Website with National Notice!

Happy Friday!

I received the most wonderful news of all time today.  One of my websites was a feature project at a regional meeting of the National Park Service.  In attendance to this meeting were 13 State NPS representatives as well as members from the Federal Government!!  AHHHHHH!

For the past year, I have been a part of a group of state, local, and public members of the Great Rivers Confluence Project.  Four cities surround the Confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, Afton (MN), River Falls (WI), Prescott (WI), and Hastings (MN).  The purpose of this group is to conserve educate, and develop the area of the Confluence natural resources of waterways, 3 National parks, trails, and wildlife.  In addition, their efforts support tourism to the area in not only natural resources, but arts, culture, and history.

Today, I attended the Great River Confluence Symposium at the River Falls Library.  I had the opportunity to be a keynote speaker and presented our efforts with the website development and interactive layering map.   In addition, the four mayors gave presentations on their aligning efforts within their community, as well as updates from the St. Croix Trail development and National Heritage Area.  Being in a room of 60+ people whose individual motives supported the whole was a wonderful collaborative feeling.  I am greatly proud to be a part of it.

So, back to the message of this blog....After the closing of the symposium I was able to chat with a GRC Project committee member who works at the National Parks Services (MN Division).  The NPS is a supporter of this project (as I said the Confluence sits on 3 National Parks).  He told me how he had just returned from a five day conference in Omaha, NE.  Thirteen States were in representation at this conference, all giving presentations on their most important/proud projects.  Also in attendance were federal representatives from D.C.  The MN NPS representative let me know that his priority project/presentation was the Great Rivers Confluence and it's website!!!  He also told me that one of the members of D.C. complimented the efforts of the group the next day.

Now, I know that this was not a "M-Vision is awesome type of thing".  But it is a moment that I extremely proud of - to know that 13 states and representatives from Washington were shown my work and were very impressed with the effort of the group.

So, in the words of the Dr. Dre, I have to say "Today Was A Good Day". (I'm approaching my 15 year class reunion - the music makes me nostalgic!)

Peace,
mm

Fall 2012

It's almost the first day of fall!  Where is 2012 going?  Well, I have had another blessed three-quarter year.  Please check out my website for some fun new websites, print work, and the brand new photo montage page!

Enjoy!

mm

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

Spring, part two

An additional reason why I have been recluse lately! :)

Spring has Sprung!

Wow! Where has the time gone? M-Vision Web Design has had a very busy few months! Here is a quick synopsis of where we've been since January:

M-Vision Web Design - Identity Relaunch!

That's right, we had an identity overhaul! And I am so pleased to present my new website design. Check it out and also don't forget to see the updated portfolio for all of our new work!

FirstLine Design

An old friend, with a new website. Well, not new, just improved. Maria is one of the most talented and creative graphic designers I have ever met. And to work on her website was such an honor. Take a look for yourself and see just how talented she is!

Freedom Park, Prescott, Wisconsin

Out with old, in with the new! A beautiful place to visit with your family and friends. And now their website reflects the great beauty and education of the Great River Road Learning Center. What a pleasure it was to work with the ladies at the GRRLC-FP!

Ken Berquist & Sons Disposal

Now you can't say that garbage can't look good! This disposal company, in Inver Grove Heights, MN, has been in business for over 70 years. There pride in family owned and local tradition was what drew me to the design of this site. Kristi (daughter-in-law) was an absolute doll to work with. And we got this baby done in four weeks with one half hour phone conversation and over e-mail. Kudos to Kristi!

Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce

Again, an oldie-but-goodie. We just launched a re-design to this site. We wanted to give it a more sophisticated feeling, as well as you photography that lent itself to the seasonal activities Prescott offers.

Stockholm General

I love Stockholm! As their trademark says, "Close to Home, Worlds Away", this town is truly a unique and eclectic experience. Stockholm General is at the epitome of this experience. Always my biggest fans, thank you again Alan and Steve for believing in me!

Restaurant Win Me

No, it's no joke. What a fun experience! This site is a restaurant competition for the winner to receive the deed to a restaurant in Bay City, Wisconsin - no strings attached. If you know a culinary genius, be sure to tell them about this website and competition!

Dynamic Structures, PC

Whew! This was a new one for me. Dave Senter is probably the smartest individual I have met. He is a structural engineer out of Minnesota who is launching his own company. Specializing in seismic engineering (making buildings safe from earthquakes) this guys experience and reputation speak for themselves. Like a bow on a present, he now has a beautiful new website to put atop that fantastic package!

So, it's no wonder where I been the past three months...at the computer! Thank you to all for giving me the opportunity to work your websites. I love the challenges and uniqueness each project brings...along with the personal relationships that develop through each project.

April is proving to be another busy month! Watch for more new websites from M-Vision Web Design.

-mm

Happy New Year! An what a great start to the New Year M-Vision has had!

I am so proud to announce the launch of our newest website His Arms Orphan Mission. This website was not just another project to me. It was one that deeply touched my heart. His Arms is a program that sponsors orphan children in the greater Maseno area of Kenya. It is an organization that is run by TWO wonderful individuals...one of whom lives in the US and one in Kenya. These two phenomenal women do and live the Lord's work everyday, trying hard to ensure a better life for orphaned children in Kenya. For as little as $20 a month, a sponsor gives not only their sponsor child, but their family, so many basic needs like food, shoes, mattress, medication, and schooling. And these women (along with many Kenyan volunteers) do this for free! As little as 10% of a monthly donation goes to administration fees for postage and transportation. Truly these women, men, volunteers, and children are examples of the Lord's work on earth.

I am truly affected by this website as I have recently become a sponsor myself. I can not express the love and affection that I have for "my child". I love her and her family dearly. My children and myself pray for them all daily. They are truly are apart of our family. In addition, it makes me reflect on the many blessings that my children and I have here in Wisconsin that we so easily take for granted. His Arms Mission is truly the Lord's way of working through us all.

I encourage you to check out His Arms Orphan Mission Program and see for yourself what an impact this program has had on so many children and families.

God Bless in the New Year, Mandy

I am pleased to share with you a few updates to the M-Vision Web Design portfolio. I'd like to welcome Menzel Lake Gravel and WideSpot Performing Arts Center!

Menzel Lake Gravel - Granite Falls, Washington, Rob Hild

WideSpot Performing Arts Center - Stockholm, Wisconsin, Kelli Tatum

Stay tuned! I will have two new additions to share in the next few weeks.

Best Wishes ~ Mandy

Happy Holidays! Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and New Year ~ Mandy

Happy Autumn!

As you can see, I am in need of some time to work on my own blog. But, I am please to announce that M-Vision Web Design is taking large strides in customizing blogs for our clients. No longer will your blog look like all the other templates out there! It will look and act completely integrated into your website. And, you will still get the ease of posting photos and message with blogger.com interface! To learn more, please contact me at: mandy@m-visionwebdesign.com