Blogger Chix Designs

No Moo for Me

2010-06-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

This blog site features Savvy approved Dairy free recipes and products! If it is not {Savvilicious} then it is not on this blog! Savvy is a 3 year old little girl who is an amazing Warrior Princess! At the age of 1 she received a liver transplant and has had severe dairy allergies since. Savvy is spunky and loves to help her Super Papi in the kitchen...she loves it so much that she is the Chef making each recipe and trying out each product we review (with the help of her sous chef, "Super Papi!" and her "No Moo Crew"). Yummy or Yucky she is the one in charge and she will let you know!
If you are interested in winning an ad spot on No Moo For Me! this is the place to be! The ads must be of a family friendly product. If your company has food related products then some of the food items must be "Savvy Friendly" which means they must be dairy free. We are actually giving away 3 spots on the sidebar!! For those of you who win a spot for a free month you can continue to keep your spot on the sidebar for 50% off for the next 3 months! For those of you who enter and do not win...no worries...The No Moo Crew will offer you a spot discount of 25% off for the next 3 months (just contact me and let me know you entered).

Check out this awsome blog for the ad giveaway, great recipes, and more!

4 Essential Factors that Make Up a Good Web Page

2010-06-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

The following factors make up a good web page: purpose, content, web site usability, and design.

Now that more people are using the Internet, establishing your own web page is one of the best marketing strategies for businesses to gain reputation, popularity, to build trust with customers, and to advertise their products. With many advantages, most business owners are willing to allocate a good portion of their money to have a web page of their own by letting the professionals do the programming for them. Many programmers are now accepting this kind of jobs like Sault Ste Marie web design and marketing.
But as a client, you must also know that there are certain factors to consider for you to distinguish if the web page is good enough for you business. They are listed below:

Purpose

The web page’s purpose should be aligned to your business goals. If you plan to make the web page as a company’s outlet to accept orders, then make one with product navigation and payment methods. Stick only to what the site is intended for. Designate appropriate sections in your Web site to different purposes. With your page’s purposes in alignment with your goals, it wouldn’t be long that all your business goals will be achieved.

Content

Another factor that makes up a good Web site is that contents are clearly stated and can be easily understood. Information should be laid out properly and should be straight to the point. If the Web site is more on advertising products, information like item descriptions and prices should be placed where it is prominent and readily accessible by the customers. As much as possible, the site should always be updated on a regular basis and should always have fresh and interesting contents. Also make sure that links are working and the website can be browsed in different browsers.

Web site usability

Web site usability should focus on the company’s goals and more on the customer’s needs and expectations because it will determine if visitors can indeed interact with the web page. Good usability means that user won’t have to take long and won’t have any difficulty in browsing your website, and they should be able to find whatever they are looking for without being bored. To have good web page usability, the web page should be easy to navigate and its content should be considered.

Design

This factor may be the least to consider but psychologically people instantly get attracted to things that are catching to their senses – usually on what they see and hear. The web page design also enhances the whole appearance of the site. That is why, placement of the title, images, and contents, page length and width, links, graphics, use of sounds, etc, should be reviewed carefully.
If you want your business to expand, why not try what the Internet can do for you. Try investing on a web page and see what difference it can make to your business.
Sault Ste Marie web design

Kawartha Beads - Check out Her Ad Spot Giveaway!

2010-06-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

My name is April and you can follow my journey in handmade happenings at Kawartha Beads.

I am the proud mommy to an adorable toddler, bead addict and coffee-aholic! I began my blogging adventure as a means to promote the supplies shop that I run in conjunction with my mother and our handmade items. I am lucky to have inherited the creative fever from her and she is my greatest teacher and inspiration. I instantly loved blogging, sharing my thoughts, learning from others and exploring the endless stories behind the computer screens. I launched Kawartha Beads earlier this year after taking some time off from the creative aspect of our business to focus on my little one and evaluate my direction. I really wanted Kawartha Beads to be a resource both for the online community who loves handmade, as well as to offer local information for those in the area. I am continually working to create a balance between the two and am still learning everyday.

