I’ve never written a blog post about a vendor I’ve hired or worked with. Usually because I’d have to say something not so nice and that would just be sucky of me. But in case you’re ever in need of snazzy design, quick turnaround, and all around cool peeps to work with… these are your guys:

Men With Pens

MenWithPens.ca is a design team that one of my so-awesome clients Chris Cade recommended to me. I gave them a whirl this past week for another client’s project and HOLY COW! I love love LOVE these guys! My client had an emergency and needed a full fledged page design with programming to boot, plus some pretty hefty wizard coding on some dynamic tabs. And they needed it designed, coded, tested and live in five days.

I don’t know how many designers you’ve worked with but I’m lucky if I get a logo designed that fast. Websites typically take a month or longer. Not only did James Chartrand and the whole Men With Pens team get us everything before our deadline, they were instantaneous in response pretty much all the time and very easy and enjoyable to work with. Their kick ass design skills at that point are a major perk.

They’re not cheap and they shouldn’t be. These guys seriously over deliver. But if you need a web design that runeth over with personality and professionalism and a team you can actually enjoy working with and depend on… look no further.

I get absolutely nothing for recommending them. They just kick ass and credit is given where credit is due!

Much love!

Jaime

Sedona is one of those magnificent places where you’ll almost miss the magic if you never get past the hype and chatter of the tourists vying to have a spiritual experience. It has come to be one of my most cherished getaways, along with its tiny mountain neighbor Flagstaff.

My brother and I made a trip up to Flag and Sedona this past November for my birthday and we had a couple notable experiences worth mentioning.

A bit of back story first:

As a Scorpio (and on the cusp of Sagittarius), my symbol is the Phoenix. I border on obsessed with the mythology, symbology and power of the Phoenix archetype. My first company was called PhoenixFire, my license plate is FENXFYR, one of my fantasy series is about a Phoenix, you get the idea…

Well on my birthday, Matthew and I are taking in the sun and 360-degree vistas atop Airport Rock when Matthew grabs my attention with a poignant look. I stare back and he simply nods up toward the sky with a knowing smile. I follow his gaze, and soaring above us…

–

My very own phoenix in the shape of a cloud.

Rock on birdy – I hear ya!

The Happy Ending Bar & Restaurant

So this Tuesday Rachel and I bid our farewells. Not permanent, mind you, as we’ll reconnect soon I’m sure. But after living together for 7 months and becoming best friends and even partners on a very successful product…well it was a big deal.

So we sent her off in style, going to Happy Ending, a wonderful, low-key club on Sunset in Hollywood.

Here’s a video of our evening, along with my inability to operate my new flip camera… (hey I’m a girl, I’m not supposed to get along with electronics… right??)

Though I’ve mentioned her in a few posts here, I want to talk about one of the most influential, beautiful, kind-hearted people in my life:

Rachel Rofe

This post is sort of an ode to her as she is leaving in a week for a two-month road trip across the United States, after which we will reconnect in South America.

10 Reasons Why I Love Rachel:

1. You can always see the open love and acceptance in her eyes. Just look at any of the videos on her blog and you’ll see what I mean
2. She challenges me to be a better person, yet she accepts me wholeheartedly as I am – flaws and all
3. She’s the same height as me. We can share shoes and clothes! (as tall as I am that is a BLESSING)
4. She can be honest with me, and I can be honest with her – even when what we have to say isn’t easy or comfortable
5. She always brightens my day and the day of those around her. I’ll watch her talk to someone, and she has the ability to make everyone around her feel cherished and appreciated
6. She helps me appreciate flip flops
7. Her intelligence and wit will floor you. We all walk around spouting “Rofeisms” because regular speech just isn’t nearly as stellar as Rofe-speak
8. I’ve never met anyone as authentically supportive as she is. She wants nothing in return.
9. If she had $5 left to her name, and I needed $3, she’d not hesitate to give it.
10. She knows what bliss feels like and strives for it, no matter how challenging the journey. Oh yeah, and she’s walked on fire!

So here’s to Rachel. I’ll miss you!