Eden Design

Having Trouble with Internet Explorer?

2010-10-19T16:30:00.000-04:00

You're not alone. In fact, numerous reports have been coming in from clients who are trying to view websites in IE 6, 7, & 8 only to have them not render correctly--meaning that things aren't where they should be. For some reason, IE has had a rough time keeping up with CMS (content management system) platforms and it is driving web designers and programmers crazy. You can get a site to work in all browsers until you test in IE and then something is bound to be moved or missing. A lot of this is due to how IE uses DIV tags and interprets CSS and can take a programmer a lot of extra time to troubleshoot.

Happily for me, according to a recent report from one of our eCommerce providers, CoreCommerce, IE users are dwindling and now fall below 50% of total users. Mozilla's Firefox is the number #2 most popular and Google's Chrome is quickly becoming a new browser of choice along with Safari--Apple's browser on the iPhone and iPad.

So . . . if you've found yourself frustrated with Internet Explorer, I recommend trying a new browser and see how you like it. Regardless of which browser you choose, it's important to keep your version up to date allowing you to properly view all of your favorite sites!

Jefferson County Development Authority

2010-07-02T14:57:00.004-04:00

In the spring we helped to launch a new site for the Jefferson County Development Authority. Along with Sandy Sponaugle of Platinum PR and Mike Johnson of TechMethods, we worked closely with Tom Bayuzik and Whitney Burch of JCDA to develop a new site highlighting all that Jefferson County has to offer. I also have a cameo appearance on the site!

Kelly's White Fly Shoppe

2010-07-02T14:30:00.003-04:00

http://www.kellyswhitefly.netWhew, what a month! We've been swamped with the Contemporary American Theater Festival, our yearly challenge when we try to see how many work hours we CAN actually pack into a 24 hour day. This Season promises to be great, so if you haven't already done so, be sure to order your tickets: www.catf.org

And, we've been hard at work on a new e-commerce site. Say hello to Kelly's White Fly Shoppe. KWF is a great fly fishing outfitter in Shepherdstown and owners Bryan & Debbi Kelly are really great to work with. If you need fishing gear and accessories, they're your place to go. They also offer casting clinics and fly tying classes. But, more importantly, you can now order all of their great products online!

Word Press, CMS, Joomla, Oh my

2010-04-28T10:04:00.002-04:00

Creating sites that give you control . . .

Content, content, content is what really makes your website work best for you. The more you can get your message and product to your clients the better. Up until a year or so ago, clients would request a 'brochure' site--a static site that basically mimicked the information they would have on a brochure. It was an easy solution for small budgets and small staffs that don't have time to update their site with new content. Now, with the emergence of affordable solutions that allow clients to update their site themselves, every site should have at least one element that is updated daily, weekly, or at least monthly. Linking your site to your blog, Facebook, or Twitter page are quick and easy ways to keep your clients connected.You can also have your site designed (or redesigned) as a WordPress or Content Management Site. Both options will allow you easy access to your site via any browser on any computer--all you need is a login. Not only do you have 24/7 access to your site but there is no software to purchase and maintain.

We've started a transition away from traditional HTML sites and are now programming new sites using WordPress or Joomla. We've also started converting current client sites to one of these more user-friendly options that maintains the same look but allows a lot more flexibility in keeping your site content new and fresh, not only with text but also link, photos, audio clips and more.

Our most recent example is our new site for the Contemporary American Theater Festival at Shepherd University. I have worked with CATF for the past 10 years on their websites and have watched technology evolve immensely over that time. Our newest site will be the fourth rendition in 10 years. I'd been pushing for a CMS site for years for CATF but the budget just wouldn't allow it. Then, last year, the pricing to develop a CMS reduced drastically allowing us to finally make the transition creating a site that is dynamic, has current information, and most importantly is easy and quick to update. This site was created in conjunction with Johnna Armstrong of Business Technology Source in Shepherdstown.

