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What is CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® is the only FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat. The procedure is non-invasive, virtually painless and requires minimal, if any, recovery time - you can even do it on your lunch break! CoolSculpting® is the ideal treatment for people who are close to their target weight, and who struggle with stubborn fat in one or more areas.
The technology, developed by Harvard University scientists, is based on the observation that the cold can selectively target fat cells, sparing the skin and other vital structures.
The CoolSculpting® procedure safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. Treated fat cells are crystalized (frozen), then die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you.
Because of the very gradual absorption of the destroyed cells, there is no discernible increase in lipid levels in blood stream or any other physiological changes. The procedure is FDA-cleared and has been used effectively around the country and abroad for over a decade.
Am I a Candidate for CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® is designed to target localized areas of stubborn fat in people who are otherwise healthy and in reasonably good shape. If you are close to your target weight, but still struggle with excess fat in one or more areas - CoolSculpting® can help you achieve the look you want.
Patients who are overweight or obese are not considered candidates for CoolSculpting®, but may consider other options - including liposuction or abdominoplasty. Patients with excess/sagging skin (typically patients who are older or who have undergone massive weight loss) might not be considered candidates.
You can learn more about the differences between CoolSculpting, liposuction, and other fat reduction procedures in this blog post by Dr. Majewski.
Treatable Areas
CoolSculpting® can be used to reduce excess fat virtually anywhere it can be found - the abdomen and flanks (love handles) are most common, but CoolSculpting® is equally effective at treating fat in the bra rolls, thighs, chest, and even under the chin (double chin).
What to Expect
During the initial consultation, Dr. Majewski will ask you about your overall health, your goals and expectations regarding the treatment, and which problem areas you'd like to focus on. Dr Majewski will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, and if not - what options might be better suited for you (abdominoplasty, miniabdominoplasty or traditional liposuction).
He will develop a customized Treatment to Transformation™ plan, designed to optimize your CoolSculpting® results. He will recommend beginning with the area of greatest concern, so you can start to experience the results of CoolSculpting® in an area that will be most meaningful to you.
Most patients see results after a series of 2 or more treatments on a specific area, which are usually spaced out by several weeks so progress can be assessed between treatments. You can expect to see results in 2 to 3 months after treatment.
The CoolSculpting® treatment is done in the office by CoolSculpting® expert and registered nurse Jana Shinall. Jana will begin by explaining the procedure and what symptoms you may experience during and after treatment. These are usually minimal and limited to mild discomfort in the treatment area. Photos will be taken as a baseline to assess your progress before starting treatment and at each follow-up appointment.
Jana will assess your target area and determine the best way to place the CoolSculpting® applicators to maximize results. Then, treatment will begin. During your treatment, a gel pad and applicator will be placed on the target area. As the name suggests, the CoolSculpting® procedure can be a little chilly. Though you may feel intense cold initially, this feeling usually subsides within 5 to 10 minutes as the area numbs. We'll provide blankets and pillows to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Because most applicators use a vacuum to draw fatty tissue into the applicator cup, you may also feel some pulling, tugging, and/or mild pinching.
The treatment itself will last around 30-40 minutes depending on the area being treated. During this time, feel free to read, check email, or even take a nap!
After the procedure, Jana will perform a light massage on the treated area. This massage is very important: Massage has been proven to increase treatment efficacy by 68%!
After your treatment and post-treatment massage, you are free to resume regular activity. Many patients return to work immediately following their treatment. Side effects can include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, tenderness, itching, or skin sensitivity. These effects are temporary and should resolve within days or weeks.
You can expect to see results within 1-3 months. At your follow-up appointment, you will be able to compare photos from before treatment to assess your progress.
At Majewski Plastic Surgery and Spa, CoolSculpting® costs $700 per treatment cycle for most applicators except the CoolAdvantage Plus applicator, which costs $900 per cycle. As mentioned above, most patients see results after 2-3 treatments of CoolSculpting® - the exact number may vary depending on your goals and how your body responds to treatment. At your initial consultation, you will receive a customized treatment plan that outlines how many treatments you will need to achieve your expressed goals.
Please ask us about package pricing!
We offer CareCredit to help finance CoolSculpting® and other cosmetic procedures. Learn more about payment options here.
For more information about CoolSculpting®, call us at 870-333-5737.
In the News
Click here to read Dr. Majewski's article in Jonesboro Occasions magazine comparing CoolSculpting® and other fat removal procedures.


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IRA Investing ConcernsBen Freshman / January 13th, 2015
Using real estate investments in your individual retirement account (IRA) is an attractive option for many investors. It can yield a greater return than traditional stocks and bonds, not to mention it's a great way to diversify your portfolio. Plus, real estate is considered an inflation hedge, so you can generally expect it to increase …Read More

subset: commoncrawl


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Business & Real Estate
UC Davis, strawberry growers settle big lawsuit
The great UC Davis strawberry war ended Monday.
UC Davis and California's strawberry growers announced they have settled a pair of potentially poisonous lawsuits over a long-standing research partnership that has earned millions for the university and brought vast improvements in taste and durability to consumers.
Key to the settlement: UC Davis announced the hiring of a new director of strawberry breeding, ensuring the program will continue churning out additional varieties of the fruit for years to come.
The agreement patches up a relationship that has helped California's $2 billion-a-year strawberry industry flourish. California produces 90 percent of the nation's strawberries. Varieties bred by UC Davis researchers and licensed to the industry account for about half the state's crop.
The marriage has generated tens of millions of dollars in royalties for the University of California, and the dispute had left UC Davis squirming. As a public land-grant university that devotes half of its 5,300-acre campus to cropland, barns and other agricultural facilities, getting sued by a group of farmers put UC Davis in an uncomfortable spot.
Restoring peace was "quite important," said Jacob Appelsmith, chief campus counsel at UC Davis. "We want to have positive relationships with all of our agricultural constituents. ... They are an important one."
The dispute began in 2012, when UC Davis' two star strawberry breeders disclosed they were quitting to form their own company. A year later, the university was sued by the California Strawberry Commission, the official marketing and promotion arm of the strawberry industry and its 400 growers.
The commission charged that UC Davis was planning to end its breeding program and allow the two departing scientists to take with them a vitally important catalog of strawberry plants. This important library of technological know-how, once available to every strawberry farmer in the state, was in danger of being "privatized."
UC Davis denied the allegations and filed its own lawsuit, claiming the growers were guilty of unfair business practices. The twin cases percolated in U.S. District Court in Oakland until Monday, when the two sides announced they were embarking on a new era of cooperation.
"The hiring of the new plant breeder and the commitment to continue the public program were critical to resolving the dispute," said Rick Tomlinson, president of the Strawberry Commission, in a prepared statement.
The relationship between UC Davis and the strawberry industry dates to the 1930s, when strawberry varieties were first bred at the university's labs. Since then, the research has branched out to satellite growing stations in Irvine and Watsonville, in the heart of the strawberry belt. Some of the biggest brand-name growers plant UC Davis-bred strawberries, including Dole and California Giant. The Albion, a variety developed in the Davis labs in 2004, is widely considered the standard-bearer in flavor for commercially grown strawberries.
The royalties have been as sweet as the fruit. Four of the 25 biggest income-producing inventions in the entire UC system are strawberry varieties bred in Davis. Strawberry income totaled $50 million in the past nine years, or more than $5 million a year.
In addition, the Strawberry Commission had been paying the university $350,000 a year in research funding since 1980. Those research payments ended after 2012, when two veteran strawberry breeders, Douglas Shaw and Kirk Larson, announced they were leaving UC Davis to form a private plant-breeding company in Southern California.
The marriage deteriorated further when the commission sued the university in 2013. The charge: UC Davis was letting Shaw and Larson leave with a copy of the so-called "germplasm," a genetic library consisting of 1,500 different strawberry plants. Public property was being turned into private property.
The university said the claims were false. The germplasm belonged to the school and would stay there, stored in greenhouses on campus. Besides, UC Davis said, it was committed to keeping the program going by hiring a replacement for Shaw and Larson.
Strawberry officials didn't believe it. Carolyn O'Donnell, a spokeswoman for the Strawberry Commission, said UC Davis was laying off employees who cultivated strawberry plants.
"What we saw was them closing down the program," she said.
Appelsmith, however, said the commission was mistaken. While some workers were indeed let go, they represented "seasonal layoffs which are a normal part of ... an agricultural research program," the university lawyer said.
Placating the industry's suspicions, UC Davis has hired a replacement for Shaw and Larson, who left a little more than a month ago. The new director of the program is Steven J. Knapp, a plant breeder at Monsanto Co.'s vegetable research and development program in Woodland. Knapp oversaw breeding of melons and squash at Monsanto, among other crops. Before that, he spent 24 years on the faculty of Oregon State University and the University of Georgia.
"We are thrilled to have Steve join us as we design a new strawberry-breeding program for the 21st century," Helene Dillard, dean of UC Davis' College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said in a prepared statement.
The settlement agreement says UC Davis will keep operating the strawberry program for at least five years, or as long "as is consistent with UC Davis' operations and its goals as a public research university." If the university ever decides to stop releasing new strawberry varieties, it said it will offer to license the "germplasm" to breeders.
It's still unknown whether the Strawberry Commission will resume its $350,000-a-year research payments, Appelsmith said.
O'Donnell said the commission plans to support UC Davis research with cash or in-kind contributions. "The total contribution could be more or less than the $350,000 per year," she said.
As part of the settlement, the two sides agreed to form a Strawberry Advisory Committee to provide input to the university on the breeding program.
Call The Bee's Dale Kasler, (916) 321-1066. Follow him on Twitter @dakasler.
A sweet arrangement
The strawberry industry's royalty payments to the University of California totaled more than $50 million over nine years.
2004-05: $4.9 million
2005-06: $4.8 million
2006-07: $4 million
2007-08: $4.6 million
2008-09: $5.2 million
2009-10: $5.8 million
2010-11: $7 million
2011-12: $7 million
2012-13: $7.6 million
Source: UC Davis


