Holiday Wishes from Cinnamon Toast!

Cinnamon Toast wishes you and yours a fabulous and fun filled holiday season! We will be closed from December 23rd to January 4th.

See you in the new year!

Spicy + Savvy Cocktail Party a Success!

WOW! What an awesome night! We both feel so lucky to have such wonderful clients, friends and family. Our cocktail night at HUSH Clothes was a huge success and we couldn't have done it without the help of all of your sponsors... and you!

Special thanks goes to:

Allison of Live Love Plan - Get ready for her new website coming this January and watch out for her at the Wedding Show on the 9th. She did a great job helping us plan and day of coordination.

Marcello's Market and Deli - They supplied all the yummy food platters... we didn't go hungry thanks to them! We are currently working on their new website- so watch out for it VERY SOON.

The Flour Shoppe - We like to call her the cup cake girl! Thanks so much Melissa for creating such DELICIOUS mini cupcakes in flavours that went with our spicy theme. We can't wait to help her launch her new store in the Glebe, it is going to take Ottawa by storm! Get ready!!

HUSH Clothes - Thanks so much to the owners of HUSH who graciously let us use their great space for our event (and for supplying 20% off store wide to all of our clients)

AMB Photo - We are so impressed with Anne's amazing photos and offering to take pictures all night. She gave us a sneak peak at a few today and they are so pretty! Check them out HERE!

And to SO many others who contributed with prizes and the live music!

We couldn't be happier! (or more grateful!)

How a Web Design goes Straight to Hell

This has to be the best article I have seen in a long time! Made me laugh right out loud. You MUST check it out.

Thanks Alix!

Spicy + Savvy Holiday Party... Around the corner!

Hey Everyone! SO excited that our Holiday party is ALMOST here. We have had so much fun planning it with Allison Turner, and can't thank everyone who has been such a fabulous part of our event.

Watch out for, Renu Spa, Marcello's, Ottawa Flowers, Beyond Creations, and The Flour Shoppe... to name a few!

We are so pleased to have a live band coming at 8pm and... our own signature cocktail. Watch out for the cuties behind the bar!

See you soon!
xo

Trey Anthony Productions!

We are thrilled to be working with Trey Anthony, Canadian comedian and playwright on her new upcoming website. Watch out for her urban, modern chic new look! We can't wait to get started on this amazing project!

Fuchsia Factory Website LIVE!

Cinnamon is so pleased to announce that The Fuchsia Factory website is officially live! it has been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait. Online registration is now available making this express networking event, even more express.

Special thanks to Tina for being such a pleasure to work with. Can't wait to keep going! Franchising is NEXT!

Ottawa Flowers at Ottawa Wedding Show!

Just finished the new ad for Ottawa flowers to advertise their spot at the Ottawa Wedding show coming up in January! www.weddingpalace.ca

We are loving the creative freedom they are giving us... (if you ask us that's when we do our best stuff!)

We have a ton of other clients heading out their too, so don't miss out! Be sure to check out:

Allison Turner and iBelieve Events... and Flowers Talk too!

Looks like this year is going to be PACKED with talent.

Ramona Packham gets up and tweeting!

Cinnamon Toast and Blackbird are working with Ramona Packham, an HR Consultant here in Ottawa. We are having so much fun with her brand, and love working with Ramona.

Check her out on Twitter at twitter.com/ramonapackham

What's in the Box!?

Cinnamon and Blackbird Communications are working with Allison Turner, who is making Event Planning unique! I can't spill too many secrets, but she has come up with a great way to help her clients plan without a hitch. To find out more, watch our for her website launch this January! Only then will you find out what is in the box!

Girls Night - The Musical

Wow! Last week was a busy one... and Cinnamon is so pleased to be working along side Terry Tyo of Push marketing and Carrie Irvine from Blackbird Communications to help promote a fabulous new musical coming to Ottawa in February!

Get your girlfriends together and head out to see this heart warming and funny musical. GIRLS NIGHT is bursting with energy and is packed with hits Lady Marmalade, It's Raining Men, Man, I Feel Like a Woman, I Will Survive, We are family and many more! So Grab the girls and get ready to party.

Watch out for when you can get your tickets!

Cherry Blossom Studio Tweets!