It's Always Nice to Win A Blue Ribbon

2010-04-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago one of our clients, Jane Tabb (Jefferson County Farm Day, Fresh Feast on the Farm, bringer of flowers and treats) surprised me with a First Place Blue Ribbon West Virginia Agritourism Marketing Award for Best Brochure. The brochure was one we designed for the 2009 Jefferson County Farm Day. Jessica Radlich did the majority (if not all) the design on this project. JC Farm Day is a project we've worked on every year since its inception in 2001. This year's 9th Farm Day will take place on June 19th from 10am - 5pm, is free, and features at least four farms throughout Jefferson County. This is a great event to do with kids because they get to see all types of animals and crops and see real working farms in action.

Parade of the Everyday

2010-04-02T10:19:00.000-04:00

My sister-in-law Kate Shunney has just published her first book of poetry (with design by us!). The cover image is from an Irish painter named Deirdre Keohane. To purchase a copy go to her website at: http://highstreetpresswv.com/

Above is Kate at her first reading and book tour.

Celebrating 10 Years at Eden Design

2010-03-23T13:22:00.000-04:00

"Small is not just a stepping-stone. Small is a great destination in itself."

The above quote is from the latest book I'm reading called 'Rework' by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson, founders of 37Signals—a small software company specializing in browser-based efficiency programs. We started using their Highrise program about two years ago to track our clients and jobs and recently set up Basecamp for a client to help them track projects. I love the 37Signals line of products because they work well, are simple to use, and designed well. In fact, we have a mantra of "I heart Highrise" because it does such a great job at keeping us organized.

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to hear what they had to say in their book. It turns out that many of their philosophies are the same ones we've been using from the start. For instance, the above quote really hit home because I'm always struggling with whether or not I should grow Eden Design into a large firm or stay small. I keep coming to the same conclusion that staying small is best--it allows us to provide our clients with the personal attention they've come to expect and to keep our systems flexible to be able to change quickly as technology changes. Since March marks our 10-year Anniversary, we must be doing something right and it is nice to find that the authors of 'Rework' feel the same.

In celebration of our 10 Years, I'll be posting tidbits on all the new services we offer in case you haven't needed us in a while; or perhaps you haven't used us yet. We still stay true to our origins and offer web and print marketing for small businesses, non-profits and the visual and performing arts, but we also offer:

Marketing Consultations & Management
Business Startup Consultations
Social Media Marketing Setup, Management and Tracking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
Custom Design and Management of Email Campaigns (Constant Contact)
Custom Blog Setup
WordPress and CMS Sites that offer easy client-side edits

And, after even 10 years we haven't strayed from our original goal of using professional design to help clients achieve visions that often nurture communities and improve local economies. Or as better stated in 'Rework':

"To do great work, you need to feel that you’re making a difference. That you’re putting a meaningful dent in the universe. That you’re part of something important."

Thanks, guys!

Say It With Legos

2010-02-13T12:03:00.000-05:00

Check out

my Valentine's Day present from my kid ...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Snowed in, Again: Feb 3rd

2010-02-03T09:42:00.002-05:00

Most Ridiculous Horoscope Ever

2010-02-03T09:14:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure what the astrologist was smoking when they wrote this but it really cracked me up:

Pisces:
You'll spend time with someone who highlights your soulfulness. Together, you'll tumble into precious moments of depth and then rise out of them with hearts as light as helium.

I'm probably as hopeless a romantic as a pisces can be but even for me this was over the top. Oh, balloon man with your helium filled hearts of love . . . where are you?!

No Postage Necessary

2010-02-03T09:05:00.003-05:00

Many of my clients have heard me complain about how the US Post Office with its need for efficiency and mechanization has ruined sending fun things through the mail. It used to be you could paint a piece of wood, affix the proper amount of postage and away it would go. But no more, everything has to be uniform and BORING.

In Sunday's post, Andrea Sachs wrote a great article about an island in the Galapagos called Floreana where travelers leave postcards in a barrel and other travelers go through them and deliver them by hand. The tradition was started by 18th century whalers as a way to stay in touch with family and friends in England.