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Ford Custom Front End Covers by LeBra. Protect your vehicle from road debris and add style too.
There is nothing uglier that a chipped paint from rocks and road debris damage. A LeBra custom fit Front-End Covers is the easiest way to protect your vehicle from unexpected road damage. Its stylish protection that makes your vehicle look great!
Add style and a custom look to your vehicle
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Protect your vehicle from rocks chips, bugs and road tar
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Durable high quality leather grain vinyl. Does not need to be removed when wet. Vinyl is micro-perforated so it is dries itself while you drive. Special knit backing absorbs less moisture and is gentle on your vehicle's finish.
Share your thoughts with other customers


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ACTE URGES REPEAL OF REAL ID 5-5-08 c/o MeetingNews.com
"The Association of Corporate Travel Executives(ACTE) urged the repeal of key sections of the Real ID Act of 2005, in written testimony presented ti the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee last week. According to a statement issued by the association's Global Executive Director, Susan Gurley, ACTE then endoresed and proposed Identification Security Enhancement Act (S.717) as a "realistic and reasonable alternative" to Real ID." ::FULL STORY HERE::


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Affordable Health Insurance Ohio
In 2008, Ohio ranked 32nd in the healthiest state ranking done by the United Health Foundation. More than 11% of Ohioans do not have health insurance, and only 62% of Ohioans are obatined health insurance from their employer. Many Ohioan's have individual heath insurance plan coverage. Ohio does not have a risk pool for people that are uninsurable. A risk pool is a state-sponsored program that help people that cannot pay for medical treatment and care.
There are several different factors that can affect the price of your health insurance. Health insurance prices are swayed by factors such as age, health conditions, smoking status, and height and weight proportions. Shopping several different insurance companies, and being flexible on the deductible coverages will ensure you get the best rate available for your health insurance plan. You might also want to review your health insurance company and plan every year or so. After having health care for an extended period of time, reevaluating your personal health situation and getting quotes from other insurance companies will ensure you are paying a competitive rate for your health insurance plan.
Insurance companies offer several different types of health care plans in Ohio. These plans include catastrophic, comprehensive and Health Spending Account plans. Catastrophic health insurance plans typically only cover major medical expenses, such as surgeries or hospitalization, and all doctor visits and prescriptions are paid directly out of your pocket. The out of pocket costs are higher with this type of plan, but heatlh insurance rates are the lowest. Comprehensive health insurance plans are the most expensive health insurance plans, but do add doctor visits and prescription coverage to the catastrophic health insurance plan. Raising your deductible may make the comprehensive health insurance plan a little more affordable, but not by much. Health Spending Account plans (HSA) are the best health insurance option, combining the catastrophic and comprehensive health care plans. Rates for the Health Spending Accounts (HSA) are reasonable, and the additional tax benefits make the HSA a great option. You can also put money into the HSA to pay for qualifying medical expenses.


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Banks, what are they typing?
Sometimes I do a bank transaction at a teller. I know even saying that seems wierd nowadays, I've lived with cash machines as long as I can remember but going to a bank, speaking to a person and do a transaction is a rarity. And then, its for setting up something for web access.
So I give them my card and say I want to do something simple, set up bill payment, get some foreign currency. What follows next is a flurry of typing that would put the average emacs using developer to shame. What on earth are they doing? Writing out my life history? They seem to be going through an insane number of screens containing everything in the world (on the odd occasion I've been able to see).
Ok, so that's odd, but what I find I really odd is the simple principle of the less buttons people press, the less mistakes occur. If I was designing an interface for lots of people to use (read tellers) I would be focusing on making easy and fast and one of the key ways to do that is not to have the teller type in a large amount of information. This is easy and glib to say when I'm not designing it and a mere mortal like me can only shudder at the hideously complicated historical complexities in such an application. But c'mon, a 10 minute keyboard hammering to set up a bill payment? Something has to be terribly wrong with this system.


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The Grace of Music
The dictionary defines grace in many ways. My favorite definition is the bestowal of blessings. Author M. Scott Peck (Road Less Travelled) defined it as an unearned miracle.
Recently I clicked the "LIKE" button on composer Michael Mauldin's Facebook page. Yesterday a kind letter arrived from Michael that spoke of our mutual love of New Mexico and an appreciation of my photographic work. The letter also included two CD's of his music titled "Enchanted Land" and "Earth Spirit."
I played the CD's later in the day and what I heard was grace set to music. I am in particular awe of his collaboration with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra on the CD "Enchanted Land" and his piece "Three Jemez Landscapes" which harmonizes with music I often hear in my head while I am out on the land making photographs. His music is overwhelmingly beautiful.
I think of gifts like these as unearned miracles. They were not asked for certainly and I don't think they were particularly earned; at least in a traditional sense. I am grateful to Michael Mauldin for the gift of his music and for sharing it with me.
Learn more about Michael Mauldin's music on his web site.