Cinnamon is so pleased to be working with Andrea from Cherry Blossom Studio on her new twitter page and some new clothing designs! Watch out for cute booty shorts, tanks, tees and more!

We can't wait to get started...

I only drink...

Cinnamon and Northern Water Quality Management are busy with all sorts of new developments! The website is now in full swing, and we just finished designing some fun clothing designs for them. Love working with a client who is excited to make their brand unique and eye catching! Makes my life so easy...

Stay tuned for the website launch!

Spicy + Savvy Holiday Party

We are so excited to announce our first Spicy + Savvy holiday party!!

In appreciation of all our fabulous clients, colleagues, friends and family, we invite you to our Spicy + Savvy Christmas Cocktail Party!

The party will be held at HUSH Clothing in Westboro, so you can shop while you mingle on Thursday, December 17th, 2009, 6pm - 10pm.

Try our signature Sinfully Cinnamon Cocktail, nibble on delicious appetizers compliments of Marcello's Market and Deli and enjoy fresh florals courtesy of Ottawa Flowers.

A special thanks to Allison Turner, Live Love Plan, for helping us coordinate this event!

Spicy + Savvy Dives into Social Media

We have been busy brainstorming on how we can offer more to our clients, and it looks like Social media and viral marketing is the way to do it! The Spicy + Savvy team have been busy putting together fresh Social Media Packages for your business... we can't wait to share them with you... we have an amazing expert on hand!

Watch out for our launch... coming SOON!

Just found this!

Just found this fun pic from the fabulous Cherry Pie event here in Ottawa! Check out Cinnamon's fun clothing designs! (and Cinnamon's fabulous new designer, Alix Mitchell in the middle!)

Can't wait for the next one!

Thanks to Snap Ottawa for taking the pic!

KS Restaurant on the Keys

Cinnamon is pleased to be working with KS Restaurant- a hot new resto bar and lounge in South Keys. We have seen the construction site, and we must say it is going to be gorgeous. Stone textures, deep rich colours, and a very modern geometric feel.

We love it and can't wait to get in their with our fav photographer this coming Friday to shoot the awesome space for their upcoming website launch.

Will share more details soon!

IABC Awards Gala

Cinnamon Toast is pleased to be working along side Carrie Irvine of Blackbird Communications to create the 2010 IABC awards Gala marketing campaign and look.

We are so excited to announce that it will be held at the Chateau Laurier - so get ready for a formal cocktail event with style and glitz!

Think chandeliers, champagne, with just the right amount of glam.

Twitter page launching soon!

Lessons Learned.

Wow! Last week was a crazy one full of lessons and over all business sense. As a young business owner it is always amazing what I can learn in a week. The curve can be daunting! Sometimes they are lessons that are rewarding and others... just a big pain in the arse. Even so, all of them make us better services providers as well as less naive in the long run. I often get gut feelings that I tend to ignore, and in the end kick myself for not going with my heart and head. There are a few ways to prevent the harsher lessons from knocking on your door more often then you would like.

So- how to avoid these kinds of situations...

1. Look at the history. Friends, clients, bosses, peers- it is all the same. If someone is continually feeling as though they have been let down, screwed around, hurt, ignored, etc etc. No matter how good YOUR intentions are YOU will eventually be the person that they complain about. It is just the way it goes. So, a good general rule... if a person constantly complains about others behaviors and their bad history you will eventually be a part of it in the future. Of course, sometimes people do just have had BAD luck...

2. Communicate. So often I wish I had of said something sooner. Made it clearer. Voiced my opinions. Out of not wanting to stir the pot sometimes I hold back, and it normally haunts me later. So go ahead. Say your two cents... but be weary... it might not be well received.

3. Write it down. Make sure that the agreement you share is clear by both parties. Expectations are on the table. This way, should one party not come through or ask for items outside of the agreement you can refer back to the original understanding.

4. Lean on your friends. Having a terrible week? Feeling overwhlemed? Sometimes we forget about the people who are our biggest fans. The ones that stand up for us, believe in us, and are always first to come to our side. It is easy to get caught up in the tension of it all - but we have good people in our lives for a reason.

7. Let it go. You can't make everyone happy. It is near to impossible. Some people are not going to like you or your business. That's okay. You simply can't appeal to everyone. Sigh.

