Another Great Gift Idea: Teach 'Em How to Cook!

Here's another unique gift idea, especially for those in the Western Maryland region: Cooking Classes! The Kitchen Studio of Frederick offers a variety of cooking classes—both for adults and kids! From demonstrations to hands-on lessons on topics including Sushi, Baking, Ethnic cooking and more, this is a gift that everyone will love!

The Kitchen Studio Cooking School in Frederick, Maryland is where everything is about the food and a relaxed, playful goodtime. You’ll want to join us over and over for our unique classes where you are sure to meet some friends, pick up some new kitchen skills and enjoy fabulous food! Our classes are small, our instructors really know their stuff and a great time is had by all!

Visit The Kitchen Studio's website to view their upcoming class calendar and to purchase a gift card for your special someones!

On a side note, be sure to check out Kitchen Studio owner, Chef Christine Van Bloem's latest endeavor — Break Some Eggs, a web portal with cooking tips, recipes and videos geared especially to tweens (ages 9-12ish)!

Holidays Already?! (Don't Panic—Great Gift Ideas From Kalico)

I realized today how quickly the holiday season is approaching us (thanksgiving is next week and only 35 days until christmas, oh my!). I know that most of my family and friends already have everything they could possibly need, so I tend to look for unique and creative gift ideas during the holiday season. I thought I would start posting unique gift ideas or resources in the upcoming few weeks, which will hopefully inspire you. (Plus, if you have any creative ideas, please send them on—share the love!) Here we go...



Savor Something Special
Well, to start things off, here's a whole catalog full of unique finds and gift ideas. Savor the Success, a premium online business network for women entrepreneurs, has recently published it's 2nd annual Holiday Catalog, featuring over 50 of the top women entrepreneurs in America! From soy candles to dog biscuits, jewelry to baby clothes, or even graphic design services (ahem, check out page 52). Also, check out page 30, coloring books for women—what a fun idea for some of your best girlfriends!

To download a pdf of the catalog, click here. This is a fantastic opportunity to support some small, women-owned businesses, while getting things checked off your holiday shopping list! Let me know what you think!

Client Spotlight: DFP Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Downtown Frederick Partnership recently launched their 20th Anniversary program, which will take place starting this holiday season through all of 2010. And Kalico went along for the ride, donating design services to create the 20th anniversary logo, as well as postcards and product posters.

Celebrate Downtown Frederick Partnership’s 20th Anniversary by purchasing unique, limited-edition merchandise from downtown shops — share the wonderful tastes and treats of Downtown Frederick with family and friends! Products will range from a limited-edition snow globe featuring Frederick's famous spires, to specialty hot chocolate, wines, beer, BBQ sauce and much much more! A portion of purchases will
benefit the Partnership as it continues to enhance, promote and preserve Downtown Frederick as a great place to live, work, shop and play.

You won't want to miss these great products from some of your favorite downtown shops! Download a calendar of products and participating shops here!

Glamour Shots!

I recently was luckily enough to have headshots shot by Mary Kate McKenna Photography. Mary Kate is a lifestyle photographer who now resides in the Frederick, MD region. She was gracious enough to donate some of her talents to members of the Greater Frederick Advertising Federation, and offered members free business headshots. Now, as you can see, Mary Kate stays far away from your typical, boring, stuffy headshots, opting to shoot outdoors, and encouraging her clients to wear comfortable clothing. Basically she takes shots that really show you, as yourself.

If you're a small business owner who uses personal headshots to help promote your business (I strongly recommend using one on the about section of your website, at least), I encourage you to get some professional photography done. Try to use fun, creative shots that will give your clients a sense of who you are. This will help set you apart from your competition and will make everything a bit more personal.

Now, I am in a bit of a dilemma, as I can't seem to choose which image I like best (although I think I am leaning towards one). I'd appreciate your input—let me know which one you are drawn to the most, and I will start using it on the Kalico website. After all, I want the image to stand out, be fun, and set me apart from my competition, which will hopefully help the viewer to remember me the next time they need some graphic design work!