Photo by Andrea Sachs/Washington Post

Washingtonian for a Weekend

2010-02-03T08:17:00.004-05:00

Dusting my butt. I used to never pay attention to weather predictions because I thought they were full of poo. However, since having a kid I take the forecasters' magic eight ball declarations a bit more serious--I have to plan ahead when there might not be school or more importantly keep my precious safe from impending floods, blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. But that's my anxiety talking and another topic all together. The point is, I decided to attend my cousin's 30th birthday party in DC on Friday night knowing that we may receive a 'dusting' of snow--no more than an inch. My anxiety meter registered this on the 'no need to freak out' scale so around 5pm I took off.

I checked into my favorite DC hotel (and client) The Carlyle Suites in Dupont Circle and then walked (yes walked--something confusingly foreign in rural WV) to the Science Club for the party. Like most DC clubs, the Science Club is three floors of an old DC building--narrow with lots of nice architectural elements AND they were serving a Samuel Smith's Winter Ale--delicious!

The next morning I walked back into Dupont for tea and breakfast at Teasim (ginger chai shake, smoked salmon and a scone) and then checked out the Phillip's Collection. I really like the Phillip's--small enough to get through quickly and they have some really fantastic pieces. This time around, I found myself drawn to several George Braque paintings and The Philodendron was by far the most intriguing. I was also impressed by the photographer Josef Sudek and his image of record albums--unfortunately they wouldn't let me take a photo of it and I can't find a copy on the web. Many people feel that the Phillip's is too expensive--most DC museums are free. I don't mind paying the $10 but what I do mind is having someone follow me around the whole time. They must have had two people for every room for this purpose.

At this point it began snowing quite heavily but thinking it would soon end, I packed up got in the car and headed to Trader Joe's a mile away. That's when I realized I wasn't going anywhere. I turned around and my hosts and the Carlyle graciously granted me another night. Being stuck in DC, while a bit lonely for me, is a great city to be stuck in. I shopped some in the Circle (one of my favorite stores is Tabletop a designer's paradise--Lotta Jansdotter, Orla Keily, Jonathan Adler and more) and then later I was able to walk from the hotel to Perry's in Adams Morgan and warm up with a fisherman's stew and stuffed dates. After FREEZING on the street for a while, I finally got a cab and we slid our way through the city to the E Street Cinema for Crazy Heart. While the 'Lebowski's' performance was really remarkable and T. Bone Burnett produced a great soundtrack, the movie itself was a bit lackluster. No real story or maybe no new story when it comes to aging alcoholic musicians.

I took the Metro back to Dupont, made a stop at Starbucks and headed back to the hotel. I awoke to a beautiful, sunny, Sunday morning and looked out my room window over snowy DC rooftops to the Washington Monument. Pretty impressive view. After breakfast at Luna Grille & Diner (smoked salmon omelet) I once again loaded up and finally headed over to Trader Joe's on Pennsylvania avenue to stock up before heading back to WV. All in all a lovely forced vacation weekend. Thank you snow!!

New in Eden

2009-11-30T13:39:00.002-05:00

Molly Northrup Bloom, Hive Manager and Director of Creative Influence

Molly was tempted by Eden Design when she first met Jen in her new hometown of Shepherdstown, WV in August 2007. Because they are both so quiet and shy, they struck up a conversation and never really stopped talking. Two years later, Molly joined Eden Design to assist with office management and online media updates.

Prior to moving to West Virginia, Molly lived in New York City for ten years organizing fundraising events and outreach programs for environmental conservation organizations. She worked most recently for The Nature Conservancy. Her favorite program involved teaming up with artists, scientists and environmentalists to educate the public about environmental issues in a series called Human/Nature: Art and the Environment. Molly has also worked as a field biologist in Quebec, New York and Florida. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Entomology from Bard College. Molly lives with her husband and two children in Shepherdstown.