6. Go with your gut. Yup... bottom line is go with what it is telling you. Have a bad feeling tha a client is going to be more of a trouble then it is worth? Not sure to spend the money? Feel like a person can't be trusted? Don't do it. A little money lost here or there... a lot of money saved when it comes to your troubles.

How Clean is your Water?

Cinnamon is pleased to be working with Northern Water Quality Management in North Bay. They are a fabulous company whose mission is to keep your water safe and clean at home and at work.

We are having so much fun with their brand and are now working on their twitter and social media package along with their brand new website!

We can't wait to share it with you!

Watch for it...

The holidays are around the corner...

Yup. I said it. The holidays are coming... and at Cinnamon we're getting ready! This year, customize your own holiday ecard!

Check out a few from last year to get you in the mood:

Blackbird Communications
VSP Printing
Cinnamon Toast

Don't want an ecard? We can design the old fashioned kind too!

Cinnamon Launches NEW site!

We are SO excited to finally launch our *much overdue* website design! Special thanks to our amazing developers, writers, and anyone else who helped us get this up...

To celebrate... for the month of November purchase a new logo design and we'll design your bizz cards for free!

Watch out for constant portfolio updates... we have so much in store!

Ottawa Flowers gets a bold new look!

Cinnamon and Blackbird Communications have been working with Ottawa Flowers to create a modern new approach for their look. It has taken a bunch of back and forth and tons of designs, but we are pleased with the final look!

It is sexy, bold, and mod. We can't wait to show it to you! (a sneak peak only)

Now... we have to convince them to go with a foil on the bizz card... or maybe a varnish. ;)

Spicy + Savvy on Facebook

Spicy + Savvy are officially on Facebook! Check it out!

Fabulous Friday!

I didn't get to my blog of the week last week... I am still trying to get in a routine. Not the easiest to do! This week is a really fun home decor blog... graphic, modern, and edgy! Love all their accessories and find it so inspirational...

Enjoy!

www.designpublic.com

Love this.

You know who you are.

The Ups and Downs of being an Entrepreneur...

It has been an insanely busy month here at Cinnamon, and it always brings forth new challenges, exciting new clients, and bumps in the road.

If you're a business owner, you know how amazing it feels to wake up every morning knowing you are doing what you love the most. You are your own boss. You make the calls- and at the end of the day it's your decision whether or not you want take a day off or two.

If you're a business owner, you also know all too well, that days off come far and few between and that when you DO in fact take a day off, you will regret it for the next week in efforts to catch up. So the cycle continues. Freedom with chains. Can be pretty daunting.

So, how can we make sure we don't get swallowed up by the craziness that is owning your own business? I am no expert- but I have come a long a few tricks from either past experiences or others in my boat:

1. For every awful or discouraging email you receive (you know the ones I am talking about!)- I bet you have far more positive feedback. Just the other day, I received a harsh email that set me back a good hour and what did I do? I focused on that message all day. I didn't seem to notice that I also received three emails from clients that were light hearted, happy and full of compliments. These messages are easy to forget... and although every nasty email holds a lesson... the good ones are there for a reason.

2. Learn to say no. I am sure you have a list of services you offer your clients... a list of " yes rules"you apply to make sure your business the best it can be. Make sure you have a list of " no rules" too.

3. Get a Lawyer. When your heart tells you the verbal agreement isn't quite good enough- have it written down on paper... legally.

4. Love your accountant. A good accountant is like a cheerleader and a coach. They feel like celebrating when you have had a successful month, year etc. but they also remind you to keep things in check.

5. Leverage Social Media. Yup- get to know your competition, talk to your clients, and learn from others.

6. Avoid Social Media cliques. Expand your horizons. Talk to people you don't know... and if someone's tweets makes you feel icky.( too many, too personal, too direct, too fake etc.) Stop following them. They won't notice.

7. Don't click send. Yet. You know the emails that make you want to say things that maybe aren't the BEST reaction. Breathe. Take a moment to relax. Step away from the computer. Count to ten. Whatever. Some things need to be said. People need to know when they are out of line... but just like any message think before sending it. Are you saying it directly and professionally? Or are you jumping the gun and going to regret it later?

8. Personable... NOT personal. One of my go to girls for all things business coined this term and she is so right. A good service provider is warm and inviting. A good service provider also knows when to keep her mouth shut when it comes to anything personal. We all have stories... and some of them will bite you in the ass. Trust.

