Guitar Inlays Create One-of-a-Kind Instruments

Guitar players spend a great deal of time with their instruments. So much so, in fact, that they almost become an extension of their body - something that just feels right and is missed when not there. Guitar lovers may have several guitars of varying sizes and styles, but usually only one is their favorite. My brother is a dedicated guitar player - has been since his early teens. These days he keeps as many as ten guitars in his "man cave," but only one acoustic is his fav.

Many guitar owners like to customize their best instrument with something special. Guitar inlays are a great way to do just that. There are many inlay artists on the Web, but one I know for sure can handle any job, any image, any project is Aaron over at VanWhy Inlay & Design. Seriously, this guy can do anything you ask, on any piece of wood you want. His specialty is guitar inlays, but he'll even inlay your great-great grandmother's old, antique jewelry box.

If you're looking for a way to give your baby a new look, check Aaron's gallery on the website. If you decide to give him a try, be sure to tell him you found him here!

Looking for Logo Design in Mankato?

I like to fancy myself as a logo design expert, but really I'm not. If designing a logo entails more than manipulating an already-created piece of clipart, I'm clueless. It's fun, but when it comes right down to it, serious logo design requires a special talent and an expert in the field. When I want a truly unique logo, I always turn to Pike Graphics.

Owned and operated by Tim Halldin, Pike Graphics started out serving local customers in Mankato, MN. Now, logo design in Mankato has a reach that spans the world over, and with good reason. Tim is such a nice guy to work with and really knows his stuff when it comes to logo development and implementation. The creativity that comes out of Pike Graphics is amazing - you're always guaranteed a one-of-a-kind, accurate representation of your company, wrapped up in one great-looking logo.

When Pike Graphics creates a logo for a customer, a lot of thought goes into it's design. The goal is to design a logo that sets that company apart from their competition and really capture the essence of the business's products and services. However, there's more to it than just making a great logo.

Pike Graphics also makes sure the logo will work for any purpose. Whether customers need it for online promotion or printed materials, they always receive the design in several formats so it always looks perfect anywhere. In addition, customers have full rights to that logo. Many other graphic design companies retain rights to the logos they design. This limits the use of the logo drastically. With a logo from Pike Graphics, customers are free to use it as they please.

While I still enjoy making my own logos for certain things, the really important ones I trust to Pike Graphics. With over 25 years experience in the field, no one else is better equipped to fully capture my ideas and make them come to life through graphic design.

For logo design in Mankato, or anywhere else in the world, visit Pike Graphics and tell them Shawn sent you. You won't be sorry. :)

Find a Health Insurance Agent in NC

With the health insurance laws changing, many people are confused as to what they need and when they need it by. Many residents in North Carolina are no different and that's where a reputable health insurance agent in nc can help. It's okay to be confused. Trust me - you're not alone. However, it's not okay to ignore the facts or go without health insurance just because you don't understand the laws. Before you run into legal issues - or worse - medical problems that aren't covered by health insurance, be sure to get the facts from someone who knows.

Whether you live in NC or somewhere else, contact your local agent and get answers and advice about your health insurance rights. Make sure you're covered no matter what.

Bugs, Boats and Brand New Vehicles

As I sit here this morning drinking my coffee and admiring the new Ford Explorer in my driveway, I'm reminded of the last brand-new vehicle we had. It was a Chevy Blazer, and it was the first brand new vehicle Mike and I owned together.

We had only had the vehicle for a week when it already had a scratch and the passenger side floor was stained. It's a funny story really.

Since it was a new vehicle and Mike wasn't used to driving it there was a learning curve that Mike apparently wasn't aware of. As he was backing it up to hook on the boat trailer, he misjudged a little bit and backed our brand-new blazer right into the tongue of the boat trailer. The resulting scratch was still visible 13 years later when we finally sent the vehicle to the great junkyard in the sky.

As for the stain in the passenger side floor board, that was my fault. Back in those days, coffee bought at the gas station came in Styrofoam cups. We were driving along enjoying the day as I sipped my coffee. I took a big old swig and felt something floating around in my mouth. My immediate reaction was to spew everything in my mouth into the floor of the car.

Mike's immediate reaction was to yell at me, "What the hell did you do that for?!" His eyes were bugging out of his head and I swear he was about to drive off the road, although I don't know what he was so upset about since he had just rammed the boat trailer the day before.

"I thought there was a bug in my coffee," I said looking guilty.

Turns out, it wasn't a bug after all. It was just a stray piece of Styrofoam that apparently had been in the cup before I filled it. Go figure.

So, that's how we began with our very first brand-new car. Now 13 years later we have another new vehicle that so far we've manage not to damage yet. I'd better go knock on some wood, don't you think?

GoConnect - A Real Estate App

How does a busy real estate agent keep up with it all? Why, with the GoConnect App, of course!

