A Journey Overseas: Our Belfast Adventure and Beyond

Chelsea Mills • November 14, 2024

Exploring Ireland & Northern Ireland’s history, breathtaking landscapes, and family connections – one unforgettable moment at a time.

Visiting our son Ian, who is spending a semester at Queens University in Belfast, was more than just a family trip; it became a tapestry woven with discovery, connection, and nostalgia. Our journey was filled with meaningful family moments, stunning landscapes, and a mix of Irish culture and history that left us longing for more.


Belfast: Meeting Friends and Celebrating Ian
Arriving in Belfast, we were warmly greeted by Ian and his new circle of friends from Northeastern University. It was a joy to see him thriving, surrounded by a community that made his time away from home so fulfilling. On his birthday, we took Ian and a few of his friends out for dinner in the heart of Belfast, an evening filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and good food.


Ian also took us on a campus tour of Queen's University which included the iconic Palm House gardens pictured below. We also took a photo of Ian in front of the barber shop he went to while he's been there.

The next day, we decided to explore the breathtaking sights Northern Ireland is known for. Renting a car, we drove along picturesque roads to visit iconic landmarks such as the Giants Causeway, with its fascinating basalt columns shaped by nature’s artistry, and the ethereal Dark Hedges, where light filters through twisted branches like a fairytale come to life. Our daughter Addison’s senior photos were taken here by the legendary Christopher Barr. The beauty of these locations made for a striking backdrop, and capturing family moments at Murlough Bay was a memory we’ll cherish forever.

Family Time and Festivities in Bournemouth
After our time in Belfast, we hopped on a flight to visit Matt’s family in Bournemouth. Halloween was particularly special, as we took our nephews trick-or-treating through quaint streets and enjoyed Bournemouth’s vibrant shopping and nightlife.


I spent lots of time cooking meals and teaching my nephew Toby who wanted to help! Addison even got to learn how to dig up the potatoes in the garden that we ate. Ian even joined us for the weekend, making our time with Matt’s father, brothers, and their families complete. As our suitcases were stuffed with tea and chocolate for the journey home, our hearts were equally full from reconnecting.

A Titanic Experience and a Touch of History
Returning to Belfast for another brief stay, we checked into the
Titanic Hotel, which occupies a building once owned by the company that built the ill-fated ship. Our stay was unforgettable, especially our evenings spent in the opulent Architects' Room, now a charming bar and restaurant. Directly across from the hotel, the Titanic Museum offered an immersive experience, with artifacts and exhibits that brought the grandeur and tragedy of the Titanic to life. Seeing the slipways where the ships were launched was a humbling and moving reminder of history.

Exploring Dublin: Vibrancy and Spirit
For the last leg of our journey, we traveled to Dublin, a city brimming with energy and history. Our explorations took us to the
Guinness Storehouse Tour, where we delved into Ireland’s rich brewing traditions, and Christchurch Dublinia, a museum dedicated to Viking and medieval Ireland. Wandering through Temple Bar, we soaked up the vibrant culture, lively music, and spirited crowd.

A highlight of our Dublin experience was Bar 1661, an establishment steeped in history and intrigue. Named for the year poitín, a traditional Irish spirit, was banned, this speakeasy-style bar brought a unique flair to our visit. With its cozy atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, it’s a place I’d highly recommend to anyone seeking a taste of something different.

Reflections on a Journey Full of Memories
Our journey wasn’t just about miles traveled but about moments shared and connections deepened. From celebrating Ian’s milestone to exploring the captivating landscapes of Ireland and the warmth of family in Bournemouth, each experience added another cherished layer to our family’s story. As we returned home, we carried more than just suitcases of tea and chocolate—we brought back memories that will warm our hearts for years to come.