The creative flame is hard to extinguish and I’ve found my beads calling me late at night when my little one has gone to bed. I recently opened my own Etsy shop Kawartha Beads to share some of my own treasures while my mom concentrates on her own line of jewelry at Bijoux Designs For You. Together we still scour the globe for interesting and beautiful beads and findings which we offer in our supplies shop Rouge River Beads. Above all else I cherish the time that I have been able to spend with my mom while sharing this adventure together. In addition to expanding our family my long term goal is to be able to open my own bead boutique someday! I’ve always believed that if you follow your dreams and work hard they can come true. Hopefully you will join me in that journey…who knows where we will end up!

Visit April at http://kawarthabeads.blogspot.com/ for her fabulous ad spot giveaway!

Village of Moms Ad Spot Giveaway!

2010-06-15T23:40:00.000-07:00

**WIN AN AD SPOT WITH THE VILLAGE OF MOMS**

Advertising is an excellent way for your product, shop or your personal blog to get more exposure! Before we giveaway the 2 ad spots, here's more info about me and this blog: Who is the mom behind the Village of Moms and Kite Koop? Glad you asked (although maybe you won't be after reading this!). In summary...

I'm Valerie, a Christ-following coach's wife and stay-at-home mother to 2 kids under 3 (who occasionally tests my patience) that is desperately trying to find some way to (legally) live in Australia or New Zealand for a while. (We also have, two dogs.) I have traveled extensively worldwide, especially when my husband was a professional athlete, and was even born in Brazil, but that doesn't really define me. In my life I have moved too many times to count, and I seem to do it the opposite way most people do it. Most people move from small town to big town, movin' on up. I, on the other hand, moved from a very ritzy big town in southern California to an extremely small town on the east coast for college, then back again, then to a smaller (but still big) city in Colorado, and now am settled in a very small town in the Midwest. But those don't define me either.

What does define me in a nutshell (or a massively run-on sentence)? I am a creature of habit, obsessive compulsive-cleaning-organizing blogaholic who is a slightly crunchy, sometimes grumpy and definitely overwhelmed mom, trying (and miserably failing) to manage two blogs all during naptime. Oh, and did I mention that I type with one arm while holding a high-needs (code for "fussy") baby in the other even when she's sleeping (apparently that's how it's done over here)? All in all, I really am truly blessed!

What is this blog about, and why was it started? I started this blog (at the urging gentle encouragement of my husband) earlier this year as a way to keep busy while holding said fussy high-needs child as she slept in my arms. It was either blog or watch TV while holding her. Not sure which is actually better for me. So on April 1st, I officially launched my blog, Village of Moms, with a strong desire to help moms in every facet of motherhood. It's basically (and eventually) meant to be a "one-stop resource" for moms on all subjects pertaining to parenting and housekeeping and everything in-between. Make sure to stop by and have a look at our other giveaways.

To enter Valerie's Fabulous Giveaway, check it out here!

Ad Spot Giveaway for The Pumpkin Patch!

2010-06-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Pumpkin Patch

For anyone who doesn’t know me, let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Sarah and I am from a little corner of the world that I like to call The Pumpkin patch. I am a stay-at-home mom to 4 little pumpkins. When we decided to start our family, we really got down to business and had them all in 4.5 years. It definitely gets a little crazy around here, but that is just how we like it. I also teach a preschool in my home for my daughter and her little 3 year old friends.

I started The Pumpkin Patch as a way to document and share what I have learned about in my life. There is a little something for everyone. On Messy Monday I share a kid-friendly craft or activity that is sure to make a mess (but not a big one) and make you and your kids smile. This is a linky party, so come join the fun. This past Monday we made Melted Crayon Art and it was so fun!

Transform Tuesday is for before and afters. We bought our house 3 years ago and the last time it was decorated was the early 80’s. We had a LOT of work to do when we moved in! I love this day because I see how far we’ve come in making our house a home. This is also a linky party and any transformation is welcome. Here is my boys' bedroom. It is my favorite so far.

Wednesdays are for Whatever I want. Sometimes it is a craft, recipe, or tutorial. Sometimes I host giveaways for others, and sometimes I feature blogs or ideas that I have seen and really like. If you’re having a hard day and need a little pick-me-up, then stop by for Thoughtful Thursday, and if you need a really great recipe, then Foodie Friday is just for you!!

Now for the giveaways…

The first giveaway is over at Thrifty Décor Chick and is for a $50 gift card to anything in my Etsy store. You should definitely go there and enter.

So head on over to The Pumpkin Patch to win a great ad spot!

Life in the Pitts Winner

2010-06-10T05:11:00.000-07:00

The winner for Life in the Pitts Ad Spot Givaway chosen by random.org is:

#6 Ana Paula@ Get Craftin said...

