Sunday, May 9th we celebrate Mother’s Day! For those of us that are moms among the Sitting Dux (and you out there), this holiday has special meaning. As working mothers, our families often give us experience-tested wisdom and a new perspective on dealing with unhappy clients, on inspiring employees and certainly on managing our time wisely. I was reading an article in Wearables Magazine last week that contained some interesting statistics about women in the workplace. Look at these numbers:

There are 68 million women in the American workforce.

51% of workers in high-paying management, professional and related occupations are women

There are 9.1 million women-owned business in the U.S.

Women are starting new business at a rate of 2 to 1 over men.

13.5% of Fortune 500 executive positions in 2009 were held by women

What I’m reading from these figures is that women make up a huge segment of the workforce and hold a significant number of decision-making positions. The numbers are a great reminder to consider women when determining your marketing strategies and choosing your most effective promotional items. Depending on your specific industry, your key business prospects are increasingly more likely to be women. This week, as Mother’s Day approaches, we’re focusing on ideas for products and wearables that will appeal to women in the workplace, from woman-conscious corporate wearables and the latest in women’s tee shirt wear to more insight from Debra Shafer on the world of marketing for women entrepreneurs.

Today, we’re starting with a collection of promotional items designed to pamper. With all those women in executive and ownership positions, these gift packages are an ideal way to show customer appreciation and provide some much-needed stress relief — all with your logo and message front and center. [Two of these items were included in our Nurse's Week specials, but they bear repeating!] If you offer services in primarily women-centered industries, these self-care sets will offer long-lasting promotional impact. And, they’re just plain cool.

THE SPA GIFT SET
This collection of a nail brush, exfoliating gauze sponge, loofah and pumice stone are presented in a natural wood caddy we love! Your logo can be imprinted on the 3 1/2 x 4 1/2″ container for a classic and up-scale look. Pricing includes 1-color logo on 1 location. (Set-up = $45)

Qty = 100 items
Price = $5.00 each

Qty = 500 items
Price = $4.75 each

Special expires 6/25/10

RENEW CARABINER BATH & BODY KIT
This mini vinyl tote contains a nail brush, loofa pad and candle tin. The 2 3/4 x 4 1/2″ bag is available in blue, green or red and easily clips to a gym bag handle, purse or computer case. Pricing includs a 1-color imprint on 1 location (Set-up = $45)

Qty = 100 items
Price = $7.44 each

Special expires 6/25/10

ESSENTIALS PAMPER-U POUCH
This set combines 1oz lavender fragrance body lotion, 8oz lavender fragrance bath crystals, unscented tea light candle and cool gel eye mask into a zippered pouch. Pricing includes a 1-color imprint on 1 location. (Set-up = $55)

Qty = 48 items
Price = $9.66 each

Qty = 150 items
Price = $8.60 each

Special expires 6/25/10

We have a tradition here at the office. For the past five or six years, through the inspiration of one of our former designers, we eat lunch together. We lovingly call it “Friday Lunch,” and it’s open to those on our staff who want to join in. Usually around 10am, we start contemplating our favorite local restaurant choice. We have our favorites, and we usually choose by the process of eliminating what we’ve already had recently and by the process of passing the buck to whoever feels like a decision-maker for the day. Realistically, Friday Lunch usually ends up being just the girls. For some reason, the men on our staff don’t seem to want to enjoy our company around take-out boxes. That could have something to do with the years we used the hour to discuss the various stages of pregnancy or applicable wedding plans going on in the office. I guess I can understand their reluctance to join the discussion. Still, it’s a tradition we’ve kept going for a while, and we sometimes have former staff or even clients stop by to join us.

As I was anticipating our lunch discussion this morning, I was thinking about this tradition. We look forward to it now. We sometimes talk about on-going projects, but more often than not, it sparks conversation about life outside the office. It has afforded us the opportunity to build office relationships, to foster teamwork and to be more involved with each others’ lives. It’s helped us to be a better team.

What team-building practices does your business or organization have in place?

SPEAKING OF LUNCH…

Miss Jen rustled up a very nice special on an outstanding lunch product. This to-go lunch container is a truly versatile promotional item. It fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and conservation. It’s practical and useful — the hallmarks of a quality promotion with the potential to offer great marketing rewards. Check it out:

LUNCH TO GO

No more messy ice packs, leaking bags or soggy sandwiches! This lunch on-the-go box includes a divided compartment to keep food separated. The bottom container is microwave safe. Snap closer hinges keep the lid secure. The lid has a utensil compartment and contains built-in freezer gel. This is a great item for maintenance or construction crew gifts, student organization incentives, employee reward programs, company picnic give-aways and more.
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location.
Set-up = $50

Qty = 48
Price = $11.50

Qty = 72
Price = $10.99

Qty = 144
Price = $9.58

I’ve been reading a lot about wood lately. Perhaps it comes from a greater awareness of natural resources brought on by last week’s celebration of Earth Day, in addition to a special project I was doing for one of our clients in the forestry industry. This sustainable natural material has been on my mind for several weeks since I perused the April issue of House Beautiful and was astounded again by the variety and design excellence available with this natural material. Whether stained, painted or left in its natural state, wood offers a multitude of options in the world of interiors.

