The Old State - Blog

The Problem of a Locked Door

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:47:39 GMT

Last evening I attended a private social gathering at an independent movie theater. This gathering happened to coincide with a special movie premiere the theater was hosting. The problem present was crowd control to separate the two events. The solution was to block off a section of the downstairs lobby area for the private gathering and funnel the movie premiere attendants away using various means of crowd control, i.e. stanchions, people wranglers, and a locked door. I'd like to focus on the locked door because I noticed some interesting developments regarding this.

The locked door was actually two adjacent glass doors that had quickly created signs posted on them that read "Private Event. Use other door" and "Private Event" respectively.%26nbsp;I've included a crude example of how this locked door situation looked. Now that you can visualize the situation I would like to talk about my experience with the locked door.

I arrived early to the event and because my intent for visiting the theater was for the private event as soon as I saw the sign on the door that read "Private Event. Use other door." I immediately assumed this door had been designated as the entrance for the private event and that anyone not attending needed to use the other door. Come to find out the door was locked so I had to enter using the other door. This is a small inconvenience but if you consider that the door is glass and that patrons can see your failed attempt at opening the locked door then you add on self-imposed embarrassment and a small inconvenience can become a larger emotional problem. Not all people will feel that way but any that do will understand.

This got me thinking about a clearer way to convey to the theater patron that this door is in fact locked and to enter you will need to enter through the doors located to the right. If you re-read that statement I think you will find the solution to the problem. Miscommunication. "Private Event. Use other door," did not mean "This door is locked. To enter please enter through the doors located to the right." At least to me it did not. There is something to be said for removing ambiguity for instructions. I find that clearly and plainly stated intent cuts through confusion and provides better understanding all around. A solution to the initial problem may have been to change the posted sign to read, "Door locked from outside. Please use the doors to your right." You can add pizzazz to that statement but retaining the practical upfront no nonsense explanation of the situation at hand is imperative if you want people to follow the instructions.

Part two is a little more about information layout than conveying information. I noticed that as a result of us being humans that when we post signs on clear surfaces we post them at eye level. It makes perfect sense to do that but what I noticed is that not all people are looking straight ahead when they approached the locked door. Quite a few of them were looking down, some of them at the ground and some at mobile devices. Their approach to the door was not a typically approach. Which presents an interesting problem. In my observations I noticed that when someone approaches a door without a preconceived plan of how their interaction with the door will go that they need to quickly gather information to determine their next course of action. This typically involves trying their default action of "grab handle and pull" and if that doesn't work then they step back to assess the situation which in my case at least involves a quick visual scan of the obstacle. I am looking for anything out of the ordinary that might indicate to me why my default action of "grab handle and pull" did not yield the intended result. Fixing this in my mind is as simple as providing a visual indicator of the state of the door near the door's operating mechanism (the handle.) This type of thinking can be seen on portable sanitation stations where the container will display green above the handle if the container is currently unoccupied or red if it is. If you want to get technical is displays green if the lock has not been set and red if it has. I'm not advocating that every door should have a red/green display for locked/unlocked. What I am suggesting is that if a piece of paper that read "Locked" had been taped next to the door handle then people would more quickly understand this door is locked and look for alternate means of entry.

The problem of the locked door is a simple one but it did cause me to think about how we interact with everyday objects and how those interactions can be improved.

What are some situations you've encountered that you think you could better orchestrate using principles of information architecture?

A Formal Introduction

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:31:59 GMT

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Daniel and I am one of the newer members of The Old State. I've been inactive on this blog since my employment but 'tis the season for change so here I am.

A little about me. I'm a native Virginian transplanted to Texas by way of New Mexico. It's okay if that doesn't make sense. I'm still a little fuzzy on how I ended up here myself but I'm glad I made it.

My role here at The Old State is senior designer meaning my main responsibility is to create the look and feel of the website. This is a task that is often difficult but immensely rewarding and one I enjoy daily.

I'm not one to go on about myself so this introduction is brief. However, I will be posting periodically during my tenure here so keep an eye out as there is more to come.%26nbsp;

I will end this by saying, "It's great to be a part of The Old State family and I look forward to the future!"%26nbsp;

Daniel

What Makes A Logo Great?

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 05:21:04 GMT

"What makes a logo great?"

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That's a good question, and I'm not sure that it has just one answer. I think there are several routes you can take to a successful logo.

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My college logo instructor once told me "The best logos are the one that make people say, "Hey! That [blank] looks like a damn [blank]!" This approach holds true for many great brands, and the logos that contain multiple levels of meaning are always satisfying to the viewer after they figure them out. A great example of this is the FedEx logo. For years I just thought of it as a nice typographic solution. Then one day I realized that the negative space between the E and X created a forward-moving arrow. Now the mark has taken on much more meaning for me and i somehow feel a connection with it because I "figured it out". That subtle psychological change has a great effect.

Another great example of this approach is the classic International Harvester logo. At first glance the viewer sees the letterforms of the I and H, but eventually the viewer realizes that these forms are also a man riding a tractor face-on.%26nbsp;

Another approach to logo design is simplicity. Taking a shape and simplifying it to its most basic form. One of my favorite examples of this, and one of my favorite logos of all time, is the John Deere mark. It's an obvious choice, a deer. But the superbly simplified shape of the leaping deer and the color choices make it an extremely strong brand.