9. Inspire yourself. Some days my head is down so far into my computer screen I haven't taken a moment to look up and take in the good stuff. Every business owner needs to feel inspired. Inspired to do better, inspired to become more skilled, inspired to make more money, inspired to set yourself apart. Whatever your inspiration is... don't loose sight of it.

10. Turn your blackberry off. Same goes for your computer. Every once and awhile.

HUSH Emails get pretty!

Cinnamon has been working with Angie from HUSH to create a fabulous new esignature for them! We are so pleased with the results! Watch out for their cute new signature when they email you...

iBelieve Sneak Peak...

Cinnamon is so pleased to be working along side Tanya from iBelieve events here in Ottawa. She is such a wonderful client and I just love her vision and enthusiasm for her company!

Here's a sneak peak.. more to come with our official launch!

Spicy and Savvy Newsletter Launch

We have finally gotten that newsletter out and we are so excited about it! This week, Spicy + Savvy are meeting up with some great Social Media experts to get rolling on our fabulous new packages.

Can't wait to officially launch them!

Sign up for our newsletter at www.blackbirdcommunications.ca

The Fuchsia Factory!

Hey Ladies! Tomorrow is the FIRST official launch for The Fuchsia Factory- express networking for savvy women.

We are so happy to be working along side Tina to create this modern and poppy brand and am so excited to attend this fabulous event tomorrow. (we hear that the Flour Shoppe is giving some of their fab cupcakes away!)

Working away on the new design for the website, and can't wait to launch! Going to be the cutest!

Halloween is Around the Corner!

Halloween is only 2 weeks away and we have been busy with a fab new client- Amarain. Watch out for this new Arabic RestoLounge featuring great eats, amazing DJ's and a all night dancing.

We are pleased to be working along side this great team and love their new look!

WARNING: Difficult Clients ahead!

At Cinnamon, I have countless clients that are so appreciative of all of our work- so easy to work with, fun loving, and creative. It makes my life so much easier and I can't help but love doing my job!

BUT... every now and then... like any other job we encounter clients that we like to call Grinders. If your a business owner or in the service industry, you know what I am talking about. It's human nature, and well... it goes with the job.

In the graphic design industry you have a few warning signs that go off once you know what you're looking for. I just love this article by Smashing Magazine out lining the "scary" clients.

Enjoy...

Fabulous Friday!

What a fast week! With Monday being a holiday, I can't believe it is already Friday! This week we're highlighting Smashing Magazine... and online go to guide for all things graphic design. I love their articles, tutorials and freebies. This is a great site to keep you in the know of all the latest trends as well as a massive database of amazing info.

Check it out and enjoy!

www.smashingmagazine.com

Crazy week!

Wow! What a crazy week at Cinnamon. It seems that everything is going on at once! We are working away on so many great projects- and can't wait to share them really soon...

The Fuchsia Factory website has begun production, Connect the Dots is around the corner, Stories From our Black Books is about to launch... and Cinnamon's new site is THIS close to being ready.

Watch out for some great stuff coming soon!

Fabulous Friday!

It's Friday... of a long weekend! Love those the best... So this weeks blog is by Jun Loayza an avid blog writer on all things to do with being (and becoming) a successful entrepreneur. I love his writing style, and his honesty. (plus it is really informative and helpful!)

Enjoy...

www.junloayza.com

and Happy Turkey!

Digital Print VS Offset

This is a question Cinnamon comes across almost every day! I am always talking about it with a client for their new business cards and promo pieces- and nearly always trying to help them decide which one is the best choice for them. And that's just it- it's a choice. Both with their pros and cons.

The industry of print in general is a HUGE one. I would like to think I know quite a bit about it, but on the grand scheme of things... well I know only a chunk. It is a huge industry to know WELL. When it comes to all the options - there are just too many to count. Understanding paper weight is a whole under taking on its own.

So when it comes to print.. what is the best solution? There really isn't a clean cut answer to this. It depends on so many things! Check out this great article that explains the differences between offset and digital and both of their advantages.

Long story short, I say finding a printer you love is like finding an exceptional hair stylist. VERY hard. You know, one does a great cut, but they can't seem to nail that golden blond you want so badly. Or, maybe one is really friendly, but can't seem to get those bangs just so. Same goes for printers.

