dream journal

Make your mark.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:50:00 +0000

Hey parents! Want to teach your kids how to give back to their community?? Hey kids!! Want to make your mark on the word??

generationOn is a new movement igniting the power and potential of all young people to create more good in their lives and the lives of others. Newly created within the Points of Light Instititute, generationOn will be the largest youth volunteer organization in the nation.

COMING OCTOBER 2010.

Stay tuned.....

rachel | ernie

top 10 funny things clients say.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:35:00 +0000

Here at dreamscapes design group, we are so fortunate to have such amazing clients. Most of the time, we not only end up with a new client... but a friend.

STILL.... no design studio can get away with not hearing funny things from their clients from time to time. Here is our compilation of funny things our clients have said in the past year. {and if any our clients are reading this and you recognize the comment... know we STILL love you!! It's all part of the process!}

1. "Can you help me create a Face Space account?"

2. "We have been thinking about getting into social media, but we want to wait to see if it is really going to catch on."

3. I literally received an email the other night which read, "I am so sorry but I will need to email you the copy I am supposed to send you for our website tomorrow. My email isn't working" Me, "Thanks for sending me the email that your email isn't working. I will look for it tomorrow!"

4. "Can you make the logo bigger?" {This is probably only funny to other designers.}

5. Client, "My internet is broken. I type in my website and I don't come up." Me, "When I type it in it works..." Client, "Not for me. See.... www....." {client said website to me while typing it in} Me, "That isn't your website!"

6. "Should I have a blog? I don't really know what that is, but everyone else seems to have one."

7. I was trying to explain what foursquare is to a client who asked me about what it was. The client looked at me in complete disbelief. She said, "so let me get this straight. You check-in and post everywhere you go and all your friends can see it?" Me, "pretty much." Client, "and WHY would I want to do that??" Me, "I haven't really figured that out yet. I guess so you can see if anyone you know is there or nearby." Client, "Not for me. I spend most of my time trying to avoid the people I know."

8. "I want to make sure you use a punch of color. Like red. But not red red. Like a pink red. But definitely so it reads red and not pink. More like a real red." {yeah, let us just look up real red in the Pantone book!}

9. We were on a conference call with a client a few months ago and we recorded the conversation so we could go back and write down more details for the project later. The client was told the call was being recorded. The client responded, "Can this be used against me later?" We responded, "I thought we were discussing your branding. Is there something else you plan on telling us??"

And my favorite funny comment a client has said.....

10. "I want to be number one on Google."

To our clients... thanks for making us giggle! We love you all and feel truly honored to work with you.

rachel | ernie

love in 2010.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:31:00 +0000

Still wondering if social media is really mainstream??

rachel

our team.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:34:00 +0000

It has been one of those summers. One of those summers where everything is aligned oh-so-perfectly and where after years of hoping + praying + dreaming + working + holding our breath, things are falling into place. {Insert deep sigh of relief sound clip here}

We are doing what we love to do. In an area we love to do it. With clients we LOVE to work with. On projects that any design company would dream to work on.

So excuse my little love fest, if I take a brief moment to thank our team. The talented, driven, passionate, fun and ambitious small group that is part of our dreamscapes extended family. Our team is comprised of artists, designers, illustrators, programmers, copy writers, editors, organizers, production specialists and interns who take great pride in what they do and go above and beyond what is asked to deliver work that we are proud to say comes out of our little studio along the shoreline.

So to our dreamscapes peeps... thank you. It is an honor to work with you all.

XO!
rachel + ernie

dreamscapes hearts justin + mary even more!

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:07:00 +0000

I die! How do I even choose which to share??

can you stand how cute my boy is??

first dance sang by Ernie. yeah, I melted.

my gracie is never at a loss for words...