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Apple has taken a similar approach in recent years. The logo is an apple, but it is unmistakably Apple's apple.

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Then you have wordmarks, or simply creating an interesting way of displaying the name of the business. Some of the most successful logos of all time are wordmarks: Coca-Cola, Disney, and Canon just to name a few.

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Whatever approach you choose to take, I think the most important thing to remember when creating a brand is that the mark you create needs to be a representation of the organization for which it was created. It is the symbol by which the world will identify that organization. It has to be simple enough to be recognized easily in a split second, yet complex enough to evoke a meaning or a feeling to the viewer.

If I'm ever stumped on a logo project, I always end up looking to some of the great logo designers of the past, like Paul Rand, Saul Bass, Raymond Loewy, and Paula Scher, for inspiration.

New Jonathan Adler Store in Dallas is Amazing!

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:47:15 GMT

If you're a big fan of Jonathan Adler, and quite frankly anyone with a pulse usually is, you'll be particularly excited with the new Jonathan Adler store at 4525 McKinney in Dallas.%26nbsp; There is design genius on display round every corner...and then some.%26nbsp; At The Old State, we love his brand because it's so fresh and cool, and yet infinitely timeless as well.%26nbsp; You can just tell virtually everything in there is going to be collectible someday.%26nbsp; So you have the comfort of knowing you're buying something that you'll enjoy living with, and in the end it might just be worth more than you paid for it!%26nbsp; Now that's what I call a deal.%26nbsp;

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OK, I was all excited to see that Jonathan Adler and his partner Simon Doonan displayed their super inspired weekend home on Shelter Island last month in Architectural Digest.%26nbsp; On the water, decked out in all things Adler, and super comfortable looking.%26nbsp; If you take one look at their outdoor terrace and don't picture yourself at sunset with a drink, then check to make sure you have a heartbeat please.%26nbsp; And I was delighted to see that they walk the walk, and actually live with what they put forth on the design side in their stores.%26nbsp; So in the end their brand feels really genuine to me, like they really care about what's on the shelf, and make what they want to live with themselves.%26nbsp; So treat yourself to the Dallas store, it's really special.%26nbsp; But make sure to allot a decent amount of time for it, because it's a stunning treasure hunt through all things fine design.%26nbsp; And although certainly his signature pottery is on vivid display, so are many MANY other fantastic objects out of his oh-so-brilliant imagination.

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Now in conclusion, remember that just when you thought every design idea had been-there-done-that, think again.%26nbsp; Because although there are many design dynamos throughout the world, Jonathan Adler is conquering the entire design universe.%26nbsp; Bravo to Adler and all his team.%26nbsp; And welcome to Dallas!%26nbsp; The store is at 4525 McKinney, behind the new Apple Store.%26nbsp; Their website is www.JonathanAdler.com.%26nbsp; And to all my friends who are stumped with what to get me for birthday and holiday?%26nbsp; Beeline to Adler on McKinney....please!!

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Best regards,

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Steve McElroy

The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

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Forty Five Ten is...well...a Ten!

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 05:16:44 GMT

At The Old State, we believe fine design can extend all the way down to a dining experience.%26nbsp; And let me tell you, at Forty Five Ten on McKinney in Dallas they take it to all new heights.%26nbsp; We had been there a long time ago, but we were pleased to see they have taken it up many notches.%26nbsp; Genius is on display from the minute you walk through the threshold from store to T Room in the back.%26nbsp; Wow.

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We split entrees there and it was superb on every count.%26nbsp; The avocado tuna melt on Seduction Bread is so inspired and good that it's now on my top 5 best meals ever list.%26nbsp; The decor is as good as the best of new York or LA, and the service really top notch.%26nbsp; One member of our party was overwhelmed with their desire to own all the vintage portraits in the common areas and bathrooms.%26nbsp; Really special, extremely unusual.%26nbsp;

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Another thing we were wowed by is that they now carry the amazing interior designer Kelly Weartsler's line of products in the Forty Five Ten retail space.%26nbsp; Everyone loves her, and put us on that list.%26nbsp; We bought her new signed book.%26nbsp; Incredible cover to cover.%26nbsp; But back to the restaurant.%26nbsp; Go at lunch and plan to stay awhile.%26nbsp; Yes, it's a scene. But no, it's not stuffy.%26nbsp; Everyone was friendly and forthcoming with what to order and where we wanted to sit.%26nbsp; We like the area when you first walk in, but the "ladies who lunch" crowd concentrates in the next room.%26nbsp; But quite frankly, there are no bad places to sit in the entire space.

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In conclusion, make sure to go, eat, shop, enjoy.%26nbsp; It's definitely one of the best places in Dallas...or anywhere.%26nbsp; Great job Forty Five Ten and T Room.%26nbsp; You got it just right!

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

Blue Print in Dallas is Amazing!!!