With the GoConnect app, real estate agents can create to-do lists and get things done quickly. Schedule appointments and keep them with friendly reminders on your cell. The beauty of this app is that it's simple. No cumbersome features that you have to figure out - just plain, simple task management functions created by agents for agents.

I looked over the GoConnect website and I have to say, I'm kind of impressed. This little app helps you keep track of everything from scheduling inspections to sending welcome emails - you'll never miss an appointment or forget to do something again.

I'm no real estate agent, but a real estate app like this one makes me wish I was just so I could use it. I wonder if this baby would help organize other careers, too?

Good News! I'm a Grandma!

Who'd a thunk it? At the ripe old age of 42, my oldest has made me a grandma.

It was a surprise, but not really so. I mean, when two young kids spend all their time doing the wild thing, it's bound to happen. The surprising part, though, was the fact that she was already four months along before they even knew she was pregnant. Such a thin girl, that one.

Anywho, they told us by giving us small gifts to open. My gift was a onesie and a package of pacifiers. I was the first to open my gift and it took a minute to register what the hell they were giving me. Seriously, I opened the package and sat there, not comprehending what I was looking at. When it finally dawned on me, a flood of emotions ran through my head in a matter of seconds. It was a very confusing moment for me, to say the least.

Once I got my shit together, it was a happy moment, and now we have little Jace. He's a doll, let me tell you. And, lucky me - I'm the designated babysitter for the little guy while his parents are at work. A blessing and a curse, I wouldn't trade it for anything because I know I'll be THE granny, and that's alright by me.

It's a Telefunken Kind of Christmas

It's a little late in the game, seeing as it's Christmas Eve, but if you have a singer in your midst, the telefunken m80 at guitar center makes a great gift. Reproducing and amplifying the voice for perfect sound quality, this little gem is a must-have for anyone who wishes their voice to be heard. I'm guessing it would be a great addition for those singing in seedy bars and nightclubs to get their songs heard over the crowds of people who show up to hear you sing.

You know, I'd buy one for myself, but the family has already told me not to quit my day job. I'm not entirely sure why they say that because I have the voice of an angel.

No, really I do. It brings tears to the eyes of everyone who's ever heard me sing. :)

The Magic that is Christmas

Now that my kids are older (14 and 16 and one out of the house), Christmas just doesn't hold the same "magic" that it used to when they were little. Sure, things are much easier now - they don't care if the gifts are wrapped and I don't have to go out of my way to sneak the gifts under the tree anymore, but man, I kind of miss it.

This year, I ordered a few things online and as soon as they came in the mail, the kids were asking if they could go ahead and "open" their presents. Open being the operative word here because I hadn't even wrapped them yet. I held out as long as I could, but finally gave in last night and let them have their gifts - unwrapped. Although the kids were extremely happy, I still feel let down this morning.

There was no anticipation, no fun in watching them rip open the colorful paper to discover what's inside, nothing. Just, "Here you go. Have fun."

Next year, we're doing it differently. I'm not going to give in to their constant demands to open gifts early. I'm going to wrap every single present and place it under the tree days ahead of time, just so everyone can see them. We will wait until Christmas morning to open said gifts and have hot cocoa and listen to Christmas music.

OK, so that sounds like a plan. Now, what do I do with myself now that the holiday festivities are over before the holiday really even began?

Reeds Sells Scott Kay Wedding Bands

Did you know Reeds sells Scott Kay wedding bands?

It's true! Even though I've been married for 17 years, and love, love, love my own wedding band, I really enjoy looking at them online. I've never actually told Mike I'd like a new one, but I'd surely NOT turn one down if he bought me one.

One of the sites I like to browse is Reeds. I'm partial to white gold, and the rings on here are absolutely gorgeous! One of my favorites is this one.

Isn't it fabulous?! Mike is a little less inclined to agree with me once he sees the price tag, but whatever. A girl can dream, can't she? 

Kid Gets Nothing for Christmas - Or So He Says

As I was browsing Facebook this morning, I came across this post and it got me thinking, "How would I handle this situation?" I'm forever telling anyone and everyone my thoughts on what's wrong with the world today, and this is a fine example. Kids today feel a sense of entitlement and it makes me sad. I don't know if this is true or not (I didn't take the time to find out), but regardless, it got me wondering how I'd handle it.

My first thoughts were that I'd be hurt. It's hard for me to imagine my kids saying something like this on Facebook or anywhere. It would break my heart.

Then, my next thought was, I'd be mad as hell - so mad in fact, I probably wouldn't have been able to write such a sad reply to his post. As one commentor says,

"How true is this? I only ask because if one of my kids pulled this shit, I don't think I'd be able to control my anger long enough to write a sweetly articulate little comment like that. I'd be too busy taking every single thing my kid enjoys and setting it on fire (only to later regret it and wish I'd held a garage sale)."

That sounds about right to me. But would I really? I don't know. I hope I never have to find out because I think more than anything, I'd be devastated.

How would you feel and how do you think you'd handle a situation like this?