Cool Stuff: House Industries

2009-11-18T17:02:00.004-05:00

Just in case you were wondering what to get us for Christmas . . . here is a great idea:Check out other groovy design stuff at House Industries.

D.C. Shout Out to Shepherdstown

2009-10-27T09:35:00.003-04:00

We love to see our favorite spots featured in the wide world. Yesterday, Daily Candy DC wrote a piece about autumn adventures in the countryside around DC and in this case our own Shepherdstown, West (By God) Virginia was highlighted. (not sure how that 'by god' part got started but it always seems appropriate somehow).

Daily Candy DC highlighted Mellow Moods -- our favorite place for delicious, healthy, homemade juices and snacks served up by a fun and friendly crew. They also make mention of our favorite new hot yoga class in the upstairs rooms of Mellow Moods lead by the bendy and beautiful Christa Mastrangelo Joyce on Wednesday nights. Shaharazade's Tea Room is also mentioned -- we can't get enough of those scones slathered in lemon curd and cream. Good thing we go to yoga.

—Molly & Jen

Lost in Translation . . .

2009-10-26T09:47:00.003-04:00

Every business gets embedded in its own terminologies and anachronisms. Every generation adds new words to the lexicon and can sometimes be hard to translate to others. An image can speak for itself and by creating a folder of inspirational images or bookmarking websites that you like, your vision can be more easily translated to your designer.

It is fun to create a folder or scrap book of fonts, images, colors and words that inspire you. This will help spark the vision for your project and start the discussion with a designer -- whether it is for an event invitation, a business website, a logo, etc.

Here are some fun sites that feature "inspiration boards" for your viewing pleasure:

Inspiration Boards : http://inspirationboards.blogspot.com/

Flickr Group "Inspiration Boards": http://www.flickr.com/groups/inspirationboards/

Wedding Stylist Joy Thigpen's Galleries (click on galleries and then inspiration boards): http://www.joythigpen.com/index2.php

—Molly

Client Highlight

2009-10-13T19:07:00.005-04:00

I almost forgot to post today! Whew! Luckily, I remembered thus sticking to my plan of maintaining a current blog of the goings-on of Eden Design HQ. On Tuesdays we will highlight a client or project and today we are highlighting MayeMusk.com. We just finished this website for Maye, a nutritionist and model in NYC. Check it out . . .

Back on Track

2009-10-12T10:21:00.009-04:00

Well, it has been way too long since my last entry and I'm vowing to not let so much time go by in between posts. We've had a lot going on here at Eden Design HQ over the past couple of months . . . Jess began working for American Public University Systems creating graphics for their online classes—we miss her but she's doing well. I've been busy keeping everything flowing and forever trying to maintain the balance between work and home. To help out, Molly Bloom joined Eden Design in September and is in charge of office management as well as assisting with online media updates.

Molly had the great idea to have each day of the week be a different topic for our blog. So, today is our inspirational day . . . yesterday, we both took our families to the Solar Decathlon in DC. Do you know what kids LOVE to do? Standing in long lines in the sun where their point of view is a bunch of butts in front of them only to get into one of the solar houses where they are told they can't touch anything! Molly made it into zero houses although she was able to see all of them as she walked by. We made it into the Cornell University Silo House which was amazing. It was designed to mimic the agricultural landscape of Ithaca, NY and looks just like its name suggests: a silo. They also had some fabulously designed brochures and their website is quite good as well.

The second house we visited was BeauSoleil from the University of Louisiana. I loved the everything about their house: the use of indoor and outdoor space, the built-in storage areas, the murphy bed, the kitchen, etc. I didn't like their graphic design as well as Cornell, though. The best thing about this event is that it is something my husband and I can both enjoy which is sometimes a rarity. He is very much into the building arts, especially those focused on responsible building. And, I, of course, like checking out all the mod designs. Inspiration for both of us . . .