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Leading the Lean Enterprise Transformation
By Koenigsaecker, George
Publication: Manufacturing Engineering
Monday, March 1 2004
By Koenigsaecker, George
Publication: Manufacturing Engineering
Monday, March 1 2004
Early in the lean journey at Jacobs Vehicle Equipment Company (Jake Brake), cells were configured in this manner.
During the mid-1970s, I was working for Deere & Co., and spending a lot of time with a Japanese firm, Yanmar Diesel. After visiting dealers around Japan, touring factories and other facilities for several weeks, we had a meeting with senior management.
During this meeting they reviewed their improvement gains for the prior three years.
They had increased their product range by four-fold to grow out of the "oil crisis." This type of growth usually messes up productivity, but they actually doubled enterprise productivity during the same period, and reduced average unit cost by 26%. I was astounded. As it turns out, for the prior three years they had weekend lean-conversion support from three members of Taiichi Ohno's Autonomous Study Group-the folks who "invented lean," which could be more accurately described as The Toyota Business System (TBS). From this time on, I read every book I could find on "Just In Time"-as we called it then-went to every seminar, and visited every plant where managers and workers looked as if they knew what they were doing.
During the early '80s I was with Rockwell International's Automotive Operations, and each quarter-for three years-I led teams to benchmark best manufacturing-enterprise practices worldwide. We quickly began focusing on Japanese firms, and also quickly found that the companies implementing the TBS were truly different. We benchmarked 144 firms-about 20% were part of the Toyota family-and they achieved, on average, four times the enterprise output per person as Japanese and US operations not based upon TBS. They also could make every product every day, had 90% fewer customer complaints, etc. We initiated some early experiments in applying these ideas within Rockwell, but we were just beginners.
In the mid-'80s I became President of Jacobs Vehicle Equipment Company (Jake Brake). Jake was in trouble, and after a decade of benchmarking and book learning, I was ready to try to implement the TBS. The real break came a few months after we started the "journey," when I found out that the guys who had led the conversion at Yanmar Diesel were retiring from Toyota. After a lot of effort, I convinced them to become my sensei and teach Jake how to apply lean. I was the student of these men for the next 15 years. From Jake Brake, I was moved to the role of Group President at the Automotive Group of Jake's parent, Danaher Corp. And very shortly thereafter, I became Group President of the Tool Group, the largest business unit of Danaher. Needless to say the lean enterprise conversion effort followed me around.
In the early '90s, I moved back to the small Iowa town where I grew up, and became president of the HON Company. In 2000, after eight years of getting lean institutionalized at HON, I formed Lean Investments LLC.
Conversion of the operations side of a business typically proceeds in three waves.
The first "wave" occurs when you take the lean tools most folks have heard about, and apply them to a business that was designed around the concepts of craft/batch or mass production-but not around the concepts of lean. The vast majority of folks working to apply lean only know of this "wave," and it really amounts to the use of the tools and concepts of lean to improve a system that was designed around the "wrong" principles. This is usually the foundation step that allows an organization to move to other dimensions of lean.
The second wave is when the organization has achieved enough success in operations to apply the same tools and concepts to improve the administrative processes that were, of course, also built around the concepts inherent in craft/batch or mass. A few lean leaders are seriously into this wave, but just a few. And a few more are "testing the waters."
The third wave of operational lean is when you begin to reconfigure your production technology to be consistent with lean concepts and principles. To do so, you typically need several years of lean implementation experience so that these concepts, which are normally "opposite" the way we usually do things, begin to "feel OK." It's hard to invent a new production base until you actually believe in the concepts and principles of lean. In round numbers, there are really only a handful of North American firms that have made it to this stage.
The next stage is building a strong organization. One of the things that make this stage difficult is that you have to do it yourself. My sensei would deride us for buying equipment-"catalog engineer" was one of the worst things they could say about you. But you find that to do this on your own you need to build up a group of skilled associates who can design and build machines-and more importantly, conceive of different approaches to designing such machines. This means that you may need to add skilled trades personnel, and some key engineering/design folks. These people look like "overhead" in traditional manufacturing thinking, and are usually the first persons fired when business slows.
The first steps to lean machine design come from modifying existing machines. Some of this work is done to incorporate setup reduction changes, some of it to add in poke yoke devices to ensure quality. One step that very few firms consider is to add "hanedashi" devices-simple auto-unload mechanisms-to each machine in the cells they build. Toyota found out long ago that it is hard to automate "load," but very easy and cheap to automate "unload." Therefore, after you build a cell with your inherited equipment, you should modify each machine so that at the end of the cycle it unloads the completed part into some sort of tray at the front of the machine. In "Toyota-Speak" this arrangement is called a chaku-chaku or load-load cell. It seems so simple that most folks don't do it
Ohno's calculations indicated that this feature alone increases the productivity of a cell by 140% -i.e. output per person is 2.4 times that of the basic cell! If you think about the steps an operator takes to unload parts, the calculation makes sense. But we usually don't slow down enough to think of this waste. Not only does modification for setup reduction, poka yoke and hanedashi build quality and productivity, it also increases the skills of your future machine-design-and-build group. After a few years of improving your cells and building your skill base, you may be ready to take on the serious lean-machine effort.
In your inherited capital base, most of your equipment will not be "right-sized." And you will possess a number of monuments. These are the really big machines designed to be able to handle all the plant's volume. Now, no machine is inherently lean. It's the machine in its application-the cell structure, the volume of parts, etc.-that determines whether the machine is the lowest-cost way to provide flow. But design and construction of monuments is what machine builders do. The monument machine is their paradigm. Monuments are often paint systems, heat-treat systems, cleaning systems, or plating systems.
At Danaher we had gone down the path I describe above with our sensei. At HON, after about three years we started to build up our capability. By the eighth year of lean, we had five machine-design-and-build groups organized within the firm. But that's jumping ahead. Having been on the lean journey before, I was able to start our first machine-design-and-build group with a list of 13 key design practices for a "lean machine." They included things like:
*Design to takt time. A machine was not to be able to make a part in less than 1/2 of takt time. Like many of the easy-to-understand aspects of lean, this one is hard because it is 180 away from normal practice, which is to design a bigger, more capable, and faster machine than we need-"just in case."
*Design-in foolproofing mechanisms on all key characteristics. Pretty easy to understand.
*Design-in low to no setup time. The goal is a "one touch" setup-i.e., it takes one movement by the operator to change from one part to the next. It may take you half a dozen attempts to get to this point-but you need to realize that you can get there, if you keep trying.
This one-piece-flow Japanese machining cell employs relatively small equipment arranged in a U shape. Each machine has a relatively small footprint (for CNC machining), and simple material handling moves the work piece between each machine.
*Design your machines to be no wider than a man's shoulders or no wider than 1 times the width of the basic part-holding tooling. This approach reduces walk time.
*Design machines with controls and start buttons on the left side of the machine, because a good lean cell runs "counterclockwise." You want to press the start button just as you leave the machine and head to the next one in the cell.
*Design machines so that all services are at the rear. You do not want to disrupt operator flow with machine servicing. And you certainly don't want chip conveyors dropping chips to the front and at the side-this extends walking distance AND causes flow disruption.
*Design machines so that you can see over the top of them. This requirement is part of visual control. Sometimes it's not possible, but it can almost always be done, if you focus on it.
*Design machines at the simplest and least-expensive level that will get THIS job done.
*And, of course, design each machine with hanedashi.
One of the things that is unusual about lean is that every time you reapply the tools and concepts to a given work area you will identify new levels of waste and make new improvements. You will not be substantially "lean" until you have restudied every process-both production and administrative-about six to eight times. At HON, even with someone who knew where we should be going and had a guideline for machine design, we were not able to "go directly there." It took several years of hard lean-conversion experience before folks thought that the stuff might really make sense. At that point, we started to do machine-modification work in addition to the setup reduction that we did early on. Our largest business involved a lot of sheet metal work, and we had lots and lots of press brakes. So one of our first efforts sought to right-size a press brake.
Most of our brakes were 12 to 16 footers. Our earliest efforts at lean involved putting multiple sets of tooling in really long brakes as a kind of setup reduction. Of course, really long brakes are great barriers to flow. So we tasked ourselves to get "right-sized" press brakes.
Year One: We bought a commercially available six-foot press brake-an appropriate first step.
Year Two: Our newly formed machine-design-and-build group designed a three-foot press brake. A good step. And we were working to incorporate setup reduction concepts (robust design) and hanedashi. But we realized that we made many parts that did not require a machine of this size.
Year Three: We designed a two-foot-long press brake, and began serial production of them. Interesting. But as we looked at it, we realized we had employed expensive, more-complex variable-pressure hydraulics "just in case."
Year Four: We obtained simple hydraulics that only had enough power to make a part in 1/2 takt time, at the fastest.
Year Five: We finally "got it." On reflection, I realized that my guidance had been wrong. I told my design-and-build team that we no longer wanted to design right-sized press brakes. After four years of trying to do so, folks wondered where this effort was going. The new direction was to design self-actuating tooling that met the key design criteria. At that point our creativity exploded, and we found many ways to make tooling work-from air bladders, to hand-cranked presses for really small parts, etc.
Basically it took us eight years to understand the lean-machine concept well enough to consistently produce such equipment. So far it has not been possible to get machine builders to head down this path. Probably because it goes against several fundamental machine concept paradigms that they hold dear.
We traveled the same path on getting to right-sized paint systems. We started with very large systems, usually one per plant. We had several iterations that saw us develop smaller systems, before we really could "get it" and design a paint system to the needs of an individual cell. I have had operations that went from one monument washing system to small units in each cell, and from one monument heat-treat system to small units in each cell. With effort, we have been able to eliminate the need for every monument system that we encountered. I stress: with EFFORT.
Basically, any place you have to put a kanban system in place is a problem. In Toyota's world, kanban systems are a form of waste. They may be necessary waste today due to a monument system, but the goal should be to run without monuments.
Once you get to this point, there is a brainstorming tool that can lead you to breakthrough machine concepts. It's called 3P (for Production, Preparation, Process). Confusion can be caused by the fact that there are two versions of 3P.
One is simply a checklist for pre-production planning. The almost-unknown one is a breakthrough approach to developing new machine-design concepts. By year eight, we were using 3P to come up with some breakthrough concepts for processes as well as just "right-sizing" existing concepts.
We were running 15 breakthrough machine-design projects each quarter. Our sensei had been trying to teach this approach at Boeing, but he found that they were not far enough along on the lean journey to accept the lessons. They would not complete a design effort. So he asked HON to invite a Boeing engineer to join each of our 15 machine design projects each quarter. Once they were teamed with six to eight HON folks who had traveled further along the lean journey, and were going to complete the project, the Boeing engineers would stick with it. And once they really tried it, they "got it" and went back to Boeing to form "moonshine" teams there.
It has taken Toyota more than 50 years of hard study to attain their present level of understanding of lean. It probably should not surprise anyone that it took us 10 years to learn these lessons! And from what I've seen, I suspect there are a lot more lessons that we can learn-if we stay on the journey long enough to do so!
Conversion of the operations side of a business to lean proceeds in three waves.
A chaku-chaku (load-load) cell can increase cell productivity by 140%.
No machine is inherently lean.
Every time you apply lean tools and concepts to a work area you identify new levels of waste.


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July and August are miserable months to be pregnant in San Antonio, and I have to take my hat off to Meghan for rocking out her final trimester during these summer months. I was hoping that by doing her maternity portraits mid-July we'd at least get kind of lucky and only have weather in the mid 90's to deal with, but nope. It ended up being the hottest week of the year so far, with a full week of temperatures in the 103+ range.
Looking at images from our session, you'd never know we were all sweaty, exhausted messes. I have no idea how Meghan and Daryl managed to look so good in this San Antonio heat, but I was very glad I was behind the camera instead of in front of it.
I've been photographing special moments in this couples' life since their wedding a few years ago, and it's been really amazing watching them, and now their family, grow. Life goes by so quickly, from finishing school to advancing careers, marriage, anniversaries, and now adding a baby into the mix, it really melts my heart when couples value celebrating and documenting the most valuable gift we all have - life.
I can't wait until Landon comes into this world and I can finally photograph her with her amazing parents! She's in such great hands and she is truly lucky to have Meghan and Daryl as her parents. She'll be surrounded by more love, hugs and kisses than she can handle - and she'll probably hate me because I'll be constantly wanting to take photos of her.
Here's to a smooth finish to your pregnancy, Meghan, and I can't wait to meet your sweet, beautiful daughter!