In the end, whetever your choice, make sure the print job is exceptional. For me and my clients? We use both... switching back and forth depending on the product , the market and the purpose.

Happy Printing!

Logo 101

We've been busy at Cinnamon designing lots of brands this month! Some things to remember when working on your own brand:

1. Know what your logo represents and how it reflects your business
2. Make sure logo can be described. (ie the Nike Swooooosh that looks like an abstract check mark)
3. Make an impression. Is your logo memorable?
4. Does your logo work in Black and white? Is your message still as identifiable?
5. Can your logo be scaled down to an inch by an inch and still look good? Too much detail can be a bad thing!
6. Choose your colours wisely. Do they print well? Do they complement each other? Do you have more then five? Eeek...

Reflect on your brand... bottom line. Keep it simple.

Pretty Tweets!

Cinnamon loves all things pretty- and that includes social media. Want to leverage your business and create consistent branding? Make your Twitter page pretty! Cinnamon just finished this cute one for Sugar Baking in Toronto. Catherine, the owner and baker extraordinaire has the sweetest look and it wasn't hard to capture this for her twitter page!

Check out her pretty site at www.sugar-baking.com...

Her new twitter page should be up in no time!

Fabulous Friday! On a Sunday...

Friday at Cinnamon was a bit crazy so our weekly highlight of fab blogs got pushed to the back of the priority list. Now that we have a moment, we want to showcase Jessica Claire. I was told about her photography about a year ago, and I can't help but check out her beautiful photos at least once a month. She captures moments so beautifully - every shot she takes is so full of energy.

Love it!
www.jessicaclaire.net

RP HR Consulting Brand!

Cinnamon and Blackbird have teamed up to work with Ramona Packham of RP HR CONSULTING to create a sophisticated and colourful new brand.

We are so excited to get moving on all of her marketing pieces and create a sleek warm look for her new website coming soon.

Watch for it!

Cherry Pie Duds at HUSH - coming soon!

Cinnamon is SO excited to confirm that Cherry Pie Duds will be sold at HUSH in Westboro. The owners of HUSH have been so supportive, and we can't wait to officially get them in there in 2 weeks!

Official launch coming soon, so stay tuned!

Bizz2Bizz New Brand!

It has been a busy week at Cinnamon (and it is only Tuesday)! We are excited to present Biz2Biz, a new online company that adds a personal touch by connecting businesses with gift cards. Carol Smith, CEO and Founder of Biz2Biz has an amazing vision and we are so pleased to help her bring it to life with her retro and poppy new brand.

Up next? New website and social media here we come!

Cherry Pie duds...

Cinnamon is so pleased to be meeting on Thursday with the fab ladies over at HUSH clothing to chat about selling our exclusive Cherry Pie duds in their store! Nothing in writing yet, but could be amazing!

Can't wait to share more...

Check out HUSH online here!

Ignite your Inner Goddess!

Cinnamon is so pleased to team up with Carrie of Blackbird Communications to create the fabulous new brand for Goddnessnet. This online forum is geared towards women who want to chat and connect with like minded women. The brand presentation went off without a hitch and we are so excited to move forward with the lovely ladies behind this great vision!

Stay tuned for their official launch and more branding items!

Fabulous Friday!

There are some things we just can't get enough of - and this includes other blogs that focus on pretty things! Whether it be artwork, photography, clothing or fabulous design. We want to share our favorites with you...

This weeks fav?
Ma Petite Chou

For everything fashion check this blog out. This girl knows her style!
www.ma-petite-chou.com

Meet Sarah Kidder

Cinnamon Toast and Blackbird Communications are teaming up to work with interior decorator Sarah Kidder to create a fun and modern new look that matches Sarah's energy. Blackbird and Andrew Geddes met up with Sarah at beautiful Stacaro located on Sussex for her photoshoot in prep for her website and social media launch.

We can't wait to use the amazing photos in all of her branding pieces! They are amazing!

Spicy and Savvy Photo Shoot!

Special thanks to Andrew Geddes for the fabulous photo shoot! (as always!) We can't wait to launch the new look!

Watch for our newsletter launch... coming VERY soon!

Ottawa gets Musical!

Cinnamon is pleased to be working with the fantastic people responsible for Ottawa's Kiwanis music festival - an amazing event that showcases and rewards young musical talent.

It was time for a new brand that is as fresh and youthful as its main competitors! We look forward to offically launching this retro new brand very soon!