In thinking about the larger well-designed world, however, I noticed that wood also displays an amazing array of tones and patterns that can be used as inspiration. Just take a look at the round cutting board in the picture above. I picked it up from a craftsman in the East Tennessee area. It is made from a variety of wood types left to age in their natural colors and patterns. Aside from the amazing craftsmanship executed in the design, I am continually inspired by the natural varieties found in what we might consider on the surface level to be a drab neutral. Just look at the warmth and depth there — from blond and honey-colored tones to chestnuts, burgundies and deep chocolate browns.

Even with the light and airy feel of Spring and Summer, these rich neutrals can lend a deeper warmth and grounding to many projects. Various browns can be a less forceful, softer alternative to black in compositions, and they also lend an unmistakeable richness to the look of marketing materials, beyond just a simple environmental feel.

I used the tones of wood to select a wood-inspired palette of Pantone Matching System colors for printing as well as some favorite Hanes Beefy t-shirt colors. Add a woodsy feel to your projects with these choices. When paired with other earth tones or with vibrant alternate colors like lime green, orange, teal or fuschia, these neutrals speak a powerful promotional message.

Stay tuned this week for some well-designed and wood-inspired creations I’ve found from the world of design as well as a couple of ways to harness wood for your promotional message.

Our resident Queen, Debra Shafer, recently participated in two online mentoring sessions in conjunction with the Facebook-centered Online Women in Business Forum. Dux D’Lux hosted the Forum in March in collaboration with Her Executive Coach, a Paducah, KY executive coaching company. In case you missed the opportunity to chat with Her Majesty, take a look at these 10 Questions to enjoy the insights of a 30-year veteran of small business entrepreneurship.

Noone can deny the indelible impact made by nurses! Whether it’s school nurses, labor and delivery, triage at the local clinic, acute care, emergency, hospice care. or disaster relief, we’ve all been impacted by nurses at some point in our lives.

Show your appreciation to the nurses in your organization with these great specials on gifts to pamper your medical team. Offer some care to your care-givers in time for Nurse’s Week, May 6-12!

RENEW CARABINER BATH & BODY KIT
Just right for pampering!

A mini vinyl tote with carabiner clip including a nail brush, loofah pad and candle.
Size = 2.75″w x 4.5″h
Colors = blue, green, red
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Minimum qty = 100 bags
Price = $7.44 each
Set-up = $45

COTTON NECK PEN LANYARD
(Pen not included) This 1/2″ lanyard is the perfect combination for helping your nurses get their work done quickly!
Colors = black, grey, white, navy, royal, burgundy, purple, electric blue, yellow, gold, orange, red, forest green, tan or pink
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Minimum qty = 100 lanyards
Price = $2.20 each
Set-up = $30

Minimum qty = 250 lanyards
Price = $1.95 each
Set-up = $30

LAMINATED 100% RECYCLED SHOPPER
Great for shopping or picnicing!

Laminated to improve durability, this reusable tote is made from 100% PET recycled fabric and is kid-friendly/CPSIA compliant. It contains a large main compartment and generous gusset.
Size = 13″l x 15″h x 8″w
Colors = blue/navy (shown), sand/summer green
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Minimum qty = 150 tote bags
Price = $3.20 each
Set-up = $55

EXPANDABLE BUNGEE DUFFLE
Perfect for the gym or on the go!

This roomy duffle features a shoulder strap, top grab handles and front pocket. Made of 600d polyester.
Size = 25.5″l x 13.75″h x 9″w
Colors = grey/black, glacier blue/black
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Minimum qty = 150 duffles
Price = $4.98 each
Set-up = $55

ESSENTIALS PAMPER-U POUCH
Care-giving for the care-givers!

The five-piece set includes a 1oz lavender fragrance body lotion, 8oz lavender fragrance bath crystals, unscented tea light candle, cool gel eye mask and zippered pouch. Items come in clear vinyl with your logo!
Size = 4.37″h x 1.5″w x 7″l
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Minimum qty = 48 pouches
Price = $9.66 each
Set-up = $55

Minimum qty = 150 pouches
Price = $8.60 each
Set-up = $55

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? The Academy of American Poets established the month-long national celebration of poetry in 1996. More than just fulfilling those high school English credit requirements, poetry is a stunningly creative endeavor that can open our eyes to see familiar things in a new way. There’s something about the combination of well-chosen words and phrases that offers a fresh and personal perspective on common experiences — even shared experiences. That’s the beauty of poetry.