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Nov 23, 2017 – Whistler Junglists Presents Ed Solo
OK Junglists! Get ready for the 1st headliner show of the season. Ed Solo is known and loved to be a crowd pleasing Jungle master to get your body moving for winter!
Powered by PK Sound
Limited advance tickets are only $10 from your favorite neighbourhood ticket sellers and online. $15 after.
Ed Solo is the producer's producer, an expert studio guru whose sublime engineering skills are equalled only by his nack for a booty-bouncing hook and an ability to throw down on the
turntables. When it comes to pouring on the bass frequencies, Ed's skills are unrivalled, whether the tune in question be a killer dubstep cut, an upfront slice of drum 'n' bass, a booming booty
house number or a funky, electro-fuelled breaks 12″.
From the ass-shaking uptempo party rocker that is Touch Your Toes, released on Fatboy Slim's Southern Fried label and featuring co-producer Skool of Thought, with Darrison on mic duties, to Sludge Records smash Age of Dub, his melodic dubstep reworking of classic trance tune Age of Love, to his groundbreaking collaborations with jungle kingpin Brockie, drop an Ed Solo joint
and you're guaranteed to get the party rocking. Other co-conspirators when it comes to sending down sonic weaponry include the likes of Krafty Kuts, with whom he worked on the classic
breaks and bass vibes of Bunker Buster.
Most recently, Ed released new album Bounce 'n' Shake with studio partner in crime Deekline, a labyrinthine 27-track eclectic tour de force sent down with the kind of assurance one might
expect from DJs who have sent bodies flying round the room at club venues across the globe for more than a decade. Ed himself has brought his unique ear for a heavy slice of wax to up for
it crowds as far afield as Canada, Russia, the UK and Australia. Never busier, and constantly in demand, this is an artist who long ago stepped out to claim his rightful place in the grand pantheon of dance music heroes.
Tweets by EdSolo
Openning Sets By:
Infectious -whistler
-Wildbunch Soundcrew
-Whistler Junglists
Hosted by:
Finna T
-Wildbunch Soundcrew


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'Beauty Balm' Makes Quite An Entrance In Makeup Aisle
When Sue De Chiara first heard of BB cream, the hybrid skin care-makeup product, she thought it was a concealer or a type of foundation.
A 44-year-old mother of three from Pound Ridge, N.Y., she did some research online and learned BB cream promises a lot more, including moisturizing, sun-protecting, priming, color-correcting, pore-minimizing. "Can this really be everything it's claiming to be?" she wondered.
BB cream, the latest arrival in the crowded beauty market, combines multiple skin-care benefits and makeup properties in one tube. With an unusually light texture, it dries with a matte finish that works well underneath makeup or on its own.
The cream, originally called "blemish balm" but now widely known as "beauty balm," is a rare case of an entirely new type of product in skin care, and brands are scrambling to take part. Clinique has deemed it a "world-wide phenomenon"; Smashbox calls its product "a beauty multitasking miracle." L'Oréal Paris has named one of its yet-to-be-released BB creams "Magic Skin Beautifier."
Sales so far match the hype, with many products selling out. "Our supply chain has been cranking to keep up with the demand," said Jenny Belknap, vice president of global treatment marketing at Clinique, which brought its BB cream to Asia in spring 2011 and began testing it in the U.S. last fall.
"The category is on fire," said Terry Darland, president of LVMH Beauty North America, including Dior, which has two types of BB cream now and a third on the way.
But the all-in-one problem solver risks cannibalizing sales of other products. "Sometimes the stuff that works well eliminates a step," says Davis Factor, co-founder of Smashbox Cosmetics. Asked if sales of foundation or other products have been hurting since BB cream introduction, Mr. Factor replied, "Luckily we have been selling a lot of BB cream."
BB cream sales neared $9 million in U.S. department stores and Sephora for the 12 months that ended in March, according to market-research firm NPD Group. A majority of buyers were 'extremely' or 'very' satisfied with the purchase, according to an NPD survey, and three quarters said they intended to buy it again.
BB creams make similar claims and deliver similar benefits, but those from skin-care companies tend to focus more on treatment while those from makeup labels concentrate on coverage, says Priya Venkatesh, vice president of merchandising for skin care at the retailer Sephora.
Boscia, a Japanese skin-care brand, says BB cream speaks to a common consumer complaint: There are too many choices and decisions to make when purchasing skin-care products.
"People are quite frankly overwhelmed," says Jeff Holland, Boscia's general manager. "This is a great product for someone who wants to simplify their skin-care routine and really get everything."
That promise also resonates with women who expect their makeup to do more. "People are so limited on time," says Jill Tomandl, vice president of product development, package design and innovation at Stila, a makeup brand that launched its BB cream earlier this year. "Tinted moisturizers have been around for a long time now, so this is breathing newness into that whole category and really taking it up a notch."
Already, companies are coming out with improved BB creams. In July, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is set to begin distributing BB cream in the U.S. in five shades. MAC Cosmetics is working on BB cream in a compact with a mirror, in addition to the tube it sells now.
The recent BB cream buzz began in South Korea, but the concept dates back several decades in Germany. A dermatologist there created a single cream for patients recovering from laser treatment or plastic surgery, which was designed to both heal and provide protective coverage, says Nadine Pernodet, executive director of skin biology, global research and development at Estée Lauder Cos.
The formulation, combining multiple active ingredients, finishes off with a distinctly lightweight texture, which is one of its distinguishing elements, says Dr. Pernodet. "The woman who likes to use BB cream likes to have this very natural look."
The cream took off in Asia, where skin-care regimens are more complex than in the U.S. Many women in Asia perform a half-dozen steps or more each morning or night to take care of their skin; women in the U.S. tend to devote far less time, beauty executives say.
Sephora took note of Asia's BB creams and stocked its first product, a Korean brand called Dr. Jart, in May 2011. As more brands entered the market and sales grew, Sephora stores put more focus on the product, devoting special display on shelves and aisle "end caps" to BB cream brands.
Most BB creams in the U.S. have dropped the original name, "blemish balm." "That might be misunderstood and misconstrued as an acne product," says Guillaume Jesel, MAC's senior vice president, global marketing. MAC and other brands now call their BB products "beauty balm."
Alicia Sontag, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics senior vice president of global marketing, says BB cream appeals to both ends of the makeup-usage spectrum. Women with established beauty routines have found ways to fit it in—often after moisturizer and before foundation. But BB cream also works on its own—which appeals to beauty novices and women who like spending minimal time with few products.
The minimalist approach is popular on weekends. "You can cleanse your face, put on your beauty cream and go," Ms. Sontag says.
Write to Elizabeth Holmes at email@example.com
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by Serban V.C. Enache
Between 2008 and 2015, the Cuban Government ran fiscal deficits. In 2018, the Foreign sector ran a financial surplus against Cuba of almost 4% of the country's GDP; in 2009 and 2012 the surplus was near zero, and in 2013 it reached a surplus of 1.4 of GDP. Continue reading "Cuba: Sectoral Balances, Unemployment Rate"


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After spending much of last season rebuilding, the JV soccer team finally saw its efforts reflected in their record. They were .500 in regular season league play, finishing in third place. Though they lost in the first round of the playoffs, it was their first playoff appearance in some time. The key to the team's progress lays in the dedication of its players, especially those returning players who helped set the tone of sportsmanship and constant improvement. Over the course of the season, the boys, led by captains Luke Spellman, Jake Germano and Connor Medland, focused on fitness, strategy and on-field communication to become an increasingly formidable opponent. Every boy on the team made valuable contributions to the squad and ended the season a better player than he was when he began. We look forward to seeing each boy return next year (except those being promoted to varsity), and we expect an even stronger showing against our rivals both within and outside of our league.
Coaches Lisciandrello and Cohn


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Living close to and working in the Horse Capital of the World (Lexington, Kentucky) provides me many opportunities to drive through 'horse country' and enjoy the beautiful picturesque views of horses grazing on rolling carpets of thick, lush, green grass from virtually weed-free pastures. These beautifully maintained pastures are in stark contrast to the ones that may be found on farms of smaller acreage that many recreational horse owners have. It is possible, however, for your small, family-owned farm to mirror, on a smaller scale, those Kodak-moment inspired pastures of
I recently had an opportunity to converse with a senior grounds keeper of one of the more prestigious and renowned horse farms in
§ Soil samples should be taken to determine fertilizer requirements. Based upon the testing results, a lime-potassium- phosphorous fertilizer should be applied. This application can be done at any time during the year; however, it is important to have the soil sample results prior to fertilizing, because applying too much fertilizer cause harm to soil. Nitrogen should be applied to pastures late in the fall to set up the pastures for a healthy growth of spring time grass.
§ Fecal egg counts should be done on your horses to determine the number of parasites that may infest pastures. Along with adherence to a timely and effective de-worming schedule for your horses, you should also 'drag' pastures to break up manure piles and expose any parasitic eggs to the sun, which will effectively kill off the parasite.
§ Begin preparation and planning of your spring pastures in the fall. If you seed your own pastures with your own implements, make sure the equipment is in good repair and ready to go. If you hire it out to someone, schedule a firm date with no more than a week's window time to ensure the pasture prep work is done timely. Fall is best for seeding cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, orchard grass) and late winter or really early spring is best for seeding clover.
§ Managing damage control to pastures on small acreage farms is tantamount to growing season productivity. During winter and the early spring wet season, horses should not be turned out, as to stave off the mud and muck build-up and destruction of grass root systems. One viable alternative is to partition off part of the pasture for use during inclimate seasons. The reasoning behind this is it's best to lose part of your pasture than all of it. If this is not a feasible solution, you can also minimize damage by rotating hay feeding locations. It is also a good idea to limit any vehicle traffic (i.e., farm truck, tractor, manure spreader, etc.) during this time period.
§ The acreage size and the number of horses on your pastures will affect the amount of usage you get from your pastures. It is important to maintain an appropriate horse-to-acreage ratio. Farms with smaller acreage need to be more closely managed related to the amount of grazing time permitted. Horses are the ultimate grazing machines, as they were created with that specific purpose in mind. Horses are continuous grazers; simply put, if grass is in front of theme, they are going to eat it. A horse will consume as much as 2% to 2.4% of their body weight, per day, in grass, (i.e., a 1200-lb horse will eat between 24 - 28 pounds of grass per day). Effective rotation and/or dry-lotting your horses to allow your pastures time to rebound and will help keep them established. Pasture rebound time can vary between location and time of year. Generally, 20 days minimum should be allowed for pastures to 'rest' before horses are placed back on them.
§ The grazing season in
§ An effective broadleaf weed herbicide should be applied in early spring, while the weeds are still small. A high emphasis is placed on properly using the herbicide and applying the recommended amount. As with any chemical, read and follow all labeling instructions prior to use. I realize that many owners of small farms may be hesitant to implement an herbicide program on their pastures for fear of harm that may befall their horses; however, the efficacy of herbicide programs is quite evident when looking at
Utilization of the above pasture- management principals will aide in keeping your pastures healthy and established throughout the year. You may even have the perfect green back-fall for your own Kodak moment.
Happy trails!