I'm a subscriber of Life in the Pitts newsletter!

Please contact me at bloggerchixdesigns@hotmail.com so I can connect you with you button sponsor. Congradulations!

Scrappy Gifts Ad Spot Giveaway

2010-06-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

About Scrappy Gifts
Love to scrapbook and need ideas? Check out my Scrappy Saturdays to get ideas or share your own.

Need to find time to scrapbook more? Join in on my Online Crops at my Blog Frog Community to get some of your scrapbook projects done. Prizes, Games and Challenges.

Need creative crafty gifts for family, friends, or for yourself? Don't have the time to make a crafty gift or to scrapbook? Let me help you! I specialize in making scrapbooks: everyday scrapbooks, calendar, baby and wedding scrapbooks , guest books, scrapbook layouts, and creative gifts: scrappy canvas, clocks, and boxes. I can make any of these gifts: you choose the colors and what you want. All you have to do is add your pictures cut to size or pay me to add your pictures for you. Check out my Already Made Items or see ideas for a Custom Order.

About Me: Maryanne
Here's a little bit more about me. I'm Maryanne Nelson, a wife to an aspiring illustrator and a stay at home mom to a one year old boy.

I've been scrapbooking since the beginning of 2005, and I have grown to love it! It provides a strong creative outlet for me and makes me feel like I belong in Relief Society (a Latter-Day Saint Organization for Women). Sometimes I even dream about the perfect scrapbook layout.

Along with scrapbooking, I enjoy blogging, reading, playing games, learning new crafts and baking. I want to learn how to cook more, grocery shop on a budget, and sew. Plus I love learning how to do it yourself to make your home beautiful and seeing how creative people are.

I have a degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University-Idaho in December 2007 thus teaching is in my blood.

This giveaway for Scrappy Gifts will be hosted at her blog. Enter as many times as you can! Grow your blog through fabulous free advertising! And check out all her fun activities and great tutorials.

Mommies Blessings Winner!

2010-06-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

And the winner of Mommies Blessings Ad Spot Giveaway chosen by Random Number Generator at random.org is..

#19 Lisa said...

I am following A Mommy's Blessings through Google Friend Connect.

Yay! Please send us your e-mail and blog address to bloggerchixdesigns@hotmail.com within 48 hours so we can connect you with your ad spot sponsor!

Ok everyone, lets keep entering for more ad spots on giveaways to come!

Life in the Pitts - Ad Spot Giveaway!

2010-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Helena, and I write Life in the Pitts.
(also known as The Dramatic Thoughts of a Sometimes Crafty Newlywed)

This past year I got engaged, got married, and moved across the country so my husband could start Dental School here in Pittsburgh. It was a big year. And I'm still recovering.

It took me a while to find a job (Mostly because the job market is tough. But also because I was lazy), and so I started blogging to fill my time. But then I discovered craft blogs. And became obsessed.

I host a weekly Creative Therapy session, where you can come and link up your projects. I love getting inspired by all of your crafty ideas!

But to be honest, my blog isn't a craft blog.

I write about my life, and my life includes crafts. But it also includes friends, family, and my adorable, but super frustrating, new husband.

It's about my life here in the Pitts.
MY GIVEAWAY SPECIFICATIONS
Size of ad spot: 150x150(px)
I will offer the winner ½ off for the next three months, following their free month of advertising!

Not Eligible: Anything not family friendly (hate, obscene, porn, etc)
Want to Enter?

1. Follow Life in the Pitts through Google Friend Connect.

2. Sign-up for Blogger Chix Designs eNewsletter .

Now You've Done That But Still Want More Entries?

3. Subscribe to Life in the Pitts Newsletter.
4. Post about the Giveaway.

Leave a separate comment for each entry here on this post. This giveaway will end Wed. June 9, 2010 at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time. Good luck!

Fire Up Your Giveaway!

2010-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of the next couple of months and the fabulous blogs we will be featuring, I want to share some of the ways I discovered to promote your giveaway and your blog.

Unless your a blogger who gets thousands of hits a day with tons and tons of people referring to your blog and promoting your events at their own blog, sometimes it can be discouraging to have a giveaway. You often have to work to get people to even enter! I remember some of my first few dissapointing giveaways on other blogs. I would wait and wait, checking my comments wondering why they were so few and far between...

