This site has a great deal of information in the form of downloadable pdfs, and the addition of many video categories.

Visit Advocare Tips.

Yes, we have to be connected at all times.  We must be available when our client has a website issue, or just needs a quick fix, but it really can be a drag to lug around that 15″ MacBook Pro and related accessories when traveling.  Not saying that I don’t love the Beast, but it can weigh you down.

Recently, I finally succumbed to a MacBook Air.  I resisted for a long time because I thought the slower processor and lack of a CD/DVD drive as well as only 2 GB of RAM would cramp my style.  I had no idea how I would cram my files and programs onto such a small hard drive.

Well, I am pleased to report that the experience is beyond my expectations.  My Air has the following specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 1066MHz frontside bus
• 2GB Memory
• 128GB solid-state drive
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

The Pros

• The solid state drive is so speedy that programs open and close in an instant.
• It is tiny, and can fit into other bags when traveling.
• It is a sexy computer that is fun to use.

The Cons

• The small size of the hard drive was troubling.  No way to fit the iTunes Library.  I had to use VMWare Fusion with Windows so I could use my VPN and exchange email, and the smallest I could get the virtual machine down to was 38GB.
• No way to watch a DVD while traveling.
• No built in ethernet (there is an adapter) or SD card reader, and only one usb port.

I figured out a way to utilize this beauty and be extremely  happy with my purchase.  In my next post, I will tell you how I solved some of the dilemmas mentioned in the Cons, and what accessories and apps I use to stay connected.

I am frequently asked what tools I use for web design.  Many of the add-ons and plugins that I use are free and you might want to investigate for your own use if you don’t already use them.

Hardware, etc.:

• Macbook Pro 3.06  8GB RAM(upgrading the RAM to 8GB makes all the difference in the world!), Dell 24″ LCD, Apple wireless keyboard and magic mouse
• Rain Design M stand – raises the MB Pro to right height to use  as 2nd monitor with the Dell,  cools the Mac, and gives me a little space underneath for stuff
• Harmon Kardon Speakers – you gotta have good sounds when coding!
• Nikon Coolpix P6000 Camera – you can see some photo samples here

Apps, Tools, and Misc.:

• Evernote (use the free version for internet version, desktop app and iPod Touch app)
• Filezilla (free FTP client)
• Skype (I use the $30 annual version so I can make outgoing calls to clients that don’t use Skype)
• Bluehost – my favorite hosting.  Really cheap, but reliable, and you get to talk to someone knowledgeable 24-7 for support.  The more I use other services that my clients have, the more I love Bluehost.

Software:

• WordPress
• Operating System – Snow Leopard
• Adobe Design Premium CS4
• Microsoft Office for Mac

Free Browser Add-ons for Firefox (I use lots of others, but these are more specific to web design):

• Firebug
• Font Finder
• Colorzilla
• MeasureIt
• NoDoFollow
• Window Resizer
• CSS Validator

Premium Themes to modify:

• Woo Themes addict (also a Woo Affiliated Worker and Beta tester)
• Thesis

What do you use?  Pls comment with your setup and any suggestions!

These are some favorite and suggested tools for web design:

• WordPress Training Videos – 46 videos you can download
• Bluehost – Inexpensive, reliable hosting with unlimited space, transfer, and free domain
• Email Program – Auto-responder with many additional capabilities
• Email Opt-in Program – Free Trial can send 500 emails to test
• Woo Premium Themes – Best site for premium and free themes for WordPress
• Affiliate Theme – Many varieties of themes that are easily customizable for affiliate marketing
• Thesis Theme – Customizable theme framework
• Wishlist Plugin – Use this WordPress plugin to create a multi-level membership site
• Shoemoney Tools - Internet marketing tools to help you analyze and improve your site
• SEO Automatic – In depth reports and suggestions for improvement
• SEOmoz – Test how accessible your site is to search engines
• Color Scheme Designer – tool for color schemes for your site
• SEO in Practice – DIY book on search engine optimization
• Shoemoney Free 12 Week Course

For information on how we can assist you with your website or blog, please contact us.

Today Unique Blog Designs announced a new venture, Theme Wars.  The idea of the site is simple.  They have dueling WordPress themes each week that the public can vote for, and the winning designer (and runner up) get part of the profit.  You can purchase as a multi-use, developer (with Photoshop files) or Full Access Pass.  They already have 5 themes on the site, and the competition should land many new themes there weekly.  The Portfolio Theme by Matt Blancarte looks good – might just have to experiment with that one soon!  Hope to see some work by new designers.  This looks like a site to visit often so that you can check out the contests and new themes to modify.

This purple and pink site is about collector’s editions of retired dolls.  Integrated videos of the dolls and outfits help bring the site to life.

Visit American Girl Doll Collection.

Ask the Boater is about boating, sailing and yachts.  The site has helpful info for boaters, and much about boaing in the Thousand Islands.

Visit Ask the Boater

This business site with companion blog serves a multi location martial arts center as well as fitness, nutrition and personal training areas.

Visit United Martial Arts Center.

We absolutely love Woo Themes.  You can customize them to your heart’s content, to create different looks and functions.  We own so many Woo Themes, but we are always waiting for the next one so we can do some retail therapy!