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PARIS–Renault SA (RNO.FR) is exploring plans to invest in French industrialist Vincent Bollore's urban car-sharing business, part of a broader partnership that could see the two develop and produce electric cars together.
Both Renault and Mr. Bollore's family business said Thursday that they are considering creating a joint venture to win new contracts for car-sharing projects like the one Mr. Bollore has spearheaded in Paris. Known as Autolib', that project has already put a fleet of silver electric cars and pod-like charging stations on Paris streets.
As part of the deal, Renault could take a stake in two of Mr. Bollore's first extensions of the idea in the French cities of Lyon and Bordeaux, the two companies said in a joint statement.
The potential collaboration could also extend to Renault's taking over production of some of Mr. Bollore's electric cars — known as Bluecars — and the possible development of a new three-seat vehicle that would be just over 10 feet long with a range of over 120 miles, the companies added.
Renault's potential collaboration with Mr. Bollore comes as both electric vehicles and car-sharing have become hot topics in the automobile and tech businesses. On one hand, companies like BMW AG are jumping into the electric business following the buzz around companies like Tesla Motors Inc. Meanwhile, car-sharing through apps like taxi-hailing service Uber and ride-sharing service BlaBlaCar are seeing rising popularity.
In France, electric car sales have been doubling every year since 2011, but the volumes remain small. By the end of June, roughly 5,200 electric cars and another 2,500 electric utility vans were registered in the country, according to Alix Partners.
More wsj.com


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If you are suffering from poor dental work, multiple broken or missing teeth, or have a general distaste for the appearance of your smile and how your teeth function, Hart & Coco Prosthodontics can solve your problem. Many people do not know that a prosthodontist is an specialist that is extensively trained to rebuild the mouth. We examine each patient's dental issue from every possible angle. Because of that tedious attention to detail, we develop and carry out dental treatment that is as beautiful and long-lasting as is possible. At Hart & Coco, we have the expertise, the knowledge, the skill and the patience to exceed your expectations.
Give us a call at (501) 319-7520 to schedule a private consultation to address your particular needs.
We are here to help you!
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Government term
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 results.
Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti Minister Kelvin Davis has today welcomed the launch of a portal that will record Treaty of Waitangi settlement commitments for Crown and iwi commitment holders to access.
"Kara Puketapu began to call iwi representatives to Wellington: Tribal leaders, old and young, men and women, from each of the ten districts of Māoridom … We got into what I call organic policies—policies that actually came up from the people … Out of all that dynamic was born Te Kōhanga Reo."
Kōhanga reo are set to get a boost with new funding support that will significantly lift wages, allow volunteers to be paid, update ICT capacity, and fund a stock take and repairs of their buildings, Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis announced today.
The Government joins the country in expressing our great sadness at the passing of Ta Hekenukumai Busby, said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti Minister Kelvin Davis today.
Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti Minister Kelvin Davis and Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta will join an estimated 5,000 New Zealanders living in Australia at Sydney's Waitangi Festival on Saturday.
Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti Minister Kelvin Davis has welcomed the launch of the Office for Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti at Parliament tonight.
Tiwhatiwha te Pō!
Kakarauru te Pō!
I au i te Pō kerekere, i au i te Pō tangotango ka rapua kei hea koe e ngaro nei e!
The Government plan announced today to improve freshwater quality acknowledges that water quality cannot be addressed without a concurrent and substantive discussion with Māori, Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti Minister Kelvin Davis said.
I'm honoured to be here as the first Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti.
Cabinet has approved the final scope of the Māori Crown portfolio and agreed to establish an agency to oversee Government's work with Māori in a post-settlement era, announced Crown/ Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis today.
Ka tanuku te maunga o Rakaumangamanga!
Ka ueue te whenua ka tangi te motu whanui mou e Kingi kua riro atu nei!
"This year's Budget delivers for Māori," Māori Ministers Kelvin Davis, Nanaia Mahuta, Peeni Henare, Meka Whaitiri and Willie Jackson said today.
- Hon Meka Whaitiri
The first reading of bill recording the history and legacy of Parihaka is an important step in righting past wrongs, Crown Māori/Relations Minster Kelvin Davis says.
Crown/Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis will be holding hui across the country as part of rejuvenating the relationship between the Government and Māori.
Crown/Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis joined representatives of Waikato-Tainui today to celebrate the completion of both the Rangiriri Section of the Waikato Expressway and the Battle of Rangiriri commemoration site.
The Government's Families Package will make a real difference to Māori families and help give their children a better start in life, Labour Deputy Leader Kelvin Davis says.
The key elements of the Families Package include:


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Recently a father, inquiring about camp, asked me some tough questions about the safety of children at Living Waters. In today's world of accidents, attacks and outbreaks it is no wonder that parents are asking more questions about safety before they entrust their children to our care.Here are ten steps and screening tools that Living Waters Bible Camp takes to safeguard of our summer campers:
1. All staff (and volunteers) are given a Criminal Background Check. Names, birth-dates and Social Security numbers are checked on a national database for criminal offenses.
2. Three personal references must be submitted to serve at camp.
3. Every staff member must attended training in accordance to Living Waters Bible Camp's Child Protection Policy.
4. All staff are trained in "360 Degree Supervision". A child protection accountability program.
5. All staff are trained on our Active Shooter procedure.
6. The National Child Abuse Hotline phone number is publicly posted at camp.
7. All dorms have two dorm leaders assigned to each dorm.
8. All private areas have keyed locks on the door. All other rooms have windows in the door.
9. Outdoor public areas intended for one on one personal conversation are intentionally placed throughout camp within line-of-sight of any passerby.
10. Perhaps, most importantly, our staff and hundreds of other prayer warriors continually lift up the ministry to the Lord in prayer. Time after time we have experienced God's faithfulness and care for the Spiritual training that takes place at Living Waters Bible Camp.So the next time you are telling a friend about Living Waters and they ask some tough questions, feel free to refer them to our website or have them call the camp office for more information.


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About 70% of my clients contact me initially because they are afraid of something about their money.
Many (!) are afraid they will not have 'enough' and will be a bag lady (or some similar fate).
Others are afraid that their debt will overtake them and drive them into the ground.
Some simply have a free-floating anxiety about money in general. Are they financially 'good enough'?
Again and again, my greatest joy is to see people stare down their respective money demons. To watch them pull back the curtain and discover their financial-wizard-of-oz has occupied a disproportionate space in their heads. And to equip them to tackle their respective demons head-on.
One woman was afraid her spouse would reject her if he knew how much debt she had. He didn't. He was somewhat un-nerved, but it certainly wasn't any kind of deal-breaker.
A male client, having experienced divorce and job loss, was convinced his home would be repossessed too. It wasn't – he sold it at a solid profit.
I've worked with numerous couples who were afraid their diverging financial 'styles' would tear them apart. Instead, they learned to bring their respective strengths to the table to from a tight-knit economic unit.
If you have fears, take heart. Financially, as in other areas, it's probably the case that The greatest thing to fear is fear itself. If you need some moral support to dive in, e-mail me at contact at your money by design (dot the commercial kind).