I have since learned that everything evolves around work in the blogging world. If you leave your future to chance or luck, its more likely than not you will flop and fail. The internet is so vast that for someone to stumble upon anything that isn't ranked 1st in a Google Search list is like 1 in 100,000,000,000,000 - (don't quote my possibly exaggerated numbers - its more like an example to make a point :-) Sometimes you wonder, how many sites can there be out there? Beyond our comprehensive imagination I believe. Just in your native language alone, how many cooking sites are there? Lots. Lots and lots and lots.

So when your small and want exposure through a giveaway, don't despair. There are ways to help yourself!

1. Link up to all the giveaway parties you can.

Moms By Heart has a huge list of parties here for everyday of the week to join. Parties do some of the work advertising your giveaway for you.

Link up Moneysavingmom.com giveaway list, Tipjunkie.com listing and any safe listing you can find.

2. Start telling people. Leave comments on blogs, send e-mails (when you have permission), and spread the word. Post on your facebook and twitter about it.

3. Remind often. Put a reminder right up where your visitors will see it everytime they visit. It takes a lot of repeated exposure before people will actually develope an interest in what they are seeing. Leave links and make it as easy for them to enter as possible.

Let's get going! The amount of entries and exposure you get is directly related to the amount of effort you put in. I didn't realize this at first, and just hoped that people would find me and enter. It so doesn't work like that for most people; unless your really lucky or get a big break. I was not lucky. And it was dissapointing. Then I developed a new attitude and outlook. And I reaped the rewards. You can too. Don't wait for dissapointment - go and build success!

A Mommy's Blessings Ad Spot Giveaway! - Over

2010-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am Holly, the writer of A Mommy's Blessings...a 29 year old, stay at home mama to 6 children, ages 7 and under!
Why do I blog, and how do I have the time? Well, technically I don't. But blogging is my outsource to connect and stay focused. And to find other mamas who understand, and help them along the way too!

'Cause ya know, my hubby is wonderful, but he can only understand my day so much. After sitting at a desk, he comes home to a frazzled wife, and can't quite get it. How can I be in the middle of picking up toys with a screaming baby on one hip who thinks he has been neglected because I set him down for 2 minutes, trying to tell the 4 year old to stop pretending to kill his brother with his sword, calming down the brother who is crying because the 4 year old is pretending to kill him and he thinks he is now truly dead, giving a towel to the 3 year old to clean up his mess from dipping his stuffed animal in his glass of water on the table that is set for dinner and then "painting" everything with it, all while the pasta is boiling over on the stove...and yet still manage to get dinner on the table within 5 minutes of him walking in the door? Nope, he just can't understand.

But other mommy's can relate!
A Mommy's Blessings is a place to curl up with a cup of coffee and peanut butter M&M's during nap-time, and unwind. It helps keep our sanity!

Here you will find I post daily (well, as regularly as a busy mama of 6 littles can), and have lots to share with you.
* Mommy Mondays (tips and tales from the frontline of motherhood)

* Wednesday Win-It (where you can link up your giveaways)

* Friday Fling (all about organizing and decluttering - 'cause I'm a neat freak)

* Recipes

* Menu Plans

* Frugal Freebies and Deals

* Simple Sundays

* Giveaways are almost always happening here!
Those are some of my favorite things, and so much more....like cloth diapering, baby wearing, homebirth and pregnancy, homeschooling, healthy eating and living, being a Christian wife and mother, homemaking, frugality, product reviews, how-to's, and the crazy antics of life in a family of eight! Lots of fun, quirky posts to help put a smile on your face..and frankly mine, because in my busy day, I need smiles! And, well, my children just don't understand my sense of humor.
********************************************************************
A Mommy's Blessings has a large audience of many mother's (and father's) of little ones. They would love to see other family centered blogs or businesses geared with them in mind!

That is why I am giving away one, high profile, 125x125 ad spot to one lucky winner! I will run this ad for your blog or business for one month, and then will gladly work out a sweet deal to continue advertising if so wanted.

Interested? Good! I want to help bring more traffic to your little corner on the web!

Here's how to enter:
* Follow A Mommy's Blessings through Google Friend Connect.

* Sign-up for the Blogger Chix Designs e-newsletter.
After doing those two steps, you still want more chances to win?

* Become a fan of A Mommy's Blessings on Facebook.