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:25:55 GMT

By now you know that at The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development we love all things inspired by fine design.%26nbsp; I suppose that's one of the reasons our wonderful clients include Laura Lee Clark, Jan Showers,%26nbsp; Allan-Knight, Ceylon et Cie, Josie McCarthy and many other top designers. %26nbsp; And few places does fine design shine quite as bright as it does at the store Blue Print at 2707 Fairmount in Dallas.%26nbsp; Wow!%26nbsp; Step inside this artfully restored old home and you are suddenly transported to very fine design paradise.%26nbsp; You know how you can at least find ONE thing you don't like in a store?%26nbsp; Well, not here.%26nbsp; It's all splendid indeed.

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Blue Print was created out of the collective imaginations of Carrie Jane Pogoloff, Caroline Davis, Lucy Ward, Cynthia Collins and Leslie Jenkins.%26nbsp; And oh what a good job of it they did, and continually do.%26nbsp; Apparently the space doesn't stay the same way for long, so I shall now go back often. %26nbsp; All of these lovely ladies mentioned above travel together scouring the planet for amazing things you simply can't find anywhere else.%26nbsp; And what's great about the space is that it's set up just like a very fine house would actually be lived in....room by inspired room. %26nbsp;%26nbsp; So you can see how that lamp might actually look beside a sofa before you purchase it.%26nbsp; Or how that wonderful piece of contemporary art actually looks well lit.%26nbsp; And that furniture??!!%26nbsp; Well let me tell you, stunning one and all.

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OK, plan to spend some serious time when you go, because it's a meandering space and has many rooms on two levels.%26nbsp; The contemporary art collection is extensive and some of the best you'll find anywhere.%26nbsp;%26nbsp; I thought it was priced quite well for the quality.%26nbsp; And if you think you don't like contemporary art?%26nbsp; Well, you will be a convert by the time you leave this space.%26nbsp; The way they tastefully marry it with the furnishings had me at hello. %26nbsp;

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When I visited Blue Print (which was my first but definitely not my last), managers Ann and Laura delivered just the right balance of service.%26nbsp; Not pushy in any way, but didn't ignore me either.%26nbsp; I like that.%26nbsp; And although the space is certainly exquisite and elegant in every detail,%26nbsp; I also felt comfortable and at home.%26nbsp; And that being said, I now aspire to live in one just like it!%26nbsp; But first off, there's a super cool floating glass bubble thingy chandelier on the second floor that definitely needs my name on it ASAP. %26nbsp;

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OK, if you can't tell that we love Blue Print here at The Old State, then you might want to check your pulse.%26nbsp; Quite frankly, we love the space.%26nbsp; And seriously, make sure to visit.%26nbsp; It's a treat extraordinaire.%26nbsp; And this thrilling walk through this gorgeous restored old home is filled with some of the most inspired objects, furnishings and art I've ever seen in New York, Los Angeles or anywhere in between.%26nbsp;

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Bravo Blue Print in Dallas!

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Blue Print is located at 2707 Fairmount in Dallas, Texas.%26nbsp; Their website is www.blueprintstore.com, their email is info@blueprintstore.com and their phone number is 214-954-9511.%26nbsp; They are open Monday through Friday from 10 to 5,%26nbsp; no appointment necessary.%26nbsp;

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Get ready to enjoy yourself at Blue Print.....

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Best regards,

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

Never underestimate the power of a great Blog!

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:02:44 GMT

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At The Old State House of Web Design and Development, we have seen it happen over and over. Blog regularly and watch your brand climb to the first page in Google generic key word searches in your industry.%26nbsp; There is no other way to put this....it works.%26nbsp; But let's take that a step further.%26nbsp; It REALLY works! %26nbsp; And that's simply great for business. %26nbsp; So let's take a tour through some Blogs we've built for designers that shine in terms of design and content,%26nbsp; and therefore results for SEO for their brands.%26nbsp; Although we have designed and built many Blogs,%26nbsp; today we want to showcase four honorable mentions because they Blog so often and well.

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One of our absolute favorites is also from one of our favorite clients.%26nbsp; It's interior designer Laura Lee Clark's Blog at her site www.LauraLeeClark.com.%26nbsp; They post regularly, like clockwork.%26nbsp; And it's always fresh new topics week after week. %26nbsp; The content is always informative, and her subjects range far and wide.%26nbsp; Laura's "Objet Petit 'a" Blog is an elegant,%26nbsp; fun and informative read on all things interesting about fine interior design.%26nbsp; Or simply just interesting things she loves.%26nbsp; And do a Google search of the words "interior designer" and guess what name shows up on the first page?%26nbsp; That's right, you'll find Laura Lee Clark and her site and Blog.%26nbsp; And well-deserved.%26nbsp; Her design work is brilliant and she's simply one of the best designers anywhere.%26nbsp; Make sure to follow her Blog for the best and brightest.