To view more images from their wedding, or just for daily postings that are my daily dose of feel good, visit the blog of Justin + Mary Photography.

rachel

dreamscapes hearts justin + mary photography.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:58:00 +0000

One of the greatest joys of working in the design world is the opportunities it affords to work with other like-minded and insanely talented individuals. Each new client opens a door to work with photographers, videographers, copy writers, printers, handmade paper designers and so many other individuals who rock their fields! These types of collaborations not only inspire but challenge us to bring our best work to the table so that the end result of the joint effort exceeds all of our wildest expectations and results with a client who loves us forever.

This one is personal.

Ernie and I had the honor of working with my only sister and now brother-in-law on their wedding. From save-the-dates, invitations, seating cards, custom illustrated tote bags and more, we were able to have a hand in turning their wedding vision into a reality.

And what a reality it was.

So, to capture the moments I could only think of one team. The artistic, emotion capturing, so-talented-it-isn't-fair, husband and wife duo which is Justin + Mary Photography. I had to share some of the first images to be posted on their blog yesterday. It is truly eye candy for the soul.

So, if you are one of our next clients who want images that will truly capture who you are.... allow us to make the introduction.

rachel

uz.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:43:00 +0000

After a particularly hectic week, {but exciting because of all the new clients and projects that have come on board!} Ernie sent this to me to add a little humor to my day.

It so perfectly captured us I just had to share!

Nothing like a laugh to close a Friday :)
Have a fun filled weekend!

rachel

simple pleasures.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0000

image found here

One tied dyed kit spontaneously purchased with the kids $7.99

{2} 5 pack of white t-shirts appropriately sized for two children $18

{1} package of rubber bands $3.50

Afternoon spent with my children...dipping, twisting, rinsing, laughing and talking?

priceless.

{my hands won't be blue forever, right?}

always a bride.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

It's funny the different paths life leads you on.

When my ex and I started the winery, hosting weddings wasn't even something on our radar. But as we started on our journey, I found myself thinking that the location was too beautiful to not host the beginning of a unique journey for other couples.

It started simply with Bill + Sally and when I left the winery to start on a different path, I had witnessed no less than 200 weddings. Hundreds of first kisses, first dances, tears of joy, loving glances, shared hopes and forever memories.

Through the years, I have had the great fortune to be allowed into these couples lives at a very precious time in theirs. Occasionally, the couple is so wonderful, so warm, so in love, so appreciative... it makes a lasting impression and they are forever part of my memory. Sometimes they will visit. Occasionally we get together. Once in a while I receive emails or photos of children that have come into their world. For me, it is magical to see how they mature and grow and become this family that they once dreamed about and shared with me through ear to ear smiles. I still see them... nervous and excited and dressed in white....

So to Janel, Holly, Liz, Julie, Caroline, Katy, Stacy and all the other lovely ladies who welcomed me into their moment and have stayed in touch over the years... to me, you will forever be "my brides."

rachel

getting organized.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:47:00 +0000

image found here

The more you grow the busier you get. The busier you get the more is created. The more you create the more cluttered our studio!

Next week I am taking an organization day to get rid of excess stuff, get us more organized and clean house so we can clear our heads and let the creativity in! It is so important to do this from time to time in both your personal and professional spaces. Not only do you feel better once you are finished, but you also get a nice walk down memory lane and get to appreciate just how far you've come!

Happy organizing!

rachel

closer to home.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:33:00 +0000

We don't often post private fundraisers on our blog, because the causes are so many and all so great. This one hits a little closer to home so we are making an exception. Caroline is a classmate of my 11 year old son and her charity has been created by her to help not herself, but to put a smile on the faces of the other children + families who battle this horrific illness.

For more on Caroline's story, you can follow her Caring Bridge site here. We realize most will not be able to attend the Sack Race, but donations can be made to Caroline's Miracle Foundation via mail to Webster Bank at the above address. There isn't a single person in our community who hasn't been touched by this young girl's strength, determination + courage.

rachel

ladies, a chance to re-invent yourself!

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:19:00 +0000

Our posts have been few and far between lately, but it is all for great reasons! We have been fortunate to have a fast growing list of incredible clients that have not only been happily keeping us busy, but have also inspired how we grow as a company. In the future I will be much better about blogging about all the projects we have been working on!

