Xubuntu 11.10 Customization - Altering Indicator And Adding Icons

just installed xubuntu 11.10 and i'm wondering if someone can tell me - how to remove the envelope icon from the indicator applet? and also - how do i add icons to the bottom quick launch panel?Xubuntu it pretty slick, but elegance? still hands down to LinuxMint

here's how Xubuntu 11.10 looks (default) just altered wall-paper:
http://forums.xisto.com/no_longer_exists/

Update: SOLVED

remove envelope icon:

sudo apt-get remove indicator-messages

- right click on panel- go to panel- click panel preference- go to items tab- add new item- select Launcher.- Program laucher- a new empty icon appears on panel- right click empty icon- go to properties- click add item to launcher- this will bring available applications to choose from- select application- click ok- application icon added :)