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Another Blog we think is well done and interesting is the one from interior designer Jan Showers.%26nbsp; She cleverly calls it "Jan's Notebook" and it's a log of her life, favorite things, pictures from travels.%26nbsp; And again, the regularity of posting%26nbsp; (and Jan Showers is also on that first page of the "interior designer" Google search).%26nbsp; Jan offers fine interior design services, but she also has an extensive furniture line and e-Commerce on her site.%26nbsp; Quite frankly, everyone loves Jan's site, and they do a fine job of keeping it current and interesting all the way around.%26nbsp;

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We also like the Blog design and content from Michelle Nussbaumer at her www.CeylonetCie.com.%26nbsp; It's short and sweet and colorful....with gorgeous pictures. %26nbsp; We love the postcard graphic too as it captures the true essence of Michelle because she's such a world traveler.%26nbsp; And it shows on her site and in her showroom on Dragon Street.%26nbsp; Literally one amazing thing after another from around the world.%26nbsp; Michelle posts on her Blog regularly too, and she often posts directly from her phone.%26nbsp; In doing so, you get the feel that you are right there with her sometimes as she travels the globe looking for new finds.%26nbsp; Nice work, make sure to check it out.%26nbsp;

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Last but certainly not least is the brilliant Blog "live beautifully" at www.Allan-Knight.com.%26nbsp; It's gorgeous.%26nbsp; Beautiful pictures, always highly informative and well written.%26nbsp; We're proud to have delivered the Blog design, and they are genius at keeping it fresh and alive.%26nbsp; Fantastic and it's a must stop.%26nbsp;%26nbsp; Available to the trade, their showroom in the design district is simply the best anywhere.%26nbsp; And by that we mean worldwide!

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So in conclusion, remember to Blog and Blog often.%26nbsp; And if you need a great Blog designed for your brand, we'd love to work with you.%26nbsp;%26nbsp; And in doing so, our guess is you too will shortly have your brand on the first page of Google key word searches!

The Old State House of Web Design and Development

214-484-4449

www.TheOldState.com

info@TheOldState.com

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Genius Print Ads

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:11:16 GMT

As you know, we love genius design....and genius design can shine with very few words.%26nbsp; So let's take a quick tour through a few inspired ones.%26nbsp;

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And remember, there's a reason why most Super Bowl ads are inspired and clever.%26nbsp; It's because they work!

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The Old State House of Design %26amp; Development

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And the winner from High Point Market is..............

Wed, 02 May 2012 02:22:51 GMT

Jennifer Mehditash of%26nbsp; Mehditash Design!!!!!!!!

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Wow, we are so excited about the opportunity to work with Jennifer.%26nbsp; There were so many amazing candidates, each brilliantly talented in every way.%26nbsp; And it was a very difficult decision process, as the talent pool was so deep and diverse.%26nbsp; Although there had to be one winner,%26nbsp; we see very bright lights ahead for each of the finalists.%26nbsp; Amazing one and all!

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Jennifer has lived far and wide....all around the world.%26nbsp; She brings an international perspective to her design work, all wonderfully documented through her Blog at http://dec-a-porter.blogspot.com%26nbsp;

After living in Portugal for many years, she moved to New York City in 2008.%26nbsp; And she's been on a whirlwind of brilliant design.%26nbsp;

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Noted for her insightful Blog and stunningly diverse design talents,%26nbsp; Jennifer keeps it fresh and new....but all the while it's still timeless and classic too.%26nbsp; And at The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development, we are honored to work with such a wonderful and rising design star!

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Thank you to all the candidates and finalists.%26nbsp; And best wishes for your exciting futures. %26nbsp; And Jenninfer Mehditash?%26nbsp; In a world full of brilliant design talent....you shine particularly bright!

Best regards,

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

eatZi's in Dallas a Culinary Masterpiece

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:52:08 GMT

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At The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development, you already know that we love quality, we love design, and we love inspired brands.%26nbsp; But we also love food!%26nbsp; And we've worked with some pretty amazing names....like NorthPark,%26nbsp; TCU, Laura Lee Clark, Allan-Knight, etc.%26nbsp; So we know a thing or two on the subject of what's awesome.%26nbsp; And all of the things we love come to together brilliantly at eatZi's at 3403 Oak Lawn Avenue.%26nbsp; Wow.%26nbsp; If you haven't been, make a beeline for it.%26nbsp; But you might have to compete with a Maverick basketball star or two for just the right spot, or that last incredible breakfast burrito (either a healthy one or otherwise).%26nbsp; And never let your hand venture into the feeding zone of a patron enjoying eatZi's delicious deli items, cheese, sushi or house made salsa, because it might get ugly if you get too close.%26nbsp; It's all that good. %26nbsp;

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Now, I must admit to a trick I use on family and friends.%26nbsp; Please don't tell, because it works every single time. %26nbsp;%26nbsp; I have the good fortune of living within blocks of eatZi's, so if I want said person to come over fast, I simply offer up the prize of an eatZi's iced coffee....my treat.%26nbsp; Suddenly the cross-city trip to my house takes them only 4 minutes instead of the usual 20.%26nbsp; Voila, mission accomplished.%26nbsp; The reason is their coffee is better than national brands...no burnt taste!%26nbsp; And never underestimate the power of shaved ice in an iced coffee.%26nbsp; It's simply not something I'll ever let myself live without.%26nbsp; Delicious!