We couldn't be more excited about the latest launch of the website for Anne Garland Enterprises. Anne is one of those women who lives life to the fullest and has more energy and creativity than is fair to have in one person!! Her attention to detail, reputation for exceeding expectations, vibrancy and wealth of connections is what has made Anne Garland Enterprises and her Idea Circle for Women an enormous success. Needless to say we have been honored to work with her on the continuation of her branding, new website, email marketing and more.

The Annual Convention for Re-invention takes place on 10.22.10 and is an absolute MUST for any woman over 40 who is looking ahead to her future. It is a day long interactive event celebrating and inspiring women coming into their own, or who are rethinking where they are going. This event is both informative and FUN! Your soul will LOVE you for it!!

In honor of the launch of the new website for Anne Garland Enterprises, dreamscapes is offering the chance for one deserving woman to win a ticket to this extraordinary event sponsored by us! From now through July 9th, you can click on the dreamscapes Facebook page and leave a comment about Anne's new site. Everyone who enters a comment will be entered in a random drawing to win a ticket to the event. The winner will be announced on Monday, July 12th on our facebook page and on our blog. Men, you may leave a comment too and win a ticket for that special woman in your life to let her know how much you care and support her growth. :)

Click here to leave your comment and good luck!

rachel | ernie

peonies in bloom.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:53:00 +0000

image found here

I am in love with this flower. I have been patiently watching and waiting for them to open in my garden and today I was able to pick the first two and casually set them on my kitchen table.... my personal declaration that summer is on its way.

I love this time of year!

rachel

this path of ours.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:32:00 +0000

image found on a picture is worth a thousand words

We have been so fortunate this year. The house I purchased last July that seemed so foreign has now been filled with almost a years worth of memories and firsts. My children had an incredible year with neighborhood friends and their new school. Plants I hurried to put in the ground last fall to take root, are popping up like they have been here forever and creating that welcoming landscape I so cherish.

It feels like a home.

What's more amazing... is that the empty studio that now houses dreamscapes design group has blossomed into a thriving business. The creative projects that have been produced, the new clients we have met with and collaborate with, the hours spent brainstorming, drawing, designing and programming... mean something. dreamscapes is no longer just the dream of two people, it is where people come when they want a strong voice for their business, a unique brand, a dynamic web site, attention grabbing marketing materials, a presence in social media or a concrete plan for where their business is heading.

dreamscapes design group is becoming what we hoped, prayed and dreamed it would become.

But being the person I am, I still have those moments of panic. Are we doing well enough? Are we giving our clients everything we've got? Should we be busier? Are we too busy? Will we be able to continue to grow? Are we learning quick enough? What if we make a mistake?

If you own your own business, these questions are nothing new. They are the same questions any business owner asks themselves. The what ifs can drive you crazy and certainly impede on the creative process.

And then I hear guitar music coming from the other room. Where I can stress myself {and anyone around me!} out beyond belief... my partner does just the opposite. When he hits a creative wall or a project just won't come together, he walks away. He goes in the other room and he plays his guitar. There is something about that sound that can just break through all the mental clutter and calm like nothing else. It enables me to clear my head, take a deep breath and continue on our path.

And this path is a great one.

rachel

the search is on.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:36:00 +0000

We are so fortunate to be working with the wonderfully inspiring and always creative Anne Garland of Anne Garland Enterprises and founder of The Idea Circle for Women. Anne has created the Annual Reinvention Convention being held on 10.22.10 and is currently seeking nominations for the 2010 Woman of the Year.