* Follow A Mommy's Blessings on Twitter.

* Grab A Mommy's Blessings button and add it to your blogroll.

* Grab Blogger Chix Designs button and add it to your blogroll.

* Write a blogpost about this giveaway.
Make sure and leave a comment after each entry, and don't forget to leave your email address to contact you if you win! This giveaway will end on Monday, June 8th at 12:00am Mountain Standard Time.

Good luck to you all, and I look forward to seeing your ad on my blog!

BCD Renewed and Button Swap Moved

2010-05-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Hello! After a week of review and assesment, I have reworked BCD and made some changes. Blogging shouldn't stress you out, and if it is, like it was me, then its time to re-evaluate!

I've made some changes. I'm focusing on my newsletter instead of stressing about my number of followers. I'm transferring my button swap meme to a more permanent spot, and decided that this blog is going to be more focused on its subject. On blog marketing, growth, and teaching ways to possibly work from home. I really only want to post quality content to give you solutions to problems you're having. So, welcome to the renewal of Blogger Chix Designs!

For all my great participating Button Swappers, the new swap site I host is at Button Swap http://buttonswap.blogspot.com/

I'm Here!

2010-05-25T23:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, I'm making a lot of changes for this blog so I've been working on changes instead of posts. Can't wait to tell you what I've learned as soon as I'm done which is very soon!

Button Swap & Grow Day 4

2010-05-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Great news button swappers. I've decided to make a more permanent location for the button swap blog hop of sorts. It will be so you can go and find people to swap buttons with and get free advertising at any time during the week. I will be developing and finishing it soon. I hope to have it done in a few days; especially before next Friday. If you want to know as soon as its done, just sign up for my newletter if you haven't already and I'll send you an e-mail. I will also announce it on my blog.

Things are going well so far. I've opened up even another project (why can't I stop?) to work on. This one is basically an auto-pilot project. I just manage and promote it. I had originally thought to just hire somebody to build it for me, but after scouting around, I decided I may not find anyone to do it and if I do I probably can't afford it. So I whipped out the old html building and template searching whips (figuratively speaking of course) and went to work slaving away on it. I had it done within an evening. Building your own site is so much faster and cheaper. There are lots of good free templates out there now to make it easy, too.

I hope you all have been joining linky parties all week. I have and have had more visits to my other blog everyday than I even get on this blog! Crazy! Linky parties work. Check out Tools for Women's list of them. Now for day four, time to take a look at your blog's layout and design. If its not working for you, maybe you should consider searching for free templates (Lee Lou Blogs has some great ones) or finding a custom designer. Depends on what your looking for. I usually either design my own for now or go with a really good free design. I love A Blog to Brag About's free customizable templates. I may change this blog to one of those at some point in time. We'll see. You can also check out this list of freebies and designers by Butterfly Girls. I can't think of a reason that you would have to suffer with a blog design that you don't like. There are so many options out there that its hard not to find something that is at least tolerable :-) Good luck.

Grow Your New Blog Day 3

2010-05-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

Day three - time to look at your blog's topic. What niche is right for you and will be most profitable? I recently found a great program that walks you through finding which information that you already know is going to be best for your blog (a blog is an information product by the way) or even an e-book. It includes a blueprint worksheet to help you discover your best topic. Of course all of this is free and reputable. The author has plenty of resources already which is why he can offer it for free. Its how he grows his own business. But believe me, this is good stuff.

I went through a lot of topics before I finally found one that was right for me. It was hard to get to that point. There weren't any really good guides on how to do this at that time. Mostly just trial and error. It can be frustrating and dissapointing. Help is good. I've learned to not procrastinate on taking good advice from experts I trust. Do I still do it? Sometimes because I'm not always sure how to apply concepts to my own adventures. But I'm learning the hard way, time delayed is potential growth delayed. I think I'm going to make a new resolution to take good advice and put it to use. Did this come from watching the Guru Video? No, it actually came while reading one of my other favorite sites Entreprenuers Journey. But it lead me to share my newly found information goldmine with you in hopes that it will help you grow your blog. You can check out Guru Mastermind Blueprint here.

Grow Your New Blog Day 2

2010-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Alright, Day 2 of Growing A New Blog. Today I did something that I haven't ever done before, but know will make a big difference. I bought a domain. Yes, me... I did it. I have always put this off till I'm too far down the road and don't want to take the chance of messing things up. Good thing I did it early too, because all my reader's comments dissapeard! What?... I was so sad, I loved those comments. Hopefully they will come back after the domain finishes registering. Note* Don't buy a domain while having a giveaway dependent on comments!

