postsecret.com is one of my favorite websites. it posts anonymous secrets sent in from people all across the world. it’s updated each sunday and is the first website i read on sundays. when you’re having a tough time, i recommend reading it. you’ll realize other people are sharing the same experiences you are. it may even be an outlet for your own secrets.

i’ve always thought it would be cool to have a secret posted on the site. two weeks ago i sent in a secret it and it was posted. it generated a mix of emotions. while i wanted to tell everyone that it was on there, i also didn’t want anyone to know. after all, that’s why it’s a secret. i sent it in because i wasn’t comfortable sharing it but needed a release. postsecret gave me that opportunity.

some of you may be smart enough to figure out how to find out what i wrote on the back of the photo. for the others, hopefully next time i feel comfortable enough to share it with you in person. i’m trying my best to be the one you can share your secrets with.

Budgets are tight. That’s nothing new. SO, when you are looking at your marketing budget, how do you make every dollar stretch as far as you can? Even harder……How do you make your dollars stretch while being green. Most people know that “green” and “cost-effective” don’t often go together.

Let’s try getting a little creative. One of the first thing people cut from their budgets is direct mail. They scale back their mailing list or cut the process all together. They’ll focus those dollars on online elements like email, banner ads, or social media.

It is starting to become more aware that online marketing isn’t for everyone. The ROI isn’t as appealing as people make it out to be……unless you start getting into high dollar programs. That’s why more and more people are turning back to direct mail. You can control the list. And you know your audience has to see the message before they throw it away, unlike email.

So, how do you keep your direct mail campaign running without cutting your budget for other marketing tools, like brochures.

Simple. Combine them.

Creating a piece that can be used more ways than one saves you on design costs and print costs. Designers charge by the piece. Most of the time, a brochure and a direct mail piece will cost about the same, assuming it is a basic brochure. So, you’re cutting your design budget in half if you only have to design one piece. On the print side, you’ll save additionally per piece by extending your print run. Print pricing is based largely on volume. The higher the volume, the lower the per piece cost.

On the mailing side, a 12×9 brochure folded to a 6×9 mailing falls into the same postage rates as a 6×9 post card.

So, before you start cutting elements out of your marketing campaigns, look at getting a little more creative by combining your elements, increasing their usage and lengthening their product life cycle.

AUTHOR: Daniel Kelly

Daniel Kelly is COO of INTEGRITY. His background includes campaigns and elections, marketing, event management, and program management. Contact Daniel at 888.508.5445 or dkelly@theintegritysite.com

Chatham Baroque post card

This idea began with the notice we published in the newsletter, which is printed in green and black. I liked the way it looked so much I thought I’d carry it through to the ad. The photo was provided by the musicians and I lifeted the Celtic knot icon from their website and used it in a similar way to they way they had used it.

Washington Literacy Mardi Gras event post card

This organization holds their annual benefit on Fat Tuesday every year. Finding a Mardi Gras image that was easily understandable and family friendly is a challenge, but since this year is the organization’s 25th anniversary, the silver tiara worked beautifully. The image only had a slight bit of reflection underneath, but I liked the effect and created a complete reflection in PhotoShop so the type could sit on top of it. I work with a print broker for this product, so I don’t actually get to meet with the customer.

You’ve gone to the mixer, the networking event, the business expo. You’ve collected lots of business cards and connected with potential customers who don’t need your product or service right now but very possibly could in the future. 

So now what??  How do you follow up and make sure these individuals remember YOU when they do need your product or service?

What if you had a follow up system that reminded potential clients on a regular basis that you’re out there and ready to go.  Well one simple way is by setting up an email marketing program.

Quick notices…ePostcards…eNewsletters…These can be sent out on a regular basis to remind potential clients about your product or service.  You can offer discounts, provide valuable information, make sure they understand why they cannot live without your product!

This process can be set up so it is scheduled to go out automatically AND you can do this without the cost of printing or postage.

Remember, this is not just for potential customers…Email marketing can be used to simply say “hello” to current customers, to offer special discounts, etc…again, reminding them that you are there and available when they need you.

What happens if you don’t advertise?……………….Nothing! While your competition is cutting their marketing budget due to these economic times, take advantage of the void and get your message out there….and consider Email marketing. It is an inexpensive, efficient method of promoting your business.

I was sitting in class today when a friend of mine showed me this ultra amazing post card which he got from i don’t know where exactly but it’s an authentic publication.. Read On..

When i saw it, i was like, who would be in his right mind to post something like this to someone and on what occasion? If someone mailed this thing to me, I’d return it with a bag full of puke.. And we complain that the Pakistani film industry is going down the drain..now we know why! O_o

I’m spending a few days with my family in Jonkoping and found an album with postcards printed ca 1890-1910.