To nominate someone you feel is deserving of this award, please email anneg@annegarlandenterprises.com to obtain the nomination packet. More information will also be available on the new website which will be launching in the upcoming weeks.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please contact Anne at the above email as well. The Reinvention Convention draws the attendance of a large group of educated, discerning and savy women and is a great opportunity to expose your business to this powerful market.

rachel

blog to blog.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:47:00 +0000

dreamscapes is honored to have been interviewed by the lovely Ann Nyberg for her blog Annie Mame. You can view the posting here or see a bit of video from the interview below. Annie Mame is a wonderful blog about all the fantastic people, places and things right here in Connecticut!

rachel | ernie

happy earth day.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0000

image found here

This made me giggle and I just had to pass it along. At dreamscapes design group caring about our impact on the environment is a way of life. From recycling almost everything to hosting our web sites with renewable energy, we believe in protecting the world we are fortunate to inhabit and offer a variety of green options to many of our clients in both our graphic design and online services.

In honor of earth day, let's all make a commitment to do our part to preserve our resources and live more environmentally conscious and sustainable lives. Even small changes today can have an enormous impact on our future.

A healthier tomorrow for ourselves and our children... that is something to celebrate!

rachel | ernie

the big easy.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:38:00 +0000

Returning from time off is always a bit difficult. Phone calls to return, a full inbox and quickly approaching deadlines can certainly make you hit the ground running.

Above are a few images taken in New Orleans where we spent the past week. There is something about the laid back atmosphere out there that is just so alluring. Days racing around were replaced with days bumping around and long, lazy lunches on a terrace in the sunshine replaced our typical late-bite-on-the-run-because-we-ran-out-of-time-to-eat routine. Southern charm, jazz brunches, clear skies, cozy courtyard dining in dappled shade, fruity drinks in oh so large glasses, travel by foot and trolley, galleries to die for and antiques to appreciate....

ahhh New Orleans. Until we meet again.

rachel | ernie

flavors of connecticut to benefit the american liver foundation.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:42:00 +0000

The 9th Annual Flavors of Connecticut, the most unique culinary extravaganza in the state, is to take place April 13th at 5:30pm at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT.

The event will feature 30 of CT’s top restaurants and chefs for a great cause. Each chef/restaurant will create a five course meal prepared tableside with wine pairings for a table of twelve guests. Tickets are $225 per person and include cocktail reception, silent & live auction, live entertainment, dinner and more.

Vistit www.liverfoundation.org/flavors to purchase tickets or call (203) 234-2022 or email msadler@liverfoundation.org.

happy spring!

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:23:00 +0000

image found here

Whatever you celebrate, we wish you a fabulous weekend!! Here in New England the rain has passed, the sun is out, the air is warm and there isn't a cloud in the sky...

Celebrate life.

rachel | ernie

together we can make a difference.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:18:00 +0000

images from helmetawareness.blogspot.com/

As usual I was running late. The pouring rain didn't help and I had been preparing for a busy day ahead. We had been referred by a mutual acquaintance and I already had an appointment that morning so we agreed via email to meet for a coffee at a Dunkin Donuts close to my next appointment.

The rain beat down on my car and I made a mad dash into the shop. I knew it was her immediately. This woman, about my age, sitting with a smile on her face, dressed in an adorable bright yellow dress had an unmistakeable aura around her. While everyone around me seemed braced for another wet, dreary day ahead... she seemed happy to be alive. I had no idea how true that was.

She told me the story of her bicycle accident and what she had been through. And as I sat there listening I kept thinking, this was just a little over a year ago? She looks AMAZING. How does someone recover so quickly? And as I kept listening I realized that this is a person who is a living example of what good can come from tragedy and how life is truly what you make of it. This woman is able to sit here and share a coffee with me because of two things.

She was wearing a bike helmet.

She never allowed herself one minute of pity and focused on how quickly she could recover so she could start making a difference.

I can't do her story justice... you have to hear it from her own mouth. But she is increasing our awareness one child at a time at how simple it is to ride safely.

Nancy's blog is http://helmetawareness.blogspot.com/ and dreamscapes will be working with her in the upcoming months to help share her story and help her better promote her organization, HABS {Helmet Awareness and Bicycle Safety}. To date, Nancy has donated over 800 helmets with her tireless efforts and with help from generous sponsors.