Setting up the domain was easy. Its under Settings-Publish-Custom Domain. All the advice I've read and been given somehow at some point usually encourages bloggers to lose the .blogspot.com and switch to just .com or something. It helps with building a reader friendly blog that they can easily remember and makes your blog just easier to find during searches in general. You can see what a tight-wad I am, talking about buying a domain, when I haven't even bought one for my Blogger Chix Designs blog. I want to but I also want to change the name to something more relative to my current blogging subject but haven't decided yet. We'll see I guess.

The next step I took was setting up my Chic Chick Media Ad and Widget. I've had great success with this advertising program and didn't want to waste any time setting it up.

These are two big steps for me to take so early in a blog's developement. I usually waste time putting it off waiting for...I don't know what. Maybe to see how things will go or something like that. It depends on how you feel about your blog I guess.

I plan on continuing linking up to all the blog parties throughout the week. So far so good.

Now, time for Talk About It Tuesday! What are you up to? (Family Friendly Please, Thanks :-)

Growing Your New Blog

2010-05-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, so to further teach, I've decided to "grow" my new baby blog the right way, and take you along for the ride. Like I said last week, I've found a secondary niche as a new outlet for me on top of this one. Because I've become so interested in living on less and saving with homemade, I started my new blog and it is now a week old. So far I've

Built my Grab Me Button
and
Set up my e-mail newsletter sign-up using Mad Mimi

(you'll notice both this blog and my Living On Homemade blog have e-mail only entry forms - I decided people may be more comfortable, the less info they need to provide - why do some company's need so much info anyway, besides to send flyers to my mailbox?)

I believe those two things are so important that I did them in the first week of my blog's life. I have a list of things I will be doing this week and will show you how to set yourself up for success. I haven't even done all these things with this blog - kind of backwards, I know. But I decided that the new blog needs my current funds so I can set it up right.

After its completely set up, its success or not will likely depend on two things: whether I've found the right niche for me to write quality content, and whether or not I can reach the people who would be interested in my topic as well. This is a huge factor. I can do everything right, but if I can't come full circle with content and readers, it will be futile. So, today I'm off to the huge Monday Link Up Party Listing at Tools For Women to link up some of my Living on Homemade blogposts on sites that my have my future readers. I'll be doing this all week as well. Let's get started on growing our blogs!

Button Swap Blog Hop #3

2010-05-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

Today is the 3rd weekly Button Swap Blog Hop! Where bloggers can get to gether and swap buttons to help promote and support each other.

Here at Blogger Chix Designs I encourage bloggers to be proactive and involved in growing their blogs. Swapping buttons with other bloggers is going to get your name out there so new readers can find you which will increase your traffic. So whip those buttons out and get ready to swap till you drop :-).

Guidelines:

1. Grab the Blogger Chix Designs button and put it on your blog/blog roll (first link on the list). Leave me a comment while you're there and I'll grab your button and add it to my blog roll too!

2. Add the blog hop list (instructions below list) to your Button Swap Blog Hop post on your blog. Be sure to include the guidelines so all the buttons you swap with others will be returned by them grabbing yours as well. *Be sure to include your button's copy code in you Swap Post.

3. Link your blog post up to the blog hop. (You only need to link up once and it will show up on all the hop lists on all the blogs participating).

4. Then start visiting the other participants! Grab their button and add it to your blog sidebar or blog roll, and leave them a comment telling them your visiting from the BSBH party! Be sure to return the favor to anyone visiting you.

*Tip for having lots of buttons swap success - don't wait for others to come to you, go to them first!*

My buttons:

Copy and paste the html code below.

or

Copy and paste the html code below.

I Found Julie's Blog

2010-05-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

You know your a geek when you watch Julie and Julia and at the end you just really want to see her actual blog. Granted I watched it a while ago and just barely got around to searching for it via swagbucks (I love swagbucks), but it was really interesting.

If you haven't watched the movie, its about an average woman who decides to cook through Julia Child's French Cooking cookbook, blogging about it the whole way and it changes her life. The blog turns into a book and a movie. Isn't that something? Can you imagine all that coming from just your little blog? Why was her's special, you wonder, and what's the difference with yours?

