DuoParadigms would love to work with you on custom announcements for your new little boy or girl. To get started, send us a quick quote request and we’ll be in touch!

In the meanwhile, check out some of the best birth announcements that we’ve found online. These are simply adorable!

DuoParadigms Public Relations & Design Inc.

Oh So Beautiful Paper

Etsy

Etsy

Mixbook

Babycenter

Cardstore

The Album Cafe

Photo Card Boutique

Parent Society

Pear Tree Greetings

Card Store

Card Store

Mixbook

MISI

Stationery Studio

Photo Card Boutique

KidsStyleFile

Pear Tree Greetings

KidsStyleFile

Card Store

Keep Calm and Carry On

Helter and Skelter

Party without Cake

Coffee

Cupcakes

Tea

Eat Cake

Pie

In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.

On Thursday, May 2, 2013, millions will unite in direct opposition to the attacks on religious freedom. It will be the largest National Day of Prayer on record. Individuals are being asked to pray, petition and be a voice of reason at such a critical hour in our nation’s history. To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org.

To download a graphic, click on the image to enlarge it and then right click, and select “Save As”.

Facebook Cover

Half Page Ad

National Day of Prayer Logo

Matthew 11:28

Philippians 1:3

Jude 1:24-25

1 Corinthians 13

Isaiah 46:4

Romans 8:18

Psalm 46:10

Proverbs 31:25

Matthew 19:6

1 Peter 3:4

Colossians 4:6

James 1:12

1 Corinthians 2:9

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Philippians 4:8

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Of course no DP trip is short on fun and Melanie and I had a blast in the Big Apple. We were also guests of Microsoft at the launch of Office 2010 and once again, they were extremely gracious hosts. We enjoyed visiting with the other Office Insiders and Microsoft’s fantastic employees over four days in the city. Plus, we had time to take in NYC’s amazing cuisine (my favorite on earth) and some shopping!

Time to 365!

Aaress giving a presentation

The Office Insider Gals

Melanie & Aaress on Times Square

Dessert at Morimoto’s — warm flourless chocolate cake, caramel popcorn and rice crispies, sesame-caramel sauce, white chocolate foam, sweet potato chips, and spiced pear sorbet. AMAZING dish.

A fun breakfast at the hotel, Aaress & Melanie style

Beautiful flowers!

Good morning, New York City!

Head over to our Facebook page to see our photo album from the trip!

To help you pick the right web design company, here are six tips you can utilize.

1. Look at testimonials

A sure sign of a good web designer is that he or she will have testimonials from previous clients on the front page of their own website. Read through these to get an impersonal impression of what other people think. Of course, they will all be positive, but perhaps, one or two of the testimonials will stand out and show you a good reason why you should hire that company.

Here at DuoParadigms, our clients aren’t just clients. Through the process of working with us, they become our friends. You can see what they have to say about us on our testimonial page.

2. Look at past designs

Sometimes, a web designer will be good at what he does, but he may not be the right match for your site. Perhaps, that particular designer specializes in a type of theme and that theme does not match your interests.

In these cases, it’s always important to look at past designs and pay attention to trends or patterns. You can get a good sense of what the designer likes by recurring themes.

While our designers at DuoParadigms have special design tastes, they also specialize in being able to work with YOUR style. You can see on our portfolio page some of the different trends and styles we have worked with through the years.

3. Consultation

The web designer you consider should be willing to work with you in an on-going basis. If they are only willing to consult with you once or twice, they aren’t the right choice for you. You need a designer who can keep you updated and show you the progress. The designer must also be willing to accept changes that you want to make.

Even after we finish a website, we’re committed to working with you. At DuoParadigms, we provide complimentary support and can even schedule time to walk you through your new website in person or remotely.

4. Benefits

If you plan to have frequent work done to your site, find out if your prospective designer is willing to work with you on the prices.

Here at DuoParadigms, we offer multiple site discounts, plus discounts on on-going updates for your website.

5. Understanding

Web designers need an understanding of the ever-evolving Internet. Businesses need to stay on top of trends and they need their websites to also adapt to the changes. Therefore, web designers need to also stay on top of changing trends. Site designs that worked five years ago may not work today.

We’re constantly staying in tune with the latest design trends at DuoParadigms and can work with you to design a website that will not only be trendy, but meet your business’ unique needs.

Keep these tips in mind when you are looking for your web design company. While you’re making a list of potential web design companies, drop us a line for a free website quote. We would love to have a chance to earn your business!

Your wedding day is a very special day. The smallest decisions can make the day even more memorable.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know about the many options they have for the different types of papers for custom wedding invitations. Here is a list of the different types, and what they should feel/look like.

Jacquard

If you want something simple, but still eloquent, jacquard paper may be right for you. You can screen print this paper to have a layered or crotchet look that is very popular.

Glassine

Glassine is thin and waxy. Most people choose this paper to be an envelope because of its shiny surface.

Linen Finish

This is a fan favorite. It has a grainy surface that makes for a unique texture.

Marbled paper

This is a very decorative paper with swirls that truly resemble a marble texture. People love this paper because of its beauty.

Parchment paper

Parchment is the type of paper from the ink and quill days. It has a cloudy look, but an airy feel. This paper is perfect for traditional weddings.

Vellum

Vellum is a nice paper that is made from cotton. It has a smooth finish with a translucent and frosty look.