And, I almost forgot . . . on the way to the Decathlon, we got sidetracked and decided to check out the Red Bull Art of Can exhibit at Union Station. There were so many great entries but my favorite was Jade Gorman's ode to the movie 'A Christmas Story.' When I came around the corner and saw this one I couldn't stop smiling. Remember when the Mom accidentally breaks the lamp? Classic!

Ah, Summer

2009-06-26T09:10:00.006-04:00

We've been pretty busy around here the last month—Summer is always a busy time for Eden Design thanks to the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown. In addition to ads, signage and other items a Summer repertory theater needs, we also design their 60 page program in one WEEK. Needless to say, it's Friday and I've reached the point of delirium. Be sure to check out some plays this Season—I've read them all and it promises to be another provocative line up. Pay-what-you-can Previews are on July 8th and 9th and this year, all Sunday evening performances are just $25!

Other news . . .
Meet Jennifer Tyler:

Jennifer is interning with us for the Summer and has been a great help with new web sites and all of our CATF work. She is currently a Graphic Design Sophomore at Shepherd University although she already holds a Culinary Degree. (we have no proof of this, however, because she has yet to bring us any treats.)

And, lastly, we had a visitor earlier in the week . . .

Super cute Mable Cotgreave came over to pick up some Words & Music posters. Remember Words & Music? You may if you've been in Shepherdstown a LONG time. Words & Music is a great venue for poets and musicians to share their work. Thanks to Todd Cotgreave and WSHC 89.7, Words & Music is up and running once again with the innaugural performance taking place Wed., July 1st from 6-8pm at the Opera House Theater in Shepherdstown. The event is family friendly and FREE!

Hot off the press: The ATC Food Planner

2009-05-20T09:48:00.000-04:00

We recently started working with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's publishing department to design new covers for new editions of some of their older books. This is our first one which was just delivered yesterday. I wish I had a before image to show, but let me just say the design is drastically different. The book itself is pretty cool—it was written by Lou Adsmond who planned, prepared and sent food drops to her husband and son while they hiked 2,160 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The book includes recipes and menus that work just as well for a day hike or weekend camping trip. Click here to check out the ATC bookstore.

Another Reason Our Clients Rock

2009-05-19T09:48:00.001-04:00

It was so cold last night I had to cover my precious flowers to keep the frost from killing them. It breaks my heart when I wake up to a beautiful crisp morning and realize the flowers and vegetables are covered in death. This morning as I was uncovering things I was thinking how thankful I am for our wonderful clients—in general because they are fun to work with and allow me to do what I love and pay the bills—but, in particular because they are so nice and giving.

Last year, one of our clients and dear friends Steve Kemp brought over lovely water irises from his pond along with a few fish which the Shunney boys quickly named Big Papi, Manni, and some other Red Sox player I can't remember. The irises have been blooming for a week now and really cheer me up each morning with their yellow goodness.

This year, another client/neighbor/dear friend Jane Tabb (Fresh Feasts on the Farm) kept telling me she would bring over some top soil to fill in the small flower bed in front of our office. As promised, I came home one day after being out to a bed full of freshly spread topsoil. A few days later, Jane came by with some daylilies thinned from her own garden. They are now planted and I have vowed not to kill them. They look a little sad now but later this summer they are sure to be blooming with beauty. Stay tuned . . .

HarneBowen Architects

2009-05-19T08:37:00.000-04:00

Today I am happy to announce the launching of a new website for one of our clients: HarneBowen Architects and Planners. I'm really pleased with the final result—short, sweet and to the point and Scott was great to work with. Thanks, Scott!

Puttin' Instead of Workin'

2009-05-12T09:51:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, April 30th, Eden Design took the afternoon off to join the Platinum PR Miniature Golf Team in support of Panhandle Home Health's "Puttin' for the Panhandle." The tournament was a huge success but I learned how much I truly lack in putting skills. Despite my hole-in-one and what I thought were good scores on multiple holes, I still came in last place—out of about 140 players. How horrible is that? A friend commented, "So, not only are you really bad, but you don't even know when you're really bad." Needless to say, my ego was more than a bit bruised. On the up side—I was tied with someone else for the worst of the worst but then won the tiebreaker. I did win a bottle of Christian Caine perfume which I'm sure is fabulous but since I suffer from fragrance allergies I had to pass it on to one of my teammates. Regardless, we had a great time and got to eat delicious food and hang out with the wonderful ladies from Platinum PR.