A spread of postcards sent from USA. Upper left; Niagara Falls – Cave of the winds – Frozen solid stamped in 1908. Lower left; Water works park, Rockford, Illinois – stamped Oct. 1907. Upper right; Residence of Mr. Potter palmer, Chicago – stamped July 1903. Lower right; Statue of Linné, Lincoln Park, Chicago – stamped Sept. 1903.

Through the post marks on the back on one of the cards one can see information regarding the postal services. This postcard is stämplat in Chicago Sep 3^rd 1903 and came to Jonkoping, Sweden, on September 14^th 1903 and finally to its recipient in Huskvarna on the 15^th. In all it took the letter ca 12 days to travel from Chicago to Huskvarna.

I don’t know the persons who wrote them or received them but there is something special with old postcards. Some milieus are familiar as I know them though they changed; others are just beautiful pictures and snap shots of time gone by.

I’ve picked out a few postcards that I’ll share with you.

Per Brahe gymnasiet (Per Brahe upper secondary school) or as it was called when the photo was taken Jonkopings allmänna läroverk (Jonkopings public school). I went to this school between 1989-1992 though at the time I studied there this building had become the town hall.

Katarinahissen (the Katarina elevator) at Slussen in Stockholm ca 1900.

Broadway and 33d street, showing ascent to 6th Ave. Elevated R.R. photo taken 1898.

Then I found a couple of “mystery” cards which made me want to know more so I googled ‘em for information. This is what I found.

Qvist’s hut in Mullsjö, some miles WNW of Jonkoping, ca 1900.

Magnus Qvist (1836-1910) lived in this hut for some decades, there is only a few facts known of him. Before building his hut he travelled abroad and presumably worked as silk weaver in Lyon, France. During his years in the hut he made wooden shoes for a living and was something of a tourist attraction as he gladly entertained visitors with stories and music (flute) and made whistles for children. Today there are only a few traces of the hut though they are not registred in FMIS (The Archaeological Sites and Monuments database) which it should be. Next time I visit Mullsjö I’ll try to locate the place and take a few photographs.

(map and more information – in Swedish)

A (grave) monument erected by the Chinese government 1900 over the Swedish martyrs in northern China.

This probably refers to the missionaries that died during the the Boxer Rebellion, a.k.a. the Boxer Uprising a.k.a. the Righteous Harmony Society Movement; 1898-1900. The uprising was a respons to the increased expansion of western influence in politics, economy and religion. During the uprising ca 230 missionaries were killed of which 41 were Swedish.

Magnus Reuterdahl

Don’t you just love the New Year…A new start…A clean slate…Well, it’s time to get down to business, so let’s start saving your business some money!

Need a Logo?

We all know a logo is important for your business…It should appear on EVERYTHING you put out there from your business card and brochures to your emails, blogs, and website. Ultimately, it’s important to work with a graphic designer that can set up your logo in the correct format for print and online purposes, but initially, you can save money if you have a logo concept in mind.  Even if you don’t have a specific design idea, providing your graphic designer with samples of logos you are partial to, colors you prefer, industry standards, etc., can save you time and money.

Email Marketing

Set up a  custom template for your business (using that important logo of course) and communicate your message, special discounts, announcements on a regular basis without the cost of printing and postage.

When you update your blog or your website, send everyone an email and encourage them to visit your site. This increases traffic to your sites and improves Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

For more information about email marketing, visit http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?pn=designermousegraphicdesign

Finally, Focus on What You Do Best!

Sometimes the smartest approach is to stay focused on your core competency and hire a professional to help promote your products and services…Initially you might feel you are increasing expenses, but if you are saving TIME to focus on your business, you are also SAVING MONEY!

Happy 2010 – May it be happy, healthy and prosperous!

Mate´s picture for new year post-card

Yesterday I created a series of products on Zazzle using my photo, Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9…

Layers of lavender purple and pink clouds glow in the dawn light as the sun rises over the Columbia River in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A white Masonic Lodge nestles next to a church among the shadowy trees of the Rainier, Oregon forest as the Columbia river flows past the city lights of Kelso and Longview, Washington twinkling against the dark backdrop of the mountains ranges beyond.

Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
Design personal stationery online with zazzle

Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
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Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt

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Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
Make magnets on zazzle.com

Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
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Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
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Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
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Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
Make promotional keychains at zazzle.com

Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
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Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
View more Sunrise T-Shirts

Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
Design a photo note card at zazzle

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Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
Browse other Sunrise Postcards

Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
Create a mousemat on zazzle

Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
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Sunrise Over the Columbia River #9 by dlmtleArt
Create a photo bag at zazzle

Dawna’s Gallery of Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, and T shirts at RedBubble

Dawna’s Fine Art Prints at

Dawna’s Zazzle Gallery of items featuring her Art and Photography

The hype machine had been set to overtime on this one since Oct. 13^th, the moment the identity of BJ Penn’s opponent was revealed for UFC 107. Judging by gate revenues (over $1.5 million), fans had bought heavily into it. Thankfully, the main event that featured LW champion BJ ‘The Prodigy’ Penn masterfully defend his title against Diego ‘Nightmare’ Sanchez did not disappoint.

Penn’s very relaxed boxing style benefited him throughout the fight. He adapted early to Sanchez’ chasing and stunned him with two big counter punches that dropped his opponent to his knees. It appeared that Penn might end things with a submission or a TKO within the first two minutes of the initial round, but Sanchez managed to hang on. The latter could only hope that ‘The Prodigy’ would start gassing. Unfortunately, that never materialized, Penn effectively disfiguring Sanchez over 4 rounds. In one rare high kick to the head, Penn cut open a huge wound on Sanchez’ forehead the size of a small fault line that ultimately brought an end to the fight midway through the 5^th stanza. Penn’s conditioning seemed phenomenal. Potential opponents, who will need to compose with Penn’s improved cardio, include Gray Maynard and Frankie Edgar. Though Florian’s performance that very same evening was dominant, the division has enough valid options available for Penn for the time being.

The bout featuring Frank Mir’s return to the Octagon after his early stoppage defeat to HW champion Brock Lesnar took much less time than expected but ended up playing out the way it had been described by Mir during pre-fight interviews, as he submitted Kongo at the first opportunity given to him. A short order, the bout didn’t even go beyond a minute and a half. The power of the overhand left blow that rocked Kongo sideways into becoming a submission victim was a genuine surprise. On that same note, it is a wonder Mir wasn’t awarded the submission of the night purse for his work on Kongo, as the Frenchman laid on his back for a few minutes, regaining consciousness from Mir’s vicious head choke.                           

The LW clash between Clay Guida and Kenny Florian ended in a bloody submission suffered by Guida. Notwithstanding the outcome, the fight might have ended prematurely due to Guida’s gushing head wounds. Florian, aware of his edge standing up, tried to keep it a boxing match as much as possible. It paid off around midway through the second round, when he knocked Guida off his feet before getting his back and submitting him shortly thereafter.

The other HW bout on the main card showcased a very good stand up battle between a returning veteran, Paul Buentello, and a young talented fighter who keeps improving with every outing, the towering Stefan Struve. The fight began with a brief exchange that made Buentello acutely aware of the reach disadvantage he needed to counter. Struve managed to get Buentello on the ground within the first minute or so, hard at work with several submissions that tested Buentello’ mettle, let alone his spine, for the better part of round one. The second round had both fighters visibly slowed down from their efforts in the initial stanza. Struve’s long reach turned to his disadvantage as his exhaustion enabled Buentello, and anybody given the faculty of sight for that matter, to see with ease punches and knees sent with the same expediency as smoke signals. Especially knees, notably two attempts that left Struve’s chin wide open for unguarded blows from his opponent. One of those cut the legs right out from underneath the young Dutchman. The third round saw Struve resorting to kickboxing, using his leg kicks to create distance. His opponent was busy stalking Struve, waiting for the combination that would precipitate a stoppage. Struve landed unchecked shots to Buentello’s left leg with the consistency of a grandfather clock. His UD win showed he has toughness and talent to hope breaking the top ten eventually, but as he gets there several facets of his game will need improvement. Strength and conditioning would be essential among those to be addressed. Always bearing in mind he’s only 21. 

Lastly, the WW bout opposing John Fitch to Mike Pierce went the distance, Fitch edging his adversary in an unimpressive UD win. Pierce, on the other hand, might have impressed a few.

The rest of the card looked liked this:

Alan Belcher Wilson Gouveia Technical Knock Out  (round 1)  3:03

Matt Wiman Shane Nelson Unanimous Decision  (3)  5:00

Johny Hendricks Ricardo Funch Unanimous Decision  (3)  5:00

Rousimar Palhares Lucio Linhares Submission (Leg Lock)  (2)  3:21

DaMarques Johnson Edgar Garcia Submission (Choke)  (1)  4:03

TJ Grant Kevin Burns Technical Knock Out  (1)  1:57

Bonuses ($65,000), all attributed to undercard fighters, were awarded to the following:

Fight of the Night: Alan Belcher vs. Wilson Gouveia

Knockout of the Night: TJ Grant

Submission of the Night: DaMarques Johnson

Photos by Dave Mandel, Sherdog.com

Tried on different  Asian papers

The format i made

search images from the internet