It was a story that hit a little too close to home. Several years ago, my then 8 year old son was visiting with family on the Cape and was riding his bike around the neighborhood. As he turned into the driveway, his tire caught on an exposed tree root and he flipped off his bike. Not wearing a helmet he spit his head open requiring 9 staples. We were at a wedding and had turned off our phone so as not to disturb the ceremony. When I went to check my messages a bit later, I will never forget the panic as I saw my phone blinking "16 missed calls" and the absolute fear I felt while I listened to each increasingly more serious phone message. Thankfully, he was fine and has nothing more than a scar to remind us of how in a blink of an eye everything can change.

Nancy was three miles from home when she had her accident. And it was something she said at the end of our conversation that burned into my brain. She said, "I never woke up that morning thinking what a beautiful day for an accident."

To find out more on how you can help Nancy and HABS protect the safety of our children and promote helmet awareness, please visit her blog or email h.a.b.s@cox.net.

9.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Happy birthday Gracie face! For every precious freckle, there is a reason why I love you so much. You live your life to the fullest. Your laugh lightens up the room. Your independence and confidence amaze me. You add so much joy to my life and to our family.

You love with a whole heart.

You are forever my little lady.

mom

feeling green.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Some of our favorites!

image found on marthastewart.com

image found on recipegirl.com

image found on marthastewart.com

Happy St. Patty's Day!!! For a fabulous recipe for Irish Soda Bread, check out the blog of Gourmet Galley Catering here. They are the most fabulous caterer and their blog often includes incredible recipes that make the mouth water and inspire me to cook out of my comfort zone. I have tried almost every recipe they have posted and they will not disappoint.

rachel | ernie

a pinch of fresh herbs.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:14:00 +0000

image found here

image found on Pure Green

As soon as the weather starts to warm up a bit and the sun comes out I immediately begin thinking of my garden.

Each year, my garden is a chance to build upon what was created in past years and add new elements based on what I have learned, our changing needs and how much time I have. We have been fortunate to be really busy here at dreamscapes so this year I am planning on incorporating my vegetables and herbs into my daily living to avoid the trap of having to "head out to the vegetable garden." This year, frequently used herbs will be planted mostly in pots within close reach right out the kitchen door for convenient use. More substantial veggies will be potted in larger planters around the stone patio for quick harvests before dinner.

The idea of the upcoming spring and summer season re-inspires after a long winter and I have already begun starting small planted herbs in my kitchen window to be moved outside as soon as the threat of frost disappears. Potted snippings from the garden also make lovely hostess gifts for all those seasonal barbeques and casual gatherings that make that time of year so memorable.

rachel

clever wine design.

noreply@blogger.com ({dreamscapes}) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:22:00 +0000

A little wine eye candy to start your weekend off right! Found this on the dieline and thought the design was so clever and it just happens to combine two of my favorites.... graphic design and wine!

This is the latest project from the Greece based design company Beetroot design group.

"The words on the bottle label are in Greek, and are the name of the wine which is "NAKED KING. The words on the wooden box are the whole fairytale "The emperor's clothes" by Hans Christian Andersen and highlighted and bigger are the words "the king is naked".

Brief: A new winemaker contacted us in order to provide a visual identity to their new wine. The wine is of extremely high quality, but free from any filtering or chemical treatments, so it sits there exposed, without any chemical aid for the consumer to taste it.

Solution: "You could say that it was the king of wines ...but a sincere one." the client said. That reminded us of the Hans Christian Andersen tale "The Emperor's clothes" where the king sits naked and exposed for everyone to see who he really was. So we decided to name the wine "NAKED KING". In order to visually present that, we designed the label of the bottle shaped like a crown and embossed the title NAKED KING instead of printing it. We wanted to show that way it would seem like a naked king, without anything on. For the wooden box we silk printed in the front the tale with big type like in a child book and highlighted the words "The king is naked".

Brilliant!

rachel