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Another thing that's so great about eatZi's is their staff.%26nbsp; Always helpful, always funny and cheerful.%26nbsp; And all are infinitely genius in the preparation and delivery of exquisite gourmet food! Quite frankly, eatZi's has become like home away from home for many.%26nbsp; Including me.%26nbsp; My personal favorites are Vergi and Letty behind the coffee counter in the mornings.%26nbsp; Hilarious, interesting, efficient. %26nbsp; And they have many patron friends.%26nbsp; I also really enjoy talking to pastry chef%26nbsp; Janet Monroe.%26nbsp;%26nbsp; Take one look (and one bite) of anything she concocts and you'll be in pastry heaven!%26nbsp; Executive Chef Casey Shanower is...well....brilliant.%26nbsp; And managers Barry Partos,%26nbsp; Lisa Larrabee, Koshy Samuel, Ben Pontious and Suzanne Slover will stop whatever they're doing to assist or advise on the perfect choice among many ridiculously delicious delicacies. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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OK, here's%26nbsp; a newsflash,%26nbsp; I heard through the grapevine that eatZi's is adding more stores.%26nbsp; And to true eatZi's aficionados,%26nbsp; that's like a stranger asking you if you'd like ten solid gold bricks instead of just two.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp; So now the world may just have multiple gourmet heavens on earth.%26nbsp; And that's fine by us...as eatZi's fans like to protect their own turf.%26nbsp; And in the meantime, I plan to park myself every single day in my favorite chair at the eatZi's at Rawlins and Oak Lawn in Dallas.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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Ahhh, home!!

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Right on the mark!

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:29:46 GMT

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At The Old State, we will always enjoy the design process.%26nbsp; And excellent design and branding for your business is vital for your success.%26nbsp; We've designed a million logos, for example, and collateral materials like letterhead and business cards must put your very best foot forward.%26nbsp; And when it comes to your branding, logo and collateral materials, it will never pay to shortcut or penny pinch.%26nbsp; It must be brilliant.%26nbsp;

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An inspired logo needs to be polished and professional without going overboard.%26nbsp; It must subtly tell your brand's story, and it must let your client base know that this is a company they are proud to do business with.%26nbsp; We've designed logos for some of the best companies anywhere, and quite frankly it's one of our favorite processes.%26nbsp; Why?%26nbsp; Well, it's because it's the ultimate show and tell, and it's one of the most important investments you can make in your business.%26nbsp; And for us, it's always thrilling to see how polished and inspired branding can immediately impact our clients' businesses.%26nbsp;

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The time you know that amazing letterhead and business cards are so important is when you see truly inspired versions of both.%26nbsp; Fine papers are paramount, as the quality can be seen and felt immediately.%26nbsp; This announces loud and clear to both old and new clients that you care about the details.%26nbsp; And there's one very important thing we've learned about very fine business cards.....people simply do not want to throw such a nice object away.%26nbsp; So add it all up, and great branding across the board will always translate to a clear message that you care about quality at every turn. %26nbsp;

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So in a world that's cluttered and fast paced, make sure to focus on your details.%26nbsp; Call The Old State today for an appointment to come by to see our portfolio of actual completed work.%26nbsp; It is at that moment that you'll quickly realize we know exactly what we're doing.%26nbsp; And that we enjoy every single part of the process.

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Best regards,

Travis McElroy

Best Design...Past and Present

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:38:30 GMT

Great design is, of course, ultimately timeless design.%26nbsp; And today we celebrate that category of product or thing that rises to head-of-class status.%26nbsp; Hermes packaging of any shape or size or purpose is always genius.%26nbsp; And we're rather certain it's the least thrown away packaging in the world.%26nbsp; Beautiful each and every single one.%26nbsp; They've been using it for years, and whoever had to courage to be the first to risk suggesting their unlikely use of orange with brown with white lettering way back when is genius too.%26nbsp;

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The Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle has withstood the test of time as a design superstar.%26nbsp; It's the ultimate example of less is more.%26nbsp; No unnecessary embellishments, no ornate type styles....and it still ends up at the top of the luxury food chain.%26nbsp; The new Valentino Valentina perfume bottle may someday become a close second.%26nbsp; In person it knocks it out of the park!%26nbsp; No cheap materials, all incredible design.%26nbsp; Both bottles rise to the front of the line with simple and beautiful celebrations of sculpture while respecting appropriate functionality.%26nbsp; Bravo!

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The Tiffany Love bracelet is as widely respected today as it was when it was introduced years ago.%26nbsp; And some people have never taken it off since....and both men and women.%26nbsp; And unisex is, of course, unusual for jewelry.%26nbsp; A Cartier Panther with crocodile band is similarly inspired, and can be similarly unisex. %26nbsp; Put one on your wrist with any item of clothing and suddenly you're dressed up and high style.%26nbsp; Brilliant.%26nbsp;

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Any scarf from Hermes with an equestrian theme is always going to be one part clothing and one part fine collectible.%26nbsp; Yes, Hermes makes the list twice.%26nbsp; And they deserve it.%26nbsp; And they could probably make the list 19 or 20 times, quite frankly.%26nbsp; The name itself evokes quality of both materials and design.%26nbsp; And they simply never disappoint!%26nbsp; Step into any Hermes store and you quickly realize that this ultimately family operation means business!