Sweet Success!

Cherry Pie was an amazing success this year! So many fabulous women showed up to this chic and fun event... a full night of networking and chatting up like minded women.

Can't wait for the next one!

See you there...

Sweet Cinnamon Duds at Cherry Pie!

Cinnamon and Cherry Pie have been baking up some exciting new ideas and we are ready to launch them at tomorrow nights Cherry Pie event at Lago!

Watch our for new Cherry Pie clothing. We are proud to launch Cherry Pie - Clothing for women in business who mean business and Sweetie Pie- duds for the little ones.

Find the Candy Car at tomorrow nights event and check us out!

Introducing The Fuchsia Factory!

Cinnamon Toast would like to introduce you to The Fuchsia Factory - express networking for savvy women.

We are pleased to be working alongside Tina Yelle in developing this fabulous new brand for savvy Ottawa business women.

Stay tuned for the website... and get ready to follow The Fuchsia Factory on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for all the latest updates!

Cinnamon is on Twitter!

We Tweet all things Cinnamon daily! Keep up with Cinnamon's latest clients, industry news and general fun facts!

Click here to follow us.

P.S. Are you on Twitter? We'll hook you up with a spicy new background. Contact us today!

Spicy and Savvy Prepping for Launch!

In prep for the official Spicy and Savvy launch, Carrie Irvine of Blackbird Communications and Cinnamon are teaming up for a photo shoot on Friday with our fav go to guy Andrew Geddes! Get ready for some amazing new social media packages to help leverage your companies online presence as well as our eTouch package that covers all things marketing online.

Spicy and Savvy have a lot in the works... watch for the official launch... we've got some good stuff cookin'!

Adding some Flavour to Cinnamon!

Cinnamon Toast is prepping to launch our new website in a big way! We can’t wait to show off our new look… With a spicy new approach and tons of eye candy we are excited to show off all of our fab clients and what we have been up to!

Here’s a sneak peak at what’s to come…


Stay Tuned!

Cinnamon Toast is pleased to be apart of Ottawa’s hottest women’s networking event- Cherry Pie!

Cherry Pie is bringing you another fabulous networking event for women in business who mean business! This September 22 at 7pm, Lago Restaurant at Dows Lake, Cherry Pie invites you to shop, sip, connect, barter, and negotiate!

Knight Enterprises is having a LIVE Hollywood style casting call for HGTV, Gowlings-Legal Consultations for modern businesswomen will be offering professional advice with regards to Taxes, Employees, Trademarks, Contracts and more!

Follow www.cherrypieottawa.com to learn more!

Happy Networking!

P.S- Cinnamon and Cherry Pie have been baking up something delicious! Introducing Cherry Pie Clothing.. Designed exclusively by Cinnamon Toast!

Cinnamon is flirting big time!

We are pleased to be partnering up with the team at Stories From Our Black Books- a project dedicated to women and their dating woes!

We have tons of exciting ventures planned for the 2009-2010 year:

• Our interactive website is launching at the end of September
• We have a new book coming out in November with launch parties in New York, Toronto and possibly even Las Vegas
• We are reworking and developing a sexy new play series
• We are developing new product partnerships so all our Stories women have access to the very best
• We are showcasing amazing art installations across North America in February!
• And there is so much more to look forward to!
• Got a juicy story to tell… and want to get published!
Share it online at www.storiesfromourblackbooks.com

Kule Kolour

Can’t decide on a colour palette? Check out Kuler brought to you by Adobe that helps you create, explore and share color themes and schemes all things creative! This amazing tool allows you to create colour palettes from existing photos, from scratch, or allows you to browse others.

Explore, Create and Share!

Check it out at: www.kuler.adobe.com

IABC Ottawa Season Opener!

Cinnamon Toast is pleased to be a sponsor at the 2010 Ottawa IABC Gala. Sitting on a team with some fabulous women we hope to bring the spotlight back to the creative community! Haven't registered for this years season opener yet? Check it out here: http://iabcottawa.eventbrite.com

Back to the Blog

We have been a little lack luster in the blog department for the past year- but that's about to change! Cinnamon has so much exciting news to tell, clients to celebrate, and events to talk about that it is time we got back to blogging. Plus- social media is all the rage and we don't want to be left out. Stay tuned!