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Freelancer Mini Series: Charging What You're Worth
Charging what you are worth is fair – it's actually a lot more than fair – it's the only element that will take you beyond "just making ends meet." Discovering your true value as a freelancer can push you to start doing really well, without actually having to work that much harder.
When you charge too little, you find yourself working on projects that are not fulfilling with unreasonable clients. In the long run, this is unsustainable and can do damage to your emotional well-being, slowly becoming exhausted and demoralized.
As solo business owners, we tend to view our hourly rate as an indication of our worth. If you continue to undersell yourself, you'll begin to believe that your worth less than you are and plateau.
Stop feeling guilt for charging what you want
Asking for what you deserve can be scary, especially when you feel you don't have enough experience. Early on, it's definitely okay to negotiate and give a little, especially if the client relationship is beneficial and sends you regular business or high-profile work for your portfolio. The first client I ever landed, is still one of my best clients – 3 years later.
Properly pricing your services is key for self-employed freelancers or small business owners. Charging too much can turn customers away, while not charging enough can create a large demand in workload, but you'll be unable to actually earn anything from it.
When quoting for projects, never apologize for your prices. There's definitely been times where I've hesitated before sending an invoice. Or doubted myself when having to give an exact quote on a project when I have no idea how long it will actually take. Here's a couple tips to overcome the obstacle of feeling guilty when you quote a client:
- Always give quotes through e-mail. I always give quotes over e-mail to avoid any awkward situations on the phone if my quoted hourly rate is completely off from what the client was expecting. This way if the client tries to negotiate you down, you can avoid being put on the spot and making a quick decision out of embarrassment. You'll also be less likely to make promises you can't keep.
- Ask for their budget first. This way you can see if the project is do-able with their budget and timeline expectations before you even give them an hourly rate or estimate.
Charge based on the value you bring to each project
Think of your services as a value exchange. You're providing a solution to your customer's problem.
Each year of experience you gain, you should be gradually raising your freelance rates. The value of your services increase in correlation to your responsibilities and expertise as a professional.
That being said, you also have a responsibility to communicate the value and benefits that your potential customer will receive if they hire you. This becomes much, much easier once you have some experience under your belt and your solutions speak for themselves. You don't have to prove yourself as much.
Look like an expert
If you completed the Finding & Attracting Your Dream Client exercise I posted earlier, you will find that clients will be willing to pay what you charge because they perceive your services to be of a premium. Educating your target audience with podcasts, blog posts, ebooks or courses will make you more attractive to people seeking your services. If you're one of the best at what you do, clients will come to you by choice.
Accept rejection
Smart clients understand that they have to pay for results. They aren't interested in saving a buck. Clients that do not understand that design takes an investment in both time and money, are not clients you likely want to work for.
Weeding out the clients that aren't a good fit for you and your brand means you'll have to say "no" to a few projects. But remember that when you say "no" to a project, you're saying "yes" to something better – something that pays you what you're worth.


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A favorite lullaby download played on your iPod in the babies room can help relax your infant. Start the music as you get him/her ready for bed or as soon as you place your infant in the crib. The music signals to their body that it's time to relax and go to sleep.
While you may think that sleeping comes naturally to babies, the truth is, is that many infants resist the need to fall asleep.
However, there are infant sleep aids that can assist them in relaxing, falling asleep and staying asleep. While there are many ways of playing a lullaby the benefits to a lullaby download are:
1. It is instant.
Who wants to wait several days for a CD to arrive or load the baby in the car to go to the nearest store.
2. It is portable.ake your iPod and player with you when you travel. You can play it in the car, in a hotel room or at relative's home.
Sleep music for infants come in a variety of music styles and choices. Some are piano music only by classic musicians like Brahms and Mozart while others play traditional lullaby songs. Some are with singing, some include nature sounds and some are only instrumental.
You can create your own lullaby album and select individual songs to make up your own unique playlist or get a lullaby album.
A favorite album is Lullaby Magic by Joanie Bartels.
What I like about Amazon, is that you can listen to song samples first before you make a purchase.
You can listen to these soothing songs here:Lullaby Magic
How do you pick "the best lullaby music" for your child? Select one that has the highest rating from new parents.
Here is what one parent wrote about this album:"We LOVE this CD! The music is so beautifully arranged. It is so incredibly peaceful that my kids can't keep their eyes open. We play it for naps and just before bed at night. The BEST thing is that I love the music, too!!!! It's not that annoying toy-music sound that you get with lots of lullaby CDs, it is actually instrumentals by orchestra. The blend from one song to the next song is seamless. There's even a tip sheet on how to use the CD to get your children to sleep better written by Elizabeth Pantley (the author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution.) Lullabies don't get any better than this! Absolutely beautiful music to fall asleep to."
Go from Lullaby Download to Baby Sleep Aids
Go from Lullaby Download to Sleep Aid Resource Home
Get practical advice on how to fall asleep, stay asleep and to get deep sleep. It's free so sign up here:
Please note that while I do receive commissions from some of the things promoted on this site, I recommend them because I feel they would be of benefit to you.
Advertisers/Affiliates have been hand-picked so that only quality products are recommended. I have used them in my own life and share them with you because that's what friends do.


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My recipe for Almond Coconut Quinoa Risotto with a thick spicy-sweet Saffron Mushroom Gravy will turn your weekday dinnertime into a gourmet culinary adventure. Polish up the silverware for this fine vegan feast...
Romantic Comfort Food. This recipe is cozy comfort food with a classy romantic spin. Almonds, coconut milk, scallions, a hint of garlic, cayenne, maple, plentiful mushrooms and blooming saffron accent this swoon-worthy quinoa risotto entree dish. Nutritional yeast adds a boost of nutrients as well as a nutty bold flavor. Gourmet, hearty, vegan and healthy. If you are dying to experiment more with protein-rich quinoa - here's your chance. Get my recipe...
Saffron Mushroom Gravy:
Quinoa. I love "Keen-wa" - it is healthy, delicious and incredibly versatile. Check out my quinoa 101 for quinoa nutrition facts. Tired of rice? Try quinoa in almost any rice-centered recipe. You can even make quinoa bowls in place of your morning oatmeal. Add berries, maple and almond milk. But my favorite is quinoa risotto.
Rinsed Quinoa:
Fluffy Quinoa. There are entire message boards on Chow.com devoted to "How do I Make my Quinoa Fluffy?" Simple answer: Keep it simple and use less liquid than you think. The 1 cup quinoa : 2 cups water should really be about only 1 1/2 cups water - if you want fluffy quinoa. Also, rinsing your quinoa in cold water can fight sog and help fluffiness.
...But for THIS recipe we don't want a fluffy quinoa - but a creamy, hearty quinoa - that resembles a risotto.
Ingredient accents - scallions, almonds, coconut milk:
Coco-Almond Quinoa Risotto
with Spicy Saffron Mushroom Coconut Gravy
vegan, makes 8-9 cups (lots of leftovers - half recipe to serve just a few)
4 ounces coconut milk
8 ounces almonds, sliced
2 cups scallions, sliced (1 bunch)
16 ounces quinoa, dry (about 2 1/2 cups) - rinsed
5 1/2 cups water
1-2 Tbsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 cup sliced white mushrooms
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tsp herbed sea salt
8 ounces coconut milk
2 Tbsp maple syrup
2-3 Tbsp nutritional yeast, pinch salt
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 1/2 cups sliced white mushrooms
a spoonful of cooked quinoa risotto
1/2 tsp saffron (optional)
add a splash of water if you'd like a thinner gravy
1. Pour your quinoa into a large bowl - rinse well with cold water. Drain water carefully. Repeat if desired.
2. Using a large pot - bring your water and a pinch of salt to a strong boil. Add the rinsed quinoa. Cover with a small vent and allow to boil for 10-12 minutes on med-high heat.
Boiling Quinoa in water for 10-12 minutes:
3. While the quinoa is boiling, chop your scallions and mushrooms, and set aside you coconut milk, almonds - and other ingredients.
Chopped Scallions:
4. When the ten minutes is up, remove the lid completely from the large quinoa pot. Not all the liquid will be absorbed. Add in: all your almond, scallions and a splash of coconut milk. Also grind in some fresh pepper.
Adding the almonds and scallions after 10 minutes:
5. Stir with a wooden spoon and turn the heat down a bit. The ingredients will begin to absorb more of the liquid and a thick risotto will begin to form.
6. Next add in the nutritional yeast, maple syrup (just a splash), garlic powder and risotto mushrooms. Continue folding the quinoa until a moist thick consistency forms. Like a very thick oatmeal. Turn heat off and begin spooning the quinoa out of the pot and into a serving/storage bowl. You can also begin plating your quinoa.
7. In the same pot, you will make the gravy. It's OK if some of the quinoa ( a few spoonfuls) remains in the pot. This will help to thicken your gravy.
8. For gravy: add all the gravy ingredients and stir on medium until sauce thickens. Allow saffron to bloom. Remove from heat and spoon gravy over top plated quinoa - or transfer to a gravy serving bowl.
Coconut Mushroom Saffron Gravy:
9. Plate your risotto..
Plate quinoa first:
10. Then add the gravy. Garnish with fresh pepper and plenty of mushrooms from the gravy. Serve warm - or store in fridge.
Gravy-dressed Quinoa Risotto:


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|19 years of kindergarten stuff stacked in my garage, waiting for the movers.
However, the school is amazing! It is new and ultra-modern. And, one of the best parts, FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN!! I will be posting a lot of pictures along the way as I set up my brand new classroom. For 19 years my teacher desk only had 3 legs and was held up by milk crates. Wow, just a desk with 4 legs will be a great treat!
My husband is starting his new job as Superintendent of Schools in a brand new district. We have resigned to the fact that we will not be getting a summer break this year. But, I guess that is the price that must be paid for adventure. :) Our new community is amazing and we can hardly wait to become a part.


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I'm going to admit that I've never been in a relationship with anyone who is still active on an online dating site. But I would imagine it's a pretty awful thing to find out. Even if they aren't technically cheating, I'd classify it as the same category.
So the question is, what do you do about it? Read my latest over on We Love Dates for some tips on how to handle it without the crazy coming out.