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One of our favorite categories for fantastic design?%26nbsp; Houses.%26nbsp; But there is simply not enough room on any Blog on earth to include all of our favorites.%26nbsp; But two who deserve honorable mention are actually old houses, but still as fresh and fantastic today as ever.%26nbsp; Number one has to be Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright.%26nbsp; Seriously, no house built over a real waterfall could possibly be left off this list.%26nbsp; The other is the house that is huge in it's simplicity, and even bigger in reputation.%26nbsp; The Glass House by Phillip Johnson.%26nbsp; It merges amazingly with the surroundings.%26nbsp; Looks like it was built yesterday....and that's the brilliance of the design from 1949!!%26nbsp; Amazing.%26nbsp;

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Best regards,%26nbsp;

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

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Dallas Top Interior Designers and Showrooms

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:56:19 GMT

At The Old State, we see a lot of great interior design work as many of our clients are some of the best anywhere.%26nbsp; We also see the work of some of the best showrooms in the Design District.%26nbsp; And Dallas is full of wow factor when it comes to inspired design.%26nbsp; In fact, some of them are considered in the top nationally. So today we wanted to mention some notables....some clients...some not.%26nbsp; And in no particular order. %26nbsp;

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One designer who is consistently listed in the very top tier is Emily Summers.%26nbsp; She's not a client, but she's one whose work we think is simply incredible.%26nbsp; Google "Emily Summers Palm Springs House" and prepare to be stunned.%26nbsp; Or take a tour through her projects on her own website. %26nbsp; She was just included in the prestigious AD 100 list of top interior designers worldwide.%26nbsp; And she deserves it.%26nbsp;%26nbsp; All at once contemporary and classic, her work falls into the category where simply everyone loves it....no exceptions.%26nbsp; Clean lines, beautiful finishes, the finest craftsmanship and materials.%26nbsp; She proves again and again that fine interior design mixed with elegance and quality will never go out of style.%26nbsp;

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The work of Jan Showers is...well....unbelievable.%26nbsp; Her work is now legendary for elegant restraint and her timeless sensibility.%26nbsp; But make no mistake,%26nbsp; in the process she always delivers a knock out punch of great taste.%26nbsp; Her clients are some of the most loyal anywhere, and her showroom on Slocum Street in the Design District is a wall-to-wall testament of just how far-reaching her design talent really reaches.%26nbsp; Every inch of the space is simply stunning.%26nbsp;

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At TOS, there is no other word for it.%26nbsp; We love Laura Lee Clark on Dragon Street.%26nbsp; She owns both "The Shop" and Laura Lee Clark Interior Design.%26nbsp; Known for her brilliant use of materials,%26nbsp; inspired mix of design elements and responsible business practices, Laura has now become the go-to interior designer for some of the best design projects anywhere.%26nbsp; And ask anyone in the know and they'll tell you.....Laura Lee Clark always delivers.%26nbsp; As entertaining to be around as she is talented,%26nbsp; she leaves no stone unturned when it comes to excellent taste.....and it shows!%26nbsp;%26nbsp; She brings elegant interiors, timeless design, fresh ideas and comfort all together in the most remarkable and seamless way.%26nbsp; Amazing!

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Now, there's a designer who's a bit mysterious, and one who we think is simply brilliant.%26nbsp; And that's Barry Williams.%26nbsp; He does some of the most beautiful interiors the world over.%26nbsp; And we're dead serious.%26nbsp; The quality and look of his work appears to be of another era, and yet infinitely current as well.%26nbsp; How does he do that?%26nbsp; We don't know, but Barry is a talented designer extraordinaire!

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Laura Hunt is currently at the top of her game.%26nbsp; But wait a minute, she was also at the top of her game 10 years ago too.%26nbsp; This designer is steady as steel.%26nbsp; Her work is always revered.%26nbsp; Located in Highland Park Village, she is often listed in the AD 100 list of best designers in the world.%26nbsp; She is also a lot of fun to be around.%26nbsp; And her clients enjoy the fact that she makes the process of design such a pleasurable experience. We're huge fans of both Laura Hunt as a person, and Laura Hunt as an exceptional interior design talent. %26nbsp;

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Have you ever set foot in a space and you can't quite reconcile that it's real?%26nbsp; Well, you were probably standing in the entrance to Allan Knight Associates.%26nbsp; We think it's one of the most beautiful spaces anywhere.%26nbsp; Beautiful objects and furniture from around the world, and some just made by hand that one didn't know that quality was still made!%26nbsp; We could spend hours and hours in there and still be mad that we had to go back to work.%26nbsp; Really special, super fine quality, the best of the best.%26nbsp; And we're pinching ourselves still that they're our client.%26nbsp; And we're honored!

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We'd like to finish out this post with honorable mention to Michelle Nussbaumer of Ceylon et Cie.%26nbsp; She's always in the interior design magazines like Veranda.%26nbsp; And she deserves it.%26nbsp; She has her own unique signature style and it's comfortable,%26nbsp; eye-catching, and spectacular.%26nbsp; And there might be four million different cool things on display at her Ceylon et Cie showroom on Dragon Street, all carefully culled from Michelle's travels around the world.%26nbsp; A knockout punch!

