A Journey Overseas: Our Belfast Adventure and Beyond

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.

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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.

How Thoughtful Details Made Connor & Gabrielle's Celebration Unforgettable

August 7, 2026
When people think back on a wedding, they usually remember the big moments, the ceremony, the first dance, and the reception. But it's often the thoughtful details that make a big day feel even more special for both the couple and the people celebrating with them. This July, we had the chance to be part of another Macksood family wedding as Connor and Gabrielle tied the knot. After helping with Hannah and Reed's wedding, it was so much fun to work with the family again and create another collection of custom pieces for such a memorable day. From custom signage to personalized drinkware, every item added a little something to the celebration. A Wedding Full of Personal Touches Connor and Gabrielle wanted every part of their wedding to reflect their personalities, their style, and the story they wanted to tell. That's exactly what custom products can do. For their big day, we created custom pens, cups, napkins, a felt letter board sign, photo coasters featuring the couple, and an acrylic sign. We also created custom shirts and socks that added another fun, personalized element to the wedding festivities.

From Vision to Launch: Building the Fenton Pilates Studio Brand

August 7, 2026
We’ve had the great opportunity to work with Fenton Pilates Studio as they prepare to open their doors in downtown Fenton. Getting to be part of a new business from the beginning has allowed us to help bring their vision to life across every part of their brand. From the logo and website to signage, marketing materials, promotional products, and apparel, we’ve worked together to create a brand that feels clean, welcoming, and true to the experience Fenton Pilates Studio is creating for its clients. Starting with the Brand Identity The project began with a custom logo inspired by the studio’s beautiful front window overlooking Leroy Street. It’s a subtle detail that connects the brand to its downtown Fenton location while creating a clean, modern look that can grow with the business. From there, we designed and develo ped a custom website wh ere future clients can learn about the studio, classes, instructors, and what to expect when they walk through the doors. Creating Content Before Opening Day We also coordinated a professional video shoot to capture the studio before its official opening. Photo and video content can sometimes feel like something to tackle after a business launches, but creating it ahead of time gave Fenton Pilates Studio a head start. The shoot provided authentic visuals for the website, social media, and future marketing while also giving the studio content to build excitement leading up to opening day. Bringing the Brand Into the Studio One of the biggest parts of this project was carrying the Fenton Pilates Studio brand into the physical space. We created and inst alled custom vinyl lettering throughout the studio, using the new branding to comp lement the clean, modern aesthetic of the space. These details help connect the physical studio to the brand clients have already seen online and create a polished, cohesive experience when they walk through the door.

Join Behind Your Design at Women Connect: Building a Personal Brand People Remember

August 7, 2026
How do you want people to remember you? At Behind Your Design, we know that every interaction helps shape your reputation. Your personal brand isn't just about what you do. It's about how you communicate, the confidence you bring, and the lasting impression you leave on others. We're proud to share that Behind Your Design Owner Chelsea Mills will be the featured speaker at the Fenton & Linden Regional Chamber of Commerce's Women Connect networking event on Thursday, August 20. During this engaging morning, Chelsea will share practical strategies for building a personal brand that creates meaningful, lasting connections in both your professional and everyday life. Connect, Learn, and Leave Inspired Women Connect brings local women together for networking, learning, and encouragement. Attendees will enjoy a light breakfast while connecting with fellow professionals and gaining practical takeaways they can begin using immediately.

OGIO® Gear Cube: A Premium Branded Organizer Your Team Will Love

August 6, 2026
When choosing promotional products for your business, it's worth investing in items that deliver value long after they're received. The OGIO® Gear Cube is a premium storage solution designed for organization, durability, and everyday use, making it an excellent branded gift for employees or clients. Stay Organized Wherever Work Takes You If your team travels, works in the field, attends trade shows, or manages equipment daily, staying organized is essential. The OGIO® Gear Cube offers structured storage for tools, cables, technology, safety gear, samples, or personal items. Its collapsible frame folds flat for easy storage, while interior elastic loops, mesh pockets, and lined compartments help keep everything in its place. Custom Branding with Everyday Value The removable top panel can be customized with your comp any logo using heat transfer decoration, creating a clean, professional finish. Custom branding does more than promote your business. It also helps employees quickly identify their o wn gear, reducing mix-ups at job sites, events, and shared workspaces. Check out the gear cubes we created for Recovery Alliance Project in the picture above. Built for Daily Use Cons tructed from 400D recycled RPET ballistic polyester, the OGIO® Gear Cube is designed to handle demanding work environments. Features like padded handles, a structured design, durable zippers, and m ultiple interior storage options make it a dependable companion for work or travel. A Promotional Product That Keeps Working Unlike many promotional items, the OGIO® Gear Cube becomes part of someone's daily routine. Whether it's given as an employee appreciation gift, onboarding item, or client thank-you, it's a practical product that keeps your brand visible every time it's used. If you're looking for a premium promotional product that combines organization, durability, and thoughtful branding, the OGIO® Gear Cube is an investment your team w ill appreciate for years to come.

Beyond the Flowers: Custom Hawaiian Shirts Designed for Your Brand

August 6, 2026
When most people think of Hawaiian shirts, they picture tropical flowers and palm trees. Today' s custom Hawaiian shirts offer something much more exciting: a completely custom design built around your brand, event, or organization. At Behind Your Design, we've been creating custom dye sublimated Hawaiian shirts that are as unique as the people wearing them. Every shirt is designed from scratch , allowing us to incorporate your logo, colors, artwork, and custom patterns into apparel that's both memorable and fun to wear. Designed Around Your Brand Unlike stock Hawaiian shirts with a logo added afterward, our shirts are fully customized from edge to edge. Using full-color dye sublimation, the artwork becomes part of the fabric for vibrant graphics that won't crack, peel, or fade. Here are a few recent projects we've created:

Custom Coolers: A Promotional Product for Every Season

August 6, 2026
Custom coolers are useful year-round, from packing lunch for work to football games, road trips, camping, and weekends at the beach. With plenty of sizes and styles available, they’re an easy promotional product to match to your audience, event, or budget. Why Choose a Custom Cooler? A cooler has a simple purpose: keep food and drinks cold on the go. Add your logo or custom design, and you have a functional promotional product that can be used at work, games, vacations, events, and everyday outings. Custom Coolers for Fall Events and Tailgating Football season, weekend tournaments, and fall events are perfect opportunities for a branded cooler . Use them for company tailgates, youth sports, customer giveaways, or event gifts. Coolers keep food and drinks cold while putting your branding on an item that can travel well beyond the event.
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