Matte

Matte has a non-reflective surface. People love this paper because of its versatility.

Mylar

This is another type of paper that is often used for invitations. It looks like a type of foil paper, having a shiny and metallic appearance.

Industrial papers

If you prefer something non-traditional, you can opt for handmade papers that are made from various fibers, cotton and hemp. Handmade papers typically have a rougher surface.

Hopefully this list gives you an idea of the type of paper you would like for your wedding. Now that you’ve picked out the paper, it’s time to choose a designer for your invitations! We would love to work with you here at DuoParadigms!

Ready to get started on your own custom wedding invitations? Contact DuoParadigms today to request a quote!

After all, there are a number of benefits to doing so that can greatly outweigh any small personal goals, such as dropping twenty pounds, that you may be tempted to set for yourself. Setting business resolutions for the new year will…

1. Improve productivity. You might be surprised at just how much setting a few goals for yourself and your employees can lead to higher productivity. This is especially true if you choose to offer an incentive for your employees if the company’s goals are reached by the end of the year. For example, consider an employee party, gift cards, or even a bonus.

2. Raise employee morale. Once employees are aware of the new goals and their potential reward for reaching these goals, you will instantly see an increase in their morale and motivation, which will further help your business.

3. Create a more successful business overall. Once the goals are reached and even during their pursuit, you will see increased profits, higher customer and client satisfaction, and more success in your business as a whole.

4. Give you a sense of accomplishment. Once your new year goals are achieved, you and your employees will be proud and feel a true sense of accomplishment, which will lead to further motivation to complete new tasks for the next year ahead! Essentially, it is a perpetual cycle that, once set in motion, can do nothing but good for your company.

Be sure to set a new years resolution for your business today, regardless of how big or small!

Here at DuoParadigms, we frequently use stock images in projects for our clients. But finding quality Christian images can often be a challenge in today’s secular society. Not any longer, thanks to a wonderful new start-up, Lightstock.

Launched in late November 2012, Lightstock is a faith-focused, safe-searching, carefully-curated stock photography website geared exclusively for the Christian community. Its images are perfect for any number of church or ministry uses, whether it’s bulletins, church websites, sermon slides, worship backgrounds, or video illustrations.

Lightstock changes the game in the Christian media space by filling a gaping hole with faith-focused content that can’t be found anywhere else. Professional photos portraying Biblical themes are no longer a distant wish, but a concrete reality as Lightstock and its customers help to tell an old, old story in new and visually compelling ways.

I recently caught up with one of Lightstock’s founders, Josh Bailey, to talk about the vision behind the site and how it is ministering to Christian ministries and designers worldwide.

Why do you feel it is important for Christians to play an active role in the design community online?
First off, we have incredibly talented Christian professionals throughout the visual arts world and I think that this talent is a gift deposited by God. Because of this, every Christian artist feels a deep calling to express their gratitude to Him through their unique discipline.

Closer to the surface we recognize that we should be good stewards with what He’s given us. And I think that plays out practically in the telling of His story. We do have an amazing story to tell, and when we exercise our creative gift toward that endeavor we sense God’s pleasure and experience a deep satisfaction in doing what we’ve been commissioned for.

That’s a roundabout way of getting to your question, but essentially we need to be active because we have this story – this incredible message that needs to be heard, seen and experienced in all its different facets.

How has graphic design helped you to spread the gospel around the world?
For me it’s about creating visual firepower.

I have a twin brother and we’re the previous owners of Graceway Media, a Christian design company that creates and supplies over 4,000 churches with visual resources such as sermon slides, motion backgrounds and print banners. For six years we poured our energy into creating media that would help ignite pastors’ sermons and support their overall mission, which at a macro-level is all about spreading the gospel.

With millions of downloaded files from Graceway and the inaugural downloads taking place at Lightstock, we feel we’re playing our part in advancing His kingdom.

We noticed on your website that your company supports several ministries, including two which are close to our hearts, The Joshua Fund and Voice of the Martyrs. What prompted you to decide to donate a portion of your profits to these groups and the others listed?
Giving back is at the heart of Lightstock. We donate 10% of our gross profit to kingdom causes. Lightstock Partners also have the ability to designate a portion of their royalties to these charities and others. I think it’s cool to know that when you purchase photos from Lightstock, in a small way you’re supporting kingdom-minded organizations world-wide.

For more information about Lightstock, please visit www.lightstock.com.

Ziglar’s website posted this statement this morning:

“Zig Ziglar passed from this world today after a short bout with pneumonia. Though his time on earth has ended, he is speaking with Jesus now in his heavenly home. The angels in heaven are rejoicing and his family is celebrating a life well lived.”

Zig’s memorable style and wisdom will be missed, but fortunately, his many writings will outlive him and continue to inspire millions. In honor of his legacy, enjoy this collection of 15 of his most inspirational quotes.

“An optimist is someone who goes after Moby Dick in a rowboat and takes the tartar sauce with him.”

“Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.”

“People do not wander around and then find themselves at the top of Mount Everest.”

“A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.”

“There are no traffic jams on the extra mile.”

“You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.”

“It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts.”

“Life is a classroom — only those who are willing to be lifelong learners will move to the head of the class.”

“Ask yourself a question: Is my attitude worth catching?”

“Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission.”

“The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is integrity.”

“If God would have wanted us to live in a permissive society He would have given us Ten Suggestions and not Ten Commandments.”