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In closing, we will never tire of great design at The Old State....whether it be of the web/tech variety, packaging, products or fine interior design.%26nbsp; And we're honored to have worked with some of the designers mentioned above so closely.%26nbsp; And we're inspired by not only their boundless creativity, but also their fearless approach.

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Best regards,

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

It's all in the details!

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:03:37 GMT

At The Old State, we know that it's all in the details for a totally effective web presence.%26nbsp; Your brand needs to shine and be front and center with the best possible website, logo and Search Engine Optimization (SEO).%26nbsp; And it all needs to come together seamlessly with both brilliant design and exceptional functionality.%26nbsp;

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If you browse through our roster of clients, you will see some rather impressive names.%26nbsp; NorthPark Center, Allan Knight and Associates, Jan Showers, Ceylon et Cie, Laura Lee Clark Interior Design, Papercity Magazine, TCU and many others.%26nbsp; These are people and brands which can choose to work with anyone.%26nbsp; And while we are of course delighted and proud to work with them, in the end we know they chose us because we know how to make a difference for their business.%26nbsp; And some of our clients have actually doubled their sales as the result of just the right website and branding.

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Now, in a world that's cluttered and where there are choices at every turn, the smart money knows that a great website is a must.%26nbsp; It must also come up on the first page of generic searches on Google and other search engines.%26nbsp; If you're in the lamp business, then you must come up when someone searches "lamps" or "lamps dallas" each and every time.%26nbsp; We know precisely how to achieve this for you, and when they click through from that search, they must arrive at the most inspired website possible.%26nbsp; It is THEN that you get the sale that you might not have had otherwise.%26nbsp; And in the end, it's just smart business.%26nbsp; And there is no luck involved.%26nbsp; But getting there does involve The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development.%26nbsp;

And that's our promise.

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The Old State, LLC

info@theoldstate.com

Spread your wings, change the rules, dare to be different!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 03:07:22 GMT

We have seen it over and over again....those who take a chance often end up taking home the prize in business.%26nbsp; Particularly online.%26nbsp; It's a big world, and those who are different can really stand out.%26nbsp; We highly recommend it.%26nbsp; And we have become quite expert at turning your most ambitious dreams into reality on the web.

There's another thing we've learned in the process of working with some of the best and brightest brands anywhere.%26nbsp; Luck is indeed what happens when preparation meets opportunity!%26nbsp;%26nbsp; Nothing really happens by accident, but everything can happen when you deliver an inspired product or service online.%26nbsp; And quite frankly, we love working with both established brands and brand new and ambitious dreamers.%26nbsp;

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Now, if you like working with a web design firm that tends to get as excited as you do about your project, you might want to consider us.%26nbsp; Why?%26nbsp; Because we are hopeless entrepreneurs, and we simply love to WOW our clients with what we're capable of.%26nbsp;%26nbsp; But don't take it from us, listen to it in the testimonials of our clients.%26nbsp; These are people who can work with anyone, and we are so delighted that they chose us.

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Best regards,

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

It's all about the content!

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:39:44 GMT

You've heard for years that content is king, right? %26nbsp; And you know why?%26nbsp; Because it's true.%26nbsp; The power of the written word can instantly strike gold for your business.%26nbsp; We've seen the magic happen across virtually every business type and class.%26nbsp; At The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development, we have become expert at knowing what works, and what doesn't.%26nbsp; That being said, we have seen over and over how just the right words can make that customer reach for the phone to call you rather than navigate over to your competitor's website or place of business.%26nbsp; Yes, he who has the most inspired ad campaigns wins....and it will always pay to advertise.%26nbsp; And powerful content also applies to every word they read on your website, brochures and other print materials.

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Another thing we've learned that applies to all of the above is that creativity sells.%26nbsp; The world is cluttered, so the smart money puts imagination into their ads.%26nbsp; People want to be entertained a little, they want to know why you're different, they want to know you put some thought and creativity into your products and services.%26nbsp; Why?%26nbsp; Because it's the customer's way of screening out the good from the bad.%26nbsp; And it's precisely why you love the Super Bowl ads so much....because they work!%26nbsp; So make sure you put your best foot forward at all times, and we're here to assist you....even on tight deadlines.

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Take a quick tour through some of our own ads for The Old State.%26nbsp; Volume of words is not as important as inspired ones.%26nbsp; And we know how to turn clutter into clarity for you in that regard.%26nbsp; And those words and that ad must be very visually powerful as well. %26nbsp; Same holds true for your website.%26nbsp; Ads and websites are, after all, your windows to the world.%26nbsp; Make them shine. %26nbsp; They must continuously send your message to your customers and clients old and new that you care, you're different, and you're always going to always go the extra mile until they're happy.%26nbsp;

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So,%26nbsp; if you need assistance for your own targeted and well-thought-out advertising strategy or website design or redesign, we'd love to work with you.%26nbsp; We thoroughly enjoy impressing you too. %26nbsp; And in fact, our copywriters and designers will surprise you with ideas you have never thought of before.%26nbsp; You know how you've also heard that a picture is worth one thousand words?%26nbsp; Well, we'll prove to you that a few words can be worth one thousand pictures.%26nbsp; And that's a promise.%26nbsp;

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Call us today for a free proposal for how we can turn mediocre results into...well...highly inspired ones through the power of the written word.%26nbsp; Because yes, content IS king!

