UD+Ms 2009 Top 10 Must-Haves

This post could alternatively be titled, 'Some things I love and some things I really wish I had', but I thought the former had a better ring to it.

So, taking the lead from my wife's post, 'Favorite Things of 2008', I have created my own list. The following are things that I love, YOU can't live without, or WE should both make part of our lives in 2009.

Feel free to respond with a list of your own! I always love hearing what has improved your lives so much that you don't know how you survived without them.

So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here it is:

#1: TOMS

If you're a frequenter of either mine or Raechel's blog, you know how we feel about this great charity. Since receiving a pair of these traditional Argentine shoes, I can't think of a day that has gone by that I haven't worn them. They are comfortable, easy-to-use, fashionable and, on top of it all, for every pair that is purchased, TOMS gives a pair to a child living in third-world poverty. Get a pair for yourself, your significant other, or your toddler (The Tiny Toms are by far the best. Oliver gets compliments everywhere we go...and he couldn't care less.).

#2: Spurgeon's Morning+Evening

Raechel and I received this book as a gift from our friend and pastor, Dr. George Grant. It is a book of twice-daily readings based on passages of Scripture. Spurgeon's foundational expression of our complete failings without Grace and his encouraging perspective on Christ's love for us and our response to that love is a refreshing beginning and end to every day. You need this book.

#3: Bento

This organization application has completely changed my work day. Bento is essentially a steroid-pumped, facelifted Microsoft Excel (which, by the way, in natural Mac form, integrates Excel perfectly).

This 'spreadsheet' application is 100% customizable in an incredibly easy-to-use and aesthetically pleasing interface. In addition, it syncs seamlessly with iCal, Apple Mail, Address Book, your iPhone, and MobileMe (excuse the Applespeak, all you unfortunate PC users. You're stuck with Excel :-) ). I have completely based my job tracking and project management on Bento. I've even created personal workout plans (Don't ask how those have panned out for me...no fault of Bento!)

Bento has just unveiled version 2, which includes templates for a Wine Tasting Log, Teacher gradebooks, home inventory, vehicle maintenance, event planning, and more. See it in action by going here, and clicking on the 'see it in action' button below the feature image.

#4: Parish Presbyterian Podcast

I can't tell you enough how thrilled we are to attend the church that we do. Parish Presbyterian is a plant church here in Franklin. I can confidently say that we have never been a part of a church community as wonderful and loving as Parish. The congregation's focus to 'go deep' has been a challenge to us spiritually, emotionally, and to our own principles and routines. God has placed us in a wonderful church.

Lucky for you, sunday sermons are posted in podcast form! Get them here or subscribe to them through iTunes by searching for 'Parish Presbyterian'.

#5: Dwell Magazine

You may have read of my love for post-war/mid-century modern residential architecture (if not, click here). I was able to swing a free year's subscription to Dwell through some never-to-be-used frequent flyer miles and have been thrilled with the 2 issues I've received so far. I highly recommend everyone buy at least one issue of Dwell this year, even if you aren't a fan of modern architecture. The feature articles give great explanations of the warmth (what????), purpose (huh?!?!), and environmental benefits of modern architecture.  

#6: Yard Dog

As a fan of reds over whites, and a lover of wine label design, Yard Dog 2006 has risen to my top 2 reds. Appropriately named, Yard dog is a bit of a mutt. It's an ecclectic blend of 3 different grapes, which creates an easy, layered blend of tastes. On top of it all, you can't beat the label design! Great with pizza and red meats. Not to mention, at $8.99 a bottle, it's a great host/hostess gift. 

#7: MacBook Pro
Here's one for the wish list. Apple just unveiled the latest generation of their top-selling notebook (mac or PC), the MacBook Pro. I can't even begin to list the features the MBP is toting. Everything from 8-hour battery life, to 8GB of RAM, HD monitor, aluminum casing...I'm listing, aren't I? Go see for yourself...

Anyway, surely my iMac G5 is beginning to recognize it's days are numbered. Not only is it incredible immobile (That's not to say that I HAVEN'T crammed it and it's peripherals into a carry-on and carted it through an airport for a working vacation in Michigan...unscathed!), I am amazed to say that the 80GB harddrive I once though was unfillable is full. 

Here's wishful thinking to upgrading to a MBP this year (15" or 17" still undetermined. Beggers can't be choosers!)

#8: Project Management Application

What? Why do I need this? I just blabbed on and on about how great Bento is. Ah, but is it ME that needs a PM application? or is it YOU?

UD+M is in the process of building a little brainstorm that will automate the need for project management for creatives and event planners. AHH! I've said too much...Keep your eyes open for updates!

#9: Valley of Vision

Another well-read book in the Myers home is a compilation of Puritan prayers called Valley of Vision. William Turner writes of this book,

"The soul learns to pray by praying; for prayer is communion with a transcendent and immanent God who on the ground of his nature and attributes calls forth all the powers of the redeemed soul in acts of total adoration and dedication." (Preface)

The Puritans recognized that prayer and doctrine are not to be separated. In their prayers they kept the two together. In fact it was their doctrinal understanding, which indeed produced such deep, and lasting prayers. Theology instilled a thorough passion for prayer. Likewise it is prayer, which sinks us deeper into the mysteries of God's self-disclosure of himself. It is prayer, which furthers our theology."

It is to this end which we, as Christians must strive. We must search out our Triune God in prayer and devotion as we seek him in his word and through our prayers.

Through quite a blustery and overwhelming 2008 (Read our story from the beginning here), this book has been a life raft during times of not knowing what to pray. Buy this book.

#10: Branding Consultation by UD+M

Yes, a shameless plug for me. What did you expect? 

The truth is, UD+M is creating something normally reserved for the million-dollar budgets and bringing it down to a reachable shelf for small businesses. 

Design studios give you form. Marketing firms give you function. UD+M merges the two into Effective Design (at a cost around 40% less than the others!).

Take some time to see what we do and what we've done. Then, tell us what you want for your business over a cup of coffee.