
9. The Matzek household has one more basketball game to ref for the 2010 - 2011 season.  Hallelujah!  (insert singing angelic choir here)

Have a great weekend.

Peace.

m

To trend or not to trend...that is the question

I stumbled on a couple of interesting articles on website design trends.
2011 Web Design Trends
2010 Web Design Trends
I have been definitely noticing these fads more and more as I research good website design.  But, I ponder where and when it is applicable in my designing.  My most favorite part of my job is having a hand in so many industries/businesses - most of which I would never have been associated to.  Each client is so distinct, with a story to tell...therefore, each design I make comes with special individual attention, care, and a reflection of their uniqueness.  I think that there can be a subtle balance, but you have to wonder if it makes a good fit for the client and their message.  So, do you keep up with the Jones' or do you do what is the best fit for the client?  Things that make you go hmmmm....

Who are the Jones' anyway?  I can't keep up with the Kardashian's.

Updated website, portfolio, and integrated blog.

Swwwweeeeet!
M-Vision Website updated and tweaked, check.
M-Vision Portfolio updated with new rockin' sites I've done, check.
M-Vision's blog being fully integrated into the MVWD website and Facebook, check.
Nice.  "I have to say, today is going to be a good day."

Factoid of the day:  The 57 on Heinz ketchup bottles represents the number of varieties of pickles the company once had.

Listen to this playlist: The Tune We Hum

Team! I know my blog is a little wacked out right now. But, I'm making some big changes and I can't make them happen over night. So hang in there.

BUT! Fun stuff! Please watch and follow my Hump Day Tip-ola/Factoid/Who-da-thunk-it. I love to learn...and fun little nuggets crack me up and are a good ice breaker. You can also see them on my Facebook page. My family lovingly calls my sister Rene the "bank of useless knowledge". Well, I can not tell you what years Theodore Roosevelt was in his presidency nor can I complete the NY Times crosswords puzzle. But, I can give you a bunch of useless crap that may make you go "hmmm". (Yes, for those who know me well, I did google how to spell Theo's name).

Anyway, survived the snow storm, awaiting more. Speaking of which, did you know that Groundhog's day originated as a German tradition and that its accuracy of forecast is between 75 - 90% correct? That's better than most meteorologists. :)

Watch for news on updates to the M-Vision Web Design website! :)

Oh, and what the heck. Here are my darlings (birthday pics).

Happy 2011 Friends!

Whew! Where did that time go?

M-Vision has been havin' some fun in the past few months. Check out the details:

Maiden Rock Apples

Two fantastic people (Herdie & Carol) needed a website face-list. We designed a fun and professional site showcasing their beautiful orchard and all the family fun they have there. I recommend a trip with your family this summer/fall! Great family time, food, and people.

Prescott Insurance

Love my ladies at Prescott Insurance!! We achieved a professional, comfortable, and informative site. These gals are dedicated to their clients and community. Give them a call and see how you can save on your insurance needs.

Abode Gallery

M-Vision BFF! Alan Nugent is a talented artist and decorator. He is also a major contributor to the Stockholm Merchant's Association. Take a Sunday drive with the fam, and stop down to Abode to peruse their art gallery and home decorations. Take in the other eclectic shops and dining in Stockholm. And, you won't regret the beautiful view of Lake Pepin!

OQ Quilts

One Page Wonder - I think NOT! John Lass is a supremely charming man with a tremendous skill for quilting. Don't leave your kiddos yearly baseball T's collect dust. Take them to John for a memory make-over. Great Grandma did some great quilting work. But after years of love and use, my quilts could use some TLC. John's the guy to patch them up for me.

Fans - there is more coming! I'll keep in touch with some other new M-Vision Web Design projects! But for now, best wishes. mm