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

The new www.Allan-Knight.com arrives with high style and elegant functionality

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:03:03 GMT

At The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development, we have had the good fortune to work with some of the best brands, designers and businesses in Dallas...or anywhere for that matter.%26nbsp; But there's an honorable mention of the highest order to talk about today.%26nbsp; And that is for one of our all-time favorite clients Allan-Knight and Associates of Dallas,%26nbsp; which has now shown us through the process of designing and launching their brand new website what true professionalism means.%26nbsp; Thank you Allan, Cearan and the entire team at Allan Knight and Associates.%26nbsp; We enjoyed it!

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First of all, we are so honored to have been chosen to work hand-in-hand with a brand as illustrious and respected as Allan Knight and Associates.%26nbsp; And let us assure you it was exhilarating to witness firsthand their now legendary design process...which they applied beautifully with us to the brand new www.Allan-Knight.com.%26nbsp; Wow is the only word that adequately does justice.%26nbsp; Quite frankly, it's a stunning display and perfect balance between fine design and technology.%26nbsp;%26nbsp; Make sure not to miss it.%26nbsp;

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Known for their ability to arrive at the best of the best in everything they do, Allan Knight's kind and gentle and decisive hand throughout the process of designing and building the new site was something remarkable to experience.%26nbsp; And we believe they may well redefine fine design's careful embrace of technology in the process.%26nbsp; Because if the world truly is a stage, then through their new www.Allan-Knight.com they might just also be making it their oyster in the process.%26nbsp; On every page of this new site, we believe their design excellence now shines through crystal clear.%26nbsp;

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In conclusion, we want to say that we were awed by Allan-Knight's talents when we started.%26nbsp; But we are now huge fans of them as people as well.%26nbsp; And we are so thrilled with the end result we achieved together.%26nbsp; We will now be forever impressed Allan Knight and Associates' ability to know just what they want,%26nbsp; just the right touch, just the right look and feel and style.%26nbsp; And we want to thank them for choosing us to showcase their powerful talents to the world online. %26nbsp; Quite frankly, we believe this%26nbsp; new website may now set the bar very high indeed.

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

Fasten your seatbelt for some brand new launches!

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:35:46 GMT

At The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development, we've been busy!%26nbsp; Since the first of the year, we have added some very exciting new clients.%26nbsp; Thank you Dallas and Fort Worth!%26nbsp; And we are also about to launch some amazing new websites for TCU, Allan-Knight, NorthPark Center and many others. Get ready, because we have left no stone unturned in both design and functionality for these remarkable clients we are so grateful for.%26nbsp;

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And speaking of new, we just launched the new www.PapercityMag.com website, a sleek and modern www.JosieMcCarthy.com,%26nbsp; an elegant www.CeylonetCie.com,%26nbsp; an awesome www.FashionIndustryGallery.com,%26nbsp; a really interesting www.UnconqueredTheBook.com and others.%26nbsp; And very soon we'll launch the new www.SminkInc.com, www.DragonStreetAssociation.com and a few more for some of the best brands anywhere.%26nbsp;

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So remember, when it's time to build a new website or brand from scratch....or refresh it with great new design and features....we are here for you at The Old State.%26nbsp; Call us anytime for a no obligation appointment to discuss how we can help you with your business as well.%26nbsp; We are proud to report that we have doubled some of our clients' businesses with their new online presences.%26nbsp; At TOS, we take it very seriously....and we still enjoy the entire process of impressing you just as much today as we did when we first started.

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Best regards,

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development

214-484-4449

info@theoldstate.com

Great Design is Timeless!!

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:44:27 GMT

At The Old State, we love great design...particularly when there's history involved.%26nbsp; And of course great design is timeless.%26nbsp; So take a look at this amazing mansion built in 1912 in Yonkers, New York that has been abandoned for years.%26nbsp; Even empty, it's a stunner.%26nbsp;

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Set on 22 acres, it has been purchased by a group that restores landmark real estate.%26nbsp; And this beauty is called Alder Manor and was built by William Boyce Thompson, an extremely successful copper magnate in New York City.%26nbsp; A weekend place.%26nbsp; Wow!%26nbsp; But take a look at the incredible detail in the ceilings, the woodwork, the marble.%26nbsp; It's a showplace, and it reminds us around every corner of how great design is in fact GREAT design for the long haul.

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The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development.%26nbsp;

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New www.CeylonetCie.com is Launched!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:17:27 GMT

Wow, we are so delighted to announce that the new www.CeylonetCie.com site is launched.%26nbsp; And isn't it gorgeous?%26nbsp; We are so proud of it.%26nbsp;

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Michelle Nussbaumer's design talent was already shining brightly, and she wanted a new site to ring in the New Year that was in keeping with her design sensibility.%26nbsp; And we think that....just like Michelle and her great team...it's a beauty. %26nbsp; Don't miss it!%26nbsp; www.CeylonetCie.com

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Thank you Michelle Nussbaumer and the entire team at Ceylon et Cie on Dragon Street.

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From all of us at The Old State House of Web Design %26amp; Development