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WADA eyes research on gene dopingDANIA BOGLE, Observer staff reporter email@example.com Friday, January 16, 2009
THE World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is investing lots of money and resources into conducting research into how to detect gene doping as it continues its fight against cheating in sport.
WADA programmes development manager, Tom May, made the revelation at the panel discussion on Drug Free Sport during the Jamaica Anti-Doping Agency's two-day Symposium which wrapped up yesterday at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston.
May spoke to advances in science which have already developed the ability to clone animals and possible future advances which might help dishonest athletes cheat.
Gene therapy already allows for the alteration of DNA to help the body fight certain diseases.
May explained that through gene doping an athlete could manipulate the body to grow bigger muscles or help them develop at a faster rate.
"We don't think it's quite in place but we don't think we can wait for it to occur," he said.
The WADA has already pumped close to US$8 million into the gene doping research.
Meanwhile, International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Medical and Doping Commission member, Dr Herb Elliott, also noted that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and IAAF were also collaborating on a number of projects on the subject, including one at the Royal Caroline Institute in Sweden.
He discouraged the use of doping in sport, saying, "Doping Kills", adding that the dangers or using anabolic steroids included developing liver, heart, and kidney disease as well as epilepsy.
"It's one way of killing yourself by degrees," Elliott said. He added that in men, impotence and low sperm count were among the dangers, and mentioned the case of a female Bulgarian athlete who became pregnant while doping. The child, he said, was now a virtual 'vegetable' needing to visit the hospital at least once per week.
"Young ladies, don't take any foolishness it you wish to become a mother someday," Elliott implored.
The JADCO Symposium was part funded by GraceKennedy and UNESCO and involved athletes and officials from all national sporting associations.


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Ms. T is GORGEOUS!
I mean look at her perfect face. And that makeup though! While some women choose to go on the more conservative side I have some women who like to bare all. This was Ms. T. Unfortunately I can't show you guys the photos because I want to try and keep this site no more than a PG13, but what I loved about Ms. T is that she had no issue baring it all.
Letting go of all your fears, owning your session, and baring it all is the most important part of having a successful boudoir session. I know it's hard. There is a lot of fear that comes with expressing your feminine sexuality with someone you just met. The beauty of a boudoir session is to help you face your fears and embrace your beauty.
Ms. T did just that. While I will keep the more intimate photos private I did want to share this set with you. I love how a simple black dress was used as a tool to really showcase her beauty.
The makeup was done by Alessandra. How gorgeous is it?! I really can't stop looking at her eye work. Alessandra is a dream and if you need a great makeup artis in Dallas then Alessandra is your girl! Please check out more of her work at makeupartistdfw.com
Without Further Ado, Ms. T!
Thank you so much for checking out Ms. Taylor and her work! This week I will be showcasing nothing but recent work so make sure you check out each and every day. Make sure you go and visit Ms. A photos session from last week. Her boudoir session was great because she brought her confidence game. Confidence and facing your fears are two important elements of a great boudoir session.
In the comments below please let me know which photo was your favorite!


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This weekend the first Evergreen Tattoo Invitational thrown by Joshua Carlton and Riley Smith took place in Springfield, OR. The event hosted artists Jeff Gogue, Stefano Alcantara, James and Tim Kern, and painter, Chet Zar.. and that's just the tip of the iceberg! There's always this certain buzz in the air at conventions and I'm not talking about the tattoo machines. It's truly humbling to be surrounded by so many talented individuals and having the chance to admire and share artwork.I don't think anyone anticipated how busy and successful this convention would be, which only builds the anticipation for next year's event. Here's a few snapshots from the weekend..
Tim Kern working on a cover-up on longtime collector, Yall Quiñones
Portrait by Stefano Alcantara on Beth Cookro
James Kern working on a cover-up on Sara Mirisciotti
3rd place winner of Best Small Color on Nick Uyver by James Kern
Artist: Tim Kern
Artist: Joshua 'Bacon' Erickson on Katy Apple


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DALLAS – A pair of Mexican nationals imprisoned for life in a 1996 Texas Panhandle murder have been freed after a six-year Haynes and Boone, LLP pro bono effort won an appeals court mandate for new trials.
Lamb County grand jurors refused to reindict Alberto Sifuentes and Jesus Ramirez in the killing of a Littlefield, TX convenience store clerk in light of a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruling earlier this year reversing and vacating their convictions.
After five hours of hearing evidence, the grand jury took only ten minutes to no-bill Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez.
Armed with certified copies of a judge's dismissal of all charges against the defendants, the Haynes and Boone pro bono defense team – Barry McNeil, Ron Breaux and Sarah Teachout – secured their release from the Lamb County jail. The two men were met by joyous family members who had gathered from across the country in anticipation.
"This is a great day for these two unfortunate men," said Mr. McNeil, who led the Haynes and Boone fight for Mr. Sifuentes, 35, and Mr. Ramirez, 59. "It's sad they were prosecuted in the first place.
"There was no physical evidence whatsoever linking Alberto and Jesus to the crime, and the prosecutor's case hinged on false testimony by a so-called eye witness who was not at the crime scene when she supposedly saw the killers," Mr. McNeil said. "How tragic it is that Alberto and Jesus have been deprived of their freedom for more than a decade. Our state and our country cannot afford mistakes like this. Each one is a horrible tragedy for both the victim's family and the wrongly accused."
Haynes and Boone's pro bono team spent 7,493 hours working on the men's cases. Firm time devoted to the case equates to about $2.35 million. The firm also spent more than $400,000 on private investigative services, exhibit preparation and other expenses for the cases.
Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez were convicted in the Aug. 6, 1996 murder of Evangelina "Angie" Cruz, night attendant at the Jolly Roger convenience store just off Texas Highway 84 in Littlefield, northwest of Lubbock. The Haynes and Boone team argued during a 2005 habeas corpus hearing that Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez were convicted based on false testimony by a questionable eyewitness.
The night Ms. Cruz was shot nine times and killed, Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez were stopped by authorities while returning home to Muleshoe from a Lubbock bar. No evidence was discovered linking them to the crime, nor did they match the description Ms. Cruz gave of her assailants. They were allowed to leave.
Sifuentes and Ramirez only became the prime suspects the following day when an acquaintance inquired about a Crime Stoppers reward. After that, a bungled photo lineup and testimony from a mistaken eyewitness resulted in the convictions, the Haynes and Boone trial lawyers contended.
After the habeas hearing, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Texas Attorney General's Office attorneys and the original trial judge all concurred that Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez were both unconstitutionally convicted.
In August 2007, trial Judge Felix Klein of the 154th District Court in Lamb County concluded in his "findings of fact" that the defendants were denied their constitutional rights when the trial juries were never informed:
· about the existence of a known alibi witness, Pauline Robles, who would have testified the defendants were at a Lubbock nightclub at the time of the murder;
· that evidence implicated two brothers who matched the victim's description of her attackers;
· and that critical evidence that could have led the jury to doubt the defendants' guilt was never investigated.
Haynes and Boone is primarily a corporate law firm, but has a long history of providing legal services to Mexican individuals and companies seeking opportunities in the United States. In Mexico City, where the firm operates one of the largest offices of any U.S.-based law firm, partners donated a total of 994 pro bono hours last year to causes including a foundation that supports Archdioceses of the City of Mexico, and recovery of a baby in a cross-border kidnapping.
The firm took on the Texas murder case at the behest of the Mexican government, which had flagged the Sifuentes and Ramirez convictions as part of its capital murder legal defense initiative on behalf of Mexican citizens wrongly convicted by U.S. courts.
Haynes and Boone is an international corporate law firm with offices in Texas, New York, Washington, D.C., Mexico City and Moscow, providing a full spectrum of legal services. With almost 500 attorneys, Haynes and Boone is ranked among the largest law firms in the nation by The National Law Journal. The firm has been recognized as one of the "Best Corporate Law Firms in America" (Corporate Board Member Magazine, 2001-2007), and as a Top 100 law firm for both diversity (MultiCultural Law Magazine, 2008) and women (Women 3.0, 2008).
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As we get closer to the last few days of school, I want to make sure I have activities planned that children are able to do together, either with a partner or with a group. I really want them to enjoy these days together as a class. Some children will be moving to other schools next year, and the children will not all be in the same classroom next year. I want the children to have fun, and continue to learn as our year together comes to a close.
Some of the things we will be doing:
The last week of school we have a game time. The children may bring board games to school and spend some time during the day playing and sharing some of the games they bring. I also have a collection of games that I take out that include:
Go Fish for CVC/CVCe words
Bingo games
Consonant Blends and Digraphs board games
High frequency word matching games
Chunk It! (onset and rime game)
I created First Grade Fun Games to use during this time.


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HIV Testing
Should I get tested for HIV?
- Are you pregnant or do you hope to become pregnant?
- Have you been diagnosed with or treated for a sexually transmitted disease like Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea or Herpes?
- Have you been diagnosed with or treated for Hepatitis or Tuberculosis?
- Have you had vaginal or anal sex without condoms with multiple partners, anonymous partners, or men who have sex with men?
- Have you ever injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, syringes, works, water) with others?
- Have you ever exchanged sex for drugs or money?
- Have you ever had unprotected sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions?
You should consider getting tested for HIV if you can answer yes to any of these questions.
What is the OraQuick test?
The OraQuick Rapid Antibody test is a finger stick blood test that detects antibodies to the HIV virus. The OraQuick rapid test (an ELIZA test) produces results in approximately 20 minutes. A reactive rapid HIV test result must be confirmed with a follow-up test in a medical setting.
What is the "Window Period"?
When a person is infected with HIV, the body produces special proteins, called antibodies, that fight infection. It can take some time for the immune system to produce enough antibodies to be detected by the test, and this "window period" varies from person to person. Most people develop detectable antibodies within two to eight weeks after exposure, averaging 25 days. Some individuals may take longer to develop detectable antibodies. If an initial negative HIV test is conducted within the first three months after possible exposure, it is recommended that a repeat test be administered after three months in order to rule out the possibility of a false-negative result. In rare cases, it can take up to six months to develop antibodies to HIV. However, ninety-seven percent of persons will develop antibodies in the first three months after they have been infected. Antibodies will be detectable at one month after exposure for most people -- and up to three months for some people --when using the OraQuick Rapid Antibody test to test a blood sample.
If you would like a free, confidential test, please call for an appointment: 1-603-448-8887, or email email@example.com.


