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Monthly Archives: October 2009

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Hop Kiln Winery {gets a makeover}

I was so very excited to discover this morning that a web site I designed way back in May {and have been collaborating with the third party developer all summer/fall} is finally, FINALLY online! Yippee! This project is particularly exciting to see come to life because nearly every single photograph on the web site is one that I’ve taken. This site is the perfect example of how good design and great photography can re-define your entire brand.

Hop Kiln Winery {who you’ve definitely seen mentioned in this blog before} is one of my favorite clients – partially because they are a winery {i love wine} and partially because they are a sister property to Kenwood Inn and Spa {which has become one of my favorite places in the entire world} but mostly, because the people there are really fantastic and a joy to work with. Did I mention they make really great wine? Yeah, they do. Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County – Hop Kiln produces some delicious estate Pinot Noir as well as a charming Chardonnay and several other delicious proprietary blends.

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We are about to embark on another exciting design project which is still top secret – but you can bet I will share it with you when it’s finished! In the meantime, check out their new web site, join one of their three wine clubs and generally investigate this jewel of Westside Road: Hop Kiln Winery.

Dog is Good – second time on National TV!

So I woke up this morning to find frantic text messages from my dear friend Joanie (owner of the fabulous Idawg Clothing Co.) These texts contained delightful news.

Apparently last night, while I made my boyfriend switch from “Dancing with the Stars” to “So you Think you can Dance” (because for some unknown and terrible reason House wasn’t on?) – I just barely missed seeing the lovely Karina Smirnoff modeling our Dog is Good Blue Bling tee on National TV.  I can’t believe I missed it!?

Apparently Karina showed up for rehearsal with the bling tee on, partially covered by a hoodie – but because of the steamy nature of dancing, she quickly ditched the hoodie and there it was in all it’s electric blue, sparkly glory!! Ahhhh I love it.

We met Karina last year at the Emmy event and gave her the tee and got to hear all about her awesome pups (including one very darling pit bull back at her home in New Jersey) – we instantly liked this dancing girl (and her awesome PR gal Melissa) but I have to say I extra-super-duper lover her now :)

Thanks Karina!  If you want a matching blue bling tee of your very own (only $19.95) or you want to see more photos of celebs with Dog is Good gear – visit the Dog is Good web site.

I will post the video from last night as soon as I can get my paws on it and edit it for web!

(P.S. if you’re wondering what the first National TV appearance was for Dog is Good – it was on Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog” with Victoria Stilwell which was filmed at Dog is Good world headquarters in Seal Beach, CA)

And we’re back…

Boy do I have a TON to share with you!!!

Since the last time we spoke I : photographed a beautiful wedding on Orcas island, went to Africa (and shot a beautiful wedding there), had mini-stops in Amsterdam, Nairobi and Lusaka, got home and slept for a day or two, flew to LA, had an epic planning and design session for Dog is Good, attended the “Surf City, Surf Dog” event at Huntington Beach, had my favorite sandwich in the world at Crema cafe, took three 12 year olds to Disney, flew from LA to San Francisco, drove to Sonoma, stayed at Kenwood, had meeting at my favorite winery “Hop Kiln,” less than 24 hours later drove back to San Francisco, flew home, had TWO Fall portrait events at Lucky Dog Outfitters, shot a “deluxe digs” piece for CityDog and then spent pretty much all other waking hours catching up!

Due to the distribution of photos on various travel hard drives (and my NEW and GORGEOUS iMac in the office) I don’t have much to show you yet… but this is my “I am still alive post” with promise of LOTS of lovely images, interesting stories to come! *whew*