If you’re like me, much of my absorption of poetry ended with what I read in English and American Literature classes in college. However, I recently discovered a program that opened my eyes again to the power of verse as well as to some of the amazing contemporary American poetry being produced today. In celebration of National Poetry Month, I thought you might enjoy a little weekend waddle through a wonderful repository of current poetic work…

The American Life in Poetry project is an endeavor that seeks to highlight and promote contemporary American poetry. Each “column” reveals a selection and introduction by 2004-2006 U.S. Poet Laureate, Ted Kooser.  The columns are available to newspapers and other online media outlets (like blogs) for publication. The project is supported by the Poetry Foundation and the Library of Congress. I’ve enjoyed being on the ALP email list to receive the columns in my inBox. [You can sign up at the website link above.] The weekly offerings of short, but often poignant verse have been a welcomed does of quality writing and beautiful imagery as I’m weeding through my normal email fare.

Here are a few of my favorites from the archives. Enjoy!

Bach in the DC Subway

Night in Day

Green-Striped Melons

Everybody

The Pick

Once again, the Starkville Area Arts Council has done a stellar job in preparation for this Saturday’s Cotton District Arts Festival in Starkville.

This award-winning event is an annual celebration of life and art. In addition to artisan vendors and a juried fine art show, the Festival also features a variety of musical, choral, dance and theatrical presentations in several stages located throughout the event. There is fun planned for the entire family, four-footed and all. In addition to the popular Taste of Starkville, a showcase of local restaurant offerings, visitors will enjoy a Pet Parade, 5K run, Children’s Village, Celtic Village, International Village, Writer’s Village and much more!

Held in the nationally-acclaimed Cotton District, a stunning example of architecture in the new urbanist style, the Cotton District Arts Festival is an ideal way to spend your Saturday surrounded by great art, great music, great performances, and great food–all in one of the most photographed areas of our dynamic community. We invite you to spend tomorrow in Starkville, enjoying quality art to your heart’s content!

We’ve worked with the Starkville Area Arts Council for several years to create a consistent and attractive web presence for the organization, and we’ve been delighted for many years to print the posters and t-shirts for this event from designs submitted by various community and student artists. Thanks, SAAC, for choosing Dux D’Lux for your website and printing needs and for your commitment to creating and showcasing QUALITY arts experiences in our community!

Graduation season is coming up very soon, and you know what that means! Lots of pinches on the now-grown-up cheeks. A few sighs of relief. Plenty of tears from Mom and Grandma. And snapshots. Yes, our graduates in their caps and gowns will be the subject of quite a few snapshots to be sure.

Why not take advantage of the photo opportunity and offer your organization members or customers a high-quality place to display their loved one sporting that diploma. Miss Jenn has found an amazingly-priced brushed aluminum photo frame that can be custom-engraved with your logo or message. Scroll down for a peek at this great product, but first… a creative customer appreciation idea and tips for taking top-notch snapshots!

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION IDEA!
With the low minimum quantity available with this particular frame, you can afford to stock up! Try resurrecting one of the long-standing traditions of the South.  Scan your local newspaper for announcements about the accomplishments of your clients and their family members. Scope out wedding announcements, graduation parties, scholarship awards, contest winners, and the like. Clip the articles and slide them into this great photo frame customized with your logo. Send it along to your client with a note of congratulations. Your customer won’t soon forget it!

With the emergence of great digital cameras at reasonable prices, even amateur photographers can capture the moment with pizzazz! To capture YOUR graduate in the best possible light, follow these 6 tips for snapshot success!

1. Go off-center. Nothing says “my teary-eyed mother took this shot” like a face plastered right in the center of the frame with busyness all around it. Up the quality of your photo by simply shifting your main subject slightly off-center. It’s an old trick for good design composition, and it works with snapshots, too!

2. Re-focus. Don’t confine yourself to a head-to-toe shot of the cap and gown. Play with your camera’s zoom features to get more close-up shots. Focus in on faces and details for a more unexpected portrait. This puts your subject matter front and center without the distraction of an overwhelming background.

3. Click, click, click. One of the great advantages of digital cameras is that you aren’t limited by actual film exposures. The best way to get a “good” snapshot is to take plenty to choose from. Don’t rely on just one pose. Snap away to your heart’s content. It’s always better to have choices.

4. Opt for clouds. You may not realize it, but cloudy days are usually better for taking photos than bright, sunny ones. Harsh sunlight tends to wash out your subject, create shadows that can be overpowering and distort colors and patterns.  A cloudy sky gives you a more neutral background to work with.

5. Share the light. Now, we understand you don’t always have control over cloudy skies on graduation day. But, when you take your photos, make sure you are standing in the same kind of light as your subject. If your graduate is in shade, be sure you are standing in shade as well. This will ensure that the built-in light meter readings on your camera will be most accurate for your subject.

6. Swear off cheese. Yes, all those smiling faces staring at the camera are very nostalgic. But, sometimes the best snapshots come when your subject is unaware. You might capture an unencumbered smile, a thoughtful expression or that look you remember from when someone was 5. Snap away at unexpected times without announcing the typical “say cheese.” Candid shots can often be the most poignant.

4 x 6″ BRUSHED ALUMINUM FRAME

The brushed aluminum frame holds a 4 x 6″ photograph and includes a cardboard back.
Pricing includes laser engraving on 1 location.

Minimum quantity = 50
Price = $5.76 each
Set-up = $50

HURRY! This special pricing expires 4/30/10