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Welcome to the FACES Regional Event Calendar
Please hover over the calendar listing for more details, or click on the title of the event to purchase tickets or read more information.
You may also change the display by selecting an alternate view in the box on the left, or search for events using the fields on the left as well.
FACES classes and events are featured first, followed by fiber art related events throughout the Delmarva region.
This event has passed.
Social Media Office Hours
July 5 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 12:00 pm on Friday, repeating until July 26, 2019
Meet with FACES Social Media expert to get pointers on promoting your work through Facebook, Instagram, and online sources. Appointments are recommended but not required.


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By Rose Kreher, NPC Staff Writer
A desire to better meet the needs of her people led Amelia Flores on a long and productive journey. Beginning as long ago as 1970, Flores, a Mohave Indian and enrolled member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), began work in a variety of positions for the Tribes, primarily in the tribal museum located in Parker, Arizona. Forty-three years later, she serves as an executive officer of the nine-member Tribal Council, the CRIT governing body.
As Northland Pioneer College played a pivotal role in helping her achieve her goal, the college's District Governing Board, at its April 16 meeting, honored Flores as the NPC Outstanding Alumnus for Spring 2013. Marketing Director Ann Hess, right, presented the award.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes is a 430-square-mile Native American reservation created by the Federal Government in 1865. Initially it included only two tribes, the Mohave and the Chemehuevi, who had lived in the area for centuries. It later incorporated the Hopi and Navajo peoples who had been relocated by the U.S. government to the reservation. CRIT currently has 3,500-4,000 active members.
Flores was named director of the CRIT library/archives in 1984. As she grew in her job she says, "I saw the need to obtain a more professional and academic education to help me preserve the cultural and linguistic heritage of my people." Her dedication to accomplishing that task began at Arizona Western College (AWC) where she enrolled as a general studies student to gain a broad educational background. After completing over 40 course credits she also enrolled at Northland Pioneer College to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Library Media Technology. Even given the complication of living in her hometown of Parker (south of Lake Havasu City), Flores earned her AAS from NPC in just two years. "It was difficult at times and involved a great deal of independent study with monthly travel to NPC's Winslow campus, but it all came together in the end!" In fact, Flores graduated from both AWC and NPC in the same year, 1997.
This was just the beginning of her educational journey. She continued by graduating summa cum laude from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 2005; in 2008 she earned a Masters in linguistics from the University of Arizona.
Additionally, throughout her career, Flores has donated time to serving on numerous boards and commissions in both civic and professional arenas. She currently is one of five members of the Parker Unified School District Board and is also an elder for Parker Valley United Presbyterian Church. She recently stepped down after a four-year term as a council member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Regional Partnership First Things First. She relinquished this position in order to stand for election for the CRIT Tribal Council saying, "I hated to give it up. Serving and speaking on behalf of our young children is so important, but there's simply not time to do everything."
Flores was serving as the Northern Arizona Regional representative for the Arizona Library Association, an association she still maintains, where she became acquainted with her alumnus award nominator, NPC librarian Deborah Holbrook. In her letter of nomination, Holbrook says, "While I did know her from her work in Arizona, I now see… that the Arizona connection was only the tip of the iceberg in her important work to preserve native language and culture." Holbrook is referencing the acclaim Flores has received for her work in preserving the language and culture of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. In 2007, the CRIT library, under her direction, was awarded the Guardian of Language, Memory and Lifeways Medal of Honor presented by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums, an award established to identify and recognize organizations and individuals who serve as outstanding examples of how indigenous archives, libraries, and museums contribute to the vitality and cultural sovereignty of Native nations.
The following year she received the "Revitalization, Implementation and Preservation of Tribal Language Award," awarded at the annual Yuman Family Language Summit held to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Yuman Nation, an area encompassing Native American tribes from Southern California to the Grand Canyon to northern Baja, Mexico.
In 2012, the Guardians of Culture and Lifeways International again honored Flores and the CRIT collections with the Archives Institutional Excellence Award for demonstration of "a significant commitment to the preservation and use of documentary heritage."
Flores' life is a reflection of how incremental accomplishments add up to great achievements. She says she feels NPC and other community colleges are good starting points for Native American and other students from rural communities who may be overwhelmed by large universities and cities. Starting at schools like NPC where classes are more personal and the atmosphere generally provides a greater degree of support, can offer a solid educational footing. "You start by passing one test and say, 'I did that; I can do that.' And you go on, test-by-test, paper-by-paper, until you build the self-confidence and knowledge and experience that carry you forward through life.
As the Alumnus Award recipient, Flores will receive mementos of the college, a tuition gift certificate and a plaque recognizing her selection.
– – – N P C – Expanding Minds • Transforming Lives – – –


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I keep thinking today is Saturday because Chris is off work today but nope, it's FRIDAY! That means it's FITNESS FRIDAY! Here is what my week looked like this week:
My Monday yoga class is just what I needed and I can tell a difference in how my legs felt on my runs this week. I LOVE yoga and it feels good to be getting back into a structured class again.
Wednesday's leg workout was inspired by one of Lindsay's 100 workouts. I kept 100-70 but changed the rest. This is what mine ended up looking like:
Thursday's run was in one word … amazing. I set out to do a 20 minute tempo run with a 5 minute warm up and cool down. My legs felt heavy and my breathing off. 17 minutes into my tempo run I was counting down the seconds until the end. Then something awesome happened … right around mile 2 I found my stride. My legs suddenly felt great and my breathing normalized. I decided to keep going and ended up doing a 3.5 mile tempo run at a 9:30 (goal pace). I did 4.1 miles total in 40 minutes and felt great. It was a lesson to remember that sometimes it can take a couple of miles to find your stride. I think this lesson applies to a lot of things in life. It reminded me to work hard and be patient and it will come.
Yesterday was a crazy day with Chris' Change of Command and preparing all the food for the reception following the ceremony. I managed to squeeze in an early two mile run while my mother-in-law watched the Emster.
The humidity here in Georgia is no joke. I swear I sweat 1000 times more living in Savannah. I was DRENCHED coming into the house. Holy cow. However, my run was great. My Garmin is acting weird so I had to resort to a weird app on my phone. It did the job but I need to figure out why my Garmin currently hates me.
Any-who … not sure what my workout plans include for today or this weekend. Tomorrow is my 25th birthday! Chris has to work in the morning but I think I might drag him on a family run before we go meet Victoria and her husband for dinner. The rest of the weekend will be spent studying for my GRE … which is MONDAY. EEK!! Have a safe, healthy, and happy weekend friends!!
Any fun plans this weekend??


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At Decor Aid, we're mostly known for our residential interior designs. But did you know that we've also designed a collection of beautiful office spaces? If you're looking for some help, our senior designers have these tips for the perfect office design.
Splurge on Your Conference Room Table
Good interior design requires a vigilant balance between splurging and saving. While desks, tables and storage options are great places to save on your office interior design, you should definitely splurge on your conference room table. For the main conference room at Blackstone Financial, we selected a live-edge wood table with a bold and natural finish.
Color Coordination
Just because you're working doesn't mean that your office space has to be dull or colorless. In fact, studies have shown that bright pops of color improve mood and productivity. To differentiate between the meeting rooms in this dynamic tech-start up, we color coordinated each of the meeting spaces.
Plant Life
You keep plants in your home, so why not put a few in your office? Not only do plants look great, but they also cleanse the air, which will help you concentrate and stay productive. Check out how we added a few low-maintenance plants to the reclaimed wood meeting spaces at the Signpost office.
Stay Organized
You want your office space to look clean, crisp and organized. Set your employees up for success by giving them organizational desk pieces and sleek office supples. Check out how we did it for this art startup.
Splurge on the Lobby
Think of your lobby as the introduction to your company. If your company has a mascot, theme or signature color, find every way possible to incorporate it into your design scheme. From the front lobby to the boardroom, we placed canine insignia throughout the offices of Bulldog Gin.
Company Culture
Your decor should reflect your industry and company culture. So when we were approached by Sweetsounds Studio, we decked out their office with records, record players, and a graphic Jimi Hendrix poster.
Make Yourself at Home
Your office should be as comfortable and welcoming as your home. You don't have to pick out a bunch of beanbag chairs and daybeds, but consider comfortable couches and area rugs for your lobby. Check out the welcoming and homey design scheme we gave this SoHo lobby.
Wall Art
Wall art is a great space-saving way to add a bit of character and color to your office design. Our client Artstar connects emerging artists with eager clients. And so we selected a few art pieces to hang in their chic boardroom. And you don't have to be an art startup to outfit your office with some killer pieces.
Have Some Fun
Yes, your office is primarily a workspace. But it should also be a space where your employees feel comfortable kicking back after a long day and having a bit of fun. Signpost's office design features a ping-pong table that's outfitted in their company colors.