I have made it no secret that I sometimes struggle with the technical end of blogging. The coding I have had to do has definitely permanently destroyed some brain cells and something that takes someone else 5 minutes, probably takes me an hour. But I muddle through. This weekend I devoted some time to de-cluttering and prettifying the blog a bit:
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| Blog changes, including new header, new press page and some fresh, minty green |
Blog Design:
I changed the photos in my header, switching out two photos and making them a bit larger. Because I made my header in picnik, which is closing soon (weep), I figured I better make the changes now.
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| Previous header |
I also added a tiny hint of a mint-y green to the sides of the blog (which might read as white on some monitors) because, although you know I love an all-white look, I thought it might be easier on the eyes than miles and miles of white. But I kept it simple and subtle because I like my photos to pop. I already had some mint-y green going on so now the look is more cohesive.
*New* Press Page:
I removed the logos of blogs and magazines that featured me from my sidebar because it was getting a bit cluttered. Instead of listing press at the side, I created a designated “Press” page to give a shout out to the blogs and magazines that have featured the blog, the townhouse or my DIY projects. Let me know if you have featured something of mine, but I haven’t sent the link love back.
*New* Flavicon:
I changed my “flavicon”. The logo beside my URL, that used to be the blogger symbol, is now a photo I took that I also use as my “Blogs I Heart” label and the labels to divide my DIY projects by theme. Learn how to change your flavicon in this post by Olga @ Stardust-Decor&Style.
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| Headers to divide DIY projects by theme |
Abandoned Plans:
I thought about creating a DIY project gallery, but I like a blog that has large photos I can scroll through. Sometimes project galleries are too tiny for me to see and I have to click through each one to see what the heck the project looks like. I figure folks can easily see my projects on my DIY projects page and only need to click on a link if they want the how-to detail. Does anyone have any strong opinions on this?
Anyway, because I was a busy little blogger bee this weekend, I just wanted to let everyone know about my reorganization, especially the new press page because I’m so flattered so many wonderful blogs and magazines have featured the blog. I didn’t want anyone to think that because the logos were gone from the sidebar, I was no longer appreciative.
P.S. If you’re a blogger looking for feedback, try Heather’s “What I Like About Your Blog” bloghop. Your blog is reviewed by two anonymous bloggers and, in turn, you anonymously provide your feedback on two blogs. Heather, from Inspire Me Heather, arranges everything. I participated once before and found it really helpful (and not at all scary).
I like your header!! great job…i struggle too with blog technicalities!
Thanks! I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. I chip at it so slowly, tweaking here and there. Your blog looks lovely, though!
If you promise it's not scary, then I may have to give the blog hop a try! I love your header and never would have guessed you made that on Picnik!
I promise it isn't scary. The reviewers are fellow bloggers, who know how tough it can be to blog and were pretty gentle on my reviews. Very constructive, not at all mean.
I like the new header! I'm terrible at all the technical stuff. I can't even figure out how to size my blog properly.
I totally concur about the big photos and I really like the idea of returning the love with a press page. I may have to backtrack and get one started.
I'm a blog-tech-bumble 🙁 But I am learning and trying….and for now as I stuble along, that's alright 🙂 I love you new header and the Press *page*. I'm still trying to figure out how to do pages. I've been blogging for 3 years and I just discovered Windows Live Writer…lol. I'm slow but sure.
Good for you, Tanya. I work away at my blog as well, and also participated in Heather's bloghop. I found the feedback super helpful. Some of the suggestions have been implemented, and some of them are waiting for me to take the time that you did! I'm with you on the big photos – prefer them so much more!
Of course the blog is DIY project too! When I decided to change the template, it took me long hours of non sleep to get it customized and everything! Shame there isn't any link party for blog designs! LOL! Thanks for the shout out Tanya! I've also created a new page with all The Blogging Series posted so far.
Small tweaks but it's all moving in the right direction….your blog design is consistent with the aesthetic in your home – clean, bright, and a splash of artistic flair. I like it. The "What I Like About Your Blog" looks great – thanks for the tips!
Thanks Dayna, I'm so happy you noticed. I have tried to match the blog's style to my home because I figure that way readers will know right away if they will like my blog content, just by considering the blog design itself.
I really like the changes you've made to the blog. It's looking sharp.
Love the new header! If you ever want to switch out the photos again after picnik goes away, I could easily Photoshop something for you! Just FYI =) It looks fabulous and I really do love that mint-y color along the edges.
Thanks Carrie! That's so kind of you. Once Picnik disappears (I'm still hoping it's a joke) I should probably learn some other photo-editing program. I'm so impressed you can use Photoshop. Photoshop and I tried to get along, but we can't be friends.
Of course! It's so easy to do…You'll catch on in no time! I am a copy editor on a newspaper, so I have been lucky enough to get familiar with Photoshop…Otherwise, I'd have no idea what I was doing!
I am loving the new style of the blog! As you know I am doing organizing month… would you like to provide a tip to stay organized? The header looks great! I love the green and the arrangement of you pages is awesome! I participated in the "What I like about your blog" series the first time and it was great to hear what other people that might not read my blog thought!