Pictured above, l to r: Jennifer Jensen, me (loser), Mary Dubay, and Jessica Radlich

Good Luck Abbey 2!

2009-05-04T07:14:00.000-04:00

Saturday evening, May 5th, we went to an art opening of Senior Graphic Design work from Shepherd University Students. Our own Abbey Kurtz (aka Abbey 2, Eden Design Intern, Summer 08) is graduating and showcased some of her work. I really enjoy working with the Shepherd Interns and it is very rewarding to see them take flight. Here's a pic of Abbey with her poster design 'Fresh'. It was a finalist in a poster design contest. Good luck Abbey 2—you're number 1 with us!

Costume Mania

2009-05-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago we accompanied a good friend of my husband (Patrick) to a show at the Arlington Arts Center in Arlington, VA. The friend, Jason Lee, is a sculptor and was showing his work about consumption: bright orange, mass-produced-looking lightboxes, mounted either on the floor or on the wall, offering glimpses of the sky, and of a creek or stream. These Euthenics studies pose questions about planned communities, public spaces, sprawl, and the triumph of universal technology. (I took that bit from their website).

Anyway, we loved Jason's work, of course, but I was also really impressed with a young DC artist named Steven Frost, known for using needlework and fabric in pieces focusing on sexual identity, presents a project made in collaboration with his mother. Steven and his mother, Barbara, deconstruct the artist’s childhood Halloween costumes, suggesting new meanings and motivations for the wearer of each elaborate outfit, and presenting their efforts as a sort of haute couture Halloween brand.

The reason I was taken with Steven's work is that I have a similar costume relationship with my son, Sam. Each halloween since he was born, I have helped him make his costume. And, ditto, for each school performance, etc. I have a lot of fun stepping up to the challenge of what he can come up with. Costumes have included a truck, Max from Where the Wild Things Are, a spider, General Grievous (damn you George Lucas!!), Anikan Skywalker, and most recently a jester and gnome.

What I find most challenging and am most proud of is that we often wait until the last minute to put these costumes together and I try to assemble them with fabric and accessories that I have on hand. Maybe someday Sam will have his own art show in collaboration with me.

Carrying On

2009-04-07T14:30:00.000-04:00

Here are some samples of new things we've been working on . . .
A logo and identity package for Synergy Training Solutions. They offer ServSafe food safety classes, mystery shopping, customer service consulting and more.

Our pro-bono job for the winter was a new website for the National Players in Olney, Maryland.
Check it out at: http://www.nationalplayers.org

And, just up today, is a new site for Pediatric Feeding and Speech Solutions of Leesburg, VA.
http://www.pediatricfeedingandspeechsolutions.com

Keep Calm and Carry On

2009-03-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

By now, you've probably seen this poster in one form or another; reproductions of Britain's Ministry of Information posters during WWII. My favorite rendition is Maira Kalman's from her book, The Principles of Uncertainty. It's no wonder this image has become popular in recent months with the constant influx of economic information streaming to us 24/7. If only the media would take the meaning to heart.

I was listening to The Diane Rehm show on NPR and, yet again, they were discussing the economy. At one point, before a break, Diane said something to the effect of "More bad news to come. Of course, there are plenty of good things happening, too. Many people are still employed and going on with their normal routines." I commend her for actually stating that yes, for many, things are just as they were. I blame corporate media for creating a mass consciousness of negative thinking which only compounds the problem.

Yes, many have lost jobs and many businesses are failing--even a few of my friends have been RIFed. ( A year ago I didn't even know what RIF was--turns out it means Reduction in Force—it's also interesting that if you rearrange the letters in RIFed you get FIRED.)