By Angela Hanners November 13, 2024
Printing Solutions for Every Business
By Angela Hanners November 13, 2024
The holiday season is the perfect time of the year to promote your brand using promotional products. At the same time, it is an opportunity to show your appreciation for your employees and customers by gifting them high quality, useful gifts that will passively market your brand. Why gift branded items to employees? Boosts Morale and Job Satisfaction : Receiving a thoughtful gift can make employees feel valued and appreciated . This recognition can boost their morale, enhance job satisfaction, and foster a more positive work environment. Increases Employee Engagement and Productivity : When employees feel that their hard work is recognized and rewarded, they’re often more motivated to stay engaged and contribute at a high level . This can lead to increased productivity and a stronger sense of commitment to the company’s goals. Strengthens Team Loyalty and Retention : Employee turnover can be costly, both financially and culturally. Giving gifts that acknowledge loyalty and dedication can make employees feel a stronger connection to the company and encourage them to stay long-term. Builds a Positive Company Culture : Recognizing employees with thoughtful gifts helps to create a culture of appreciation, gratitude, and respect. It demonstrates that the company cares about its employees as individuals, fostering a supportive and enjoyable workplace . Enhances Brand Ambassadorship : When employees feel appreciated, they’re more likely to speak positively about their workplace to friends, family, and even potential customers . This word-of-mouth advocacy can enhance the company’s reputation and attract both talent and clients. Celebrates Milestones and Achievements : Recognizing employees for important events like work anniversaries, promotions, or successful project completions helps to mark these milestones and show that the company values their contributions . This can encourage them to strive for further achievements. Promotes a Sense of Belonging : Company-branded items, such as apparel or office accessories , can foster a sense of belonging and team unity . It helps employees feel like they’re a part of something bigger, which can increase their commitment to the organization’s vision. Why gift branded items to customers? Builds Brand Awareness and Recall : Promotional items keep your brand visible to customers in their daily lives. A product with your logo, like a pen or tote bag, acts as a reminder of your business every time they use it. Think about you favorite pen or tote bag, are they branded? This frequent exposure helps customers recall your brand when they need your products or services . Creates a Positive Brand Association : People appreciate free, useful items, which can create a sense of goodwill and a positive perception of your brand . When customers receive something for free, especially something of quality, it leaves a favorable impression, which can build trust and loyalty . Think about how you felt the last time you received a freebie. Encourages Customer Loyalty : Regularly gifting customers with small, thoughtful promotional items reinforces that you value their business. Loyal customers who feel appreciated are more likely to return and even refer your brand to others , which can help grow your customer base. Cost-Effective Marketing Tool : Promotional products offer a high return on investment . They’re generally affordable to produce in bulk, and each item can reach multiple potential customers when used in public, creating a high number of impressions for a relatively low cost. Provides a Tangible Brand Experience : Unlike digital ads or emails, promotional products give customers something they can touch and use. This tangibility can make your brand feel more real and accessible , fostering a stronger connection.
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By Chelsea Mills October 15, 2024
Tons of Flippin' Fundraising Fun
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Grand Blanc Township, MI - October 11, 2024 Behind Your Design is proud to have played a crucial role in the grand opening celebration of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing ’s new 200,000-square-foot warehouse in Grand Blanc Township. As a leader in promotional products and event coordination, Behind Your Design was responsible for organizing every detail of the event, including vendor management, entertainment, promotional materials, and overall event logistics, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees. Event Coordination & Logistics Behind Your Design coordinated the event from the ground up, managing multiple aspects to ensure smooth operations. We meticulously organized the event floor plan, mapping out vendor areas and guest seating, while ensuring traffic flow and accessibility. With an eye for detail, our team crafted the run of show, managing the schedule for speeches, entertainment, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Our staffing efforts ensured that the event was well-supported by knowledgeable personnel, from the event registration team to the on-site assistance for city, state, and government officials. We were also responsible for managing the entertainment, coordinating a local band and background music, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere throughout the day. Vendor Management Behind Your Design worked with a variety of trusted vendors to bring the event vision to life. From caterers to audiovisual technicians, we curated a team that delivered top-notch services. Each vendor was carefully selected and managed to ensure that all aspects of the event ran smoothly, and that guests experienced a first-class grand opening. Promotional Items & Branding A key part of our involvement was providing high-quality promotional items that captured the brand and spirit of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing. Behind Your Design supplied custom signage , banners , koozies , mouse pads , pens , and swag bags , which were distributed to guests. These branded materials created lasting impressions and reflected the company's commitment to both innovation and community. In addition to these items, we also designed and manufactured custom Hawaiian shirts for the event staff. These shirts featured the John P. O’Sullivan Distributing logo as well as logos from some of the well-known brands they distribute. The eye-catching, personalized shirts helped unify the event’s theme and made the staff stand out while reinforcing the company’s partnerships with key brands. We also produced large-scale event signage and banners , ensuring visual branding was prominent throughout the warehouse and event space. Successful Grand Opening The event, attended by city, state, and government officials as well as key industry leaders, was a tremendous success. Attendees praised the smooth coordination, entertainment, and professional atmosphere. Our contribution to the grand opening reflects our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver full-scale event services for our clients. By providing not only promotional products but also managing every aspect of event logistics, Behind Your Design ensured that John P. O’Sullivan Distributing’s grand opening was a standout success, showcasing their new state-of-the-art facility and reaffirming their place as a leader in the beer distribution industry. About Behind Your Design Behind Your Design is a full-service creative agency specializing in promotional products, event coordination, and branding solutions. With years of experience in delivering high-impact marketing and event services, we work with clients to bring their vision to life. Whether it’s large-scale corporate events or everyday branding needs, Behind Your Design ensures that every detail is taken care of, from planning to execution. For more information on how we can help coordinate your next event, contact us!
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