The WordPress Edition Time again to share my fav new web dev tools. First off, my love of HTML5 Boilerplate continues. Though I still don’t understand how to use it all (I’m still confused about the Build Script!). Boilerplate is now standard in all my site builds. And seriously, is there any simpler way to [...]

I’vejustbeentoobusy topostanythingnewsincelastdecember. Really. Check my Twitter feed–still alive and kicking! kidshomefromcollege•familyskiand

A few months ago, I wrote a post covering some wonderful new web tools that I had begun to use with this project, now live and it’s time for an update. HTML5 Boilerplate HTML5 Boilerplate has gathered a strong following in the web dev community. And for good reason—it is awesome! The authors also released an [...]

Normally, I design and build custom WordPress sites. From scratch. Designed for the client, using static HTML and CSS and then ‘WordPressified’ into appropriate templates. (My fav WP base is H5.) And then I launch the new site. But last week, I was introduced to an entirely new way to use WordPress—as a proposal tool! Really…I [...]

I find myself explaining the process of website design & development repeatedly, so it’s time to write a show-and-tell post. First off, let me say that this is my process. Other designers & developers may differ somewhat, especially if they work within larger team environments. Yet, every site does go through a similar creative to [...]

It’s been a long day, but I feel the need to share. Today started early (7:30 am) when—after making lunches for the kids and sending them to school—I sat down w/coffee and email. Designer/IT Help Desk One of my Eastern time clients (I’m Pacific) was having trouble accessing his webmail (day 2). The day before, I [...]

If you’re a web designer, and in particular, a print designer who has migrated to web design, you’re likely any or all of the following: accustomed to selecting & purchasing fonts based on client branding and application needs experienced with legally including/embedding necessary fonts with print-ready files to send to printer, sign fabricator, etc. sick [...]

Happy 2010 to Everyone! I’ve just returned from a week of vacation with my family and dear friends in Tahoe. The quartet of masked figures below is me (on right) with my children atop Heavenly. My husband, poor Jim, had severe sciatica and was unable to ski/board with us. :( Nonetheless, we had a wonderful [...]

It’s year end and time to take stock of the biz. Did I accomplish my goals? What is in store for 2010? Are my clients happy? Am I happy? Overall, it’s been a good year. Though I didn’t reach my income goal, 2009 was better than 2008. In this economy, that’s a win! Plus, as [...]

I just completed a small job for a new client. And I think it was quite a lesson for us both—in a good way! The Highest Bidder Wins! This client went seeking a new web designer on oDesk. As you may be aware, oDesk is a guilty daily pleasure of mine—a love/hate kind of thing, [...]

I had the good fortune of attending my first WordCamp this weekend. And though I was reluctant to give up two days of mid-September gardening, I knew I should give it a go. But I had reservations about how I’d fit in. It turned out to be a totally interesting crowd of very diverse people–and [...]

That’s short for Web Design and Do It Yourself Recently, I lost a prospective web client. Bummer. Doesn’t want to spend the money or thinks he cannot afford to spend the money for a custom site. OK. That’s cool. But, stop and think for a minute. Imagine you’re highly skilled & educated in your field. [...]

I’ve just begun work with a new client for a complete website overhaul (copywriting, design, navigation–the works). And this client had some very good questions about what to expect about how the workflow process would proceed. For those of you with similar questions, let me share the conversation… Client: Could you map out for us [...]