However, despite all of this, I'd like to suggest an influx of positivity and hope. Many people are still carrying on just as before and even starting new businesses and growing current ones. (I'll be posting samples of some of our new clients' work this week.)
The crazy thing is that we don't get to hear many of these stories, and a lot of people are feeling guilty if they aren't experiencing economic trouble—how sadly ridiculous. Instead of using guilt to express your empathy, I suggest we all try being positive. I am a true believer that positive energy attracts positive energy and have been trying my best to infuse my own 'tonic' of goodness into the world . . .

I've found the best way to do this is:

• Take a break from all news . . . 24 hours, a week, a morning, whatever you can handle.
• Make a list of 10 things you are thankful for
• If someone mentions the economy, just nod, and quickly change the subject. Or counter with one of your 10 things you are thankful for.
• Smile—a simple, free and powerful tool.
• Keep Calm and Carry On.

Snow Day vs. Video Games: 6yr old wins

2009-01-27T10:21:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I haven't written in over a month. I also can't believe that this month went by so quickly. Maybe it was recovering from the holidays combined with the excitement of our new President. I still tear up everytime I see him speaking on tv. It is so nice to think, 'That is my President!' It's been a long, long time since I've felt that.

So the wintry January weather has turned my normally active son into a tv/video game addict. I've been trying to wean him with all kinds of activities and yesterday had to cut him off completely. Oh, and threaten to give all his toys away if he wasn't going to play with them.

Of course, this morning school was canceled because of snow and since I have a ton of work to do I have relented and he is back to old favs . . . the PS2 babysitter. Oh well. We did do a cooking project from his new beloved Star Wars cookbook . . . Hoth Chocolate. To cool it down I even let him add a scoop of ice cream. He has broken me. I call Uncle.

On a work note, I had a lovely dinner on Sunday evening for the Board of Friends in Action. The dinner was at the President's home and they kindly awarded me the 'True Friend in Action Award' for all the design we donate to them throughout the year. It was a very nice gesture, and now I have a 'trophy' which is one of the few items that garnish respect from my son. Learn more about Friends in Action at fiaep.org.

2008-12-22T21:52:00.000-05:00

This Christmas we decided it would nice to share some holiday cheer, cocktail style. Please try these fun and delicious recipes and if you email us a photo of you and your drink we just might post it here.

Peace and love to all and cheers to a fabulous '09.

: click here for a printer friendly pdf

2008-12-09T13:53:00.000-05:00

I promise this will be the last food related post for at least a week. I just wanted to mention that our new favorite local restaurant and client, dish, has begun their 'Ecstatic Hour.' Stop by Wednesdays through Fridays 5-7 pm for drink and appetizer specials.' They're located on Washington Street in Charles Town, WV.

Carlyle Cookies

2008-12-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

Another tasty treat occurs every November when we create holiday cards and labels for two great boutique hotels in DC . . . Carlyle Suites in Dupont Circle and the Savoy Suites in Georgetown. Then, about two weeks later we receive delicious cookies in the mail. Not only do we get to see our designs in action but we get to eat cookies, too! Our clients are the best!

Popcorn on the Cob

2008-12-02T17:03:00.001-05:00

If there's one thing we enjoy it is working for clients who have tasty things to eat. Our latest project in this culinary department was for our neighbor Bob Tabb, owner of Round Oak Farm and Town and Country Nursery. His newest product is Popcorn on the Cob. Fresh, natural, locally grown popcorn that you can pop right on the cob! Here are some photos of the label and our first prototype. Want to get your hands on some? Call 304-676-7564.

And so it begins . . .

2008-11-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Well, we decided 'what the hey' . . . a new President calls for a new website and a new blog. So, here it is. A perfect place to post rantings and show all the cool stuff we do each day here at the World Headquarters of Eden Design. Check back for fun pics of things in progress or projects that don't quite fit into the format of our portfolio.