I think the biggest factor that gave Julie an edge was she set a crazy goal. Cooking through the whole cookbook in one year? Fans loved not only her writing but where anxious to see if she would actually make it. I think its the same with Stepanie's A Year of Slowcooking. Stephanie's blog turned into a book too. There's just something special about setting goals for yourself. We're not talking easy-peasy ones, these goals were challenging. Now, I'm not saying that if you set a challenging goal you're going to get published or made into a movie; I'm suggesting that goals are hugely successful tools for motivating yourself. It makes you more accountable than just a thought or an idea. If I found a blog that had an author with a challenging goal they were trying to meet, I think I would become a consistant reader too. I absolutely eat it up. I love people with goals, values, and standards. They're an inspiration to me, and you know you can count on the majority of them to hold true to themselves. To me, that's a big deal.

I think I began pondering this subject while I was working on a goal I could have for my other blog Living On Homemade. I have been so almost obsessed with the idea of becoming more self-sufficient that I just had to start a blog about it to share my experiences.

So I encourage you to perhaps set some goals you can share with your readers. It will give them a purpose to check in on you and will hopefully lead to returning readers.

Bloggy Conferences for Us Stuck @ Home.

2010-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Talk About It Tuesday.

There are so many blogging conferences going on. I really want to go! The thing about all of these though, is that you basically have to go on your summer vacation to get to one. Take off time from work, possibly leave your family alone for a few days, buy tickets for travel, the conference, hotels, eating out and so many expenses. Oy. I'm just not going to make it. Why do they all have to be on-location only? Isn't the reason we all love blogging is because we can connect with so many other people on the web?

I think I'm just going to plan my own bloggy conference. One that all those stuck "at home" (can't leave daily life) like me can go to. We won't have to make it such a huge expensive event that you go broke. And you can participate right from home. We'll get in on the party too!

So, I'm open to any suggestions you may have.

What classes you would like to have.
Things you would like to learn.
People you would like to meet.
Reasonable Prices (to cover everything).
Anything else you want to add.

This all started from the growing envy I was trying to avoid while reading about all the things the other conferences were having. I would almost start to drool it sounded like so much fun and learning. I don't like being left out because of one thing or another, so I just make my own plans and fun. And I totally want to invite you! So let's get planning!

Interview With Make-It-Love-It

2010-05-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

May's interview is here, and its with Ashley for previously known Makeitandloveit.blogspot.com NOW Makeit-loveit.com! I was so excited when she agreed to share her tips and tricks through an interview, even though she's super busy and cruched for time. To me, she's like a blogging SuperStar. Her blog is fabulous and so inspirational. Let's get started!

Please tell us about yourself perhaps describe your blog.

Hi, I'm Ashley from Make It and Love It. I am a wife to a busy grad student and a mom to 2 busy, yet smooch-able, toddlers. I run a craft blog with free step-by-step tutorials that I try to make simple enough for anyone to make. I am a wife, a mom, and a woman who likes a little style in her life.....so my projects range from baby projects, to home decor, to things I want for myself. I love figuring out how to make things myself and save a little money along the way......and as it turns out, I love sharing it with everyone out there. Creating is such a thrill, so I hope to help others experience that same thing for themselves! :)

Your Blog Has Grown Tremendously since when I first found it. I think you were somewhere around 1200 followers, which is amazing in itself. Now you have over 6000. That's astounding! Did you do anything in particular to help promote the growth you've experienced?

I'm not sure there was anything in particular to help the growth. At least not that I was intentionally doing. But I would sure love to know the real reason too.....Haha! But I do think posting regularly really helps the blog and keeps readers' interest.

Do you think having an ad on another's blog or site helps with growing a blog?

Oh, I'm sure it does. I think the more your name is out there, the higher your chances are of having more people stop by your blog. And the more popular a blog is that has your ad, the more people there will be noticing your ad on their blog.

Throughout your blogging experience, have you noticed if there is a difference in how you write your posts as to whether or not the readers enjoy it more or less?

Hmmmm.....I think keeping things real and letting my guard down really helps. I think allowing readers to see that I am a real person and make mistakes is really helpful. Okay, and therapeutic for me! It's nice to let everyone know up front that I am far from perfect.

How do you find a balance between writing personal posts about yourself/family and tutorial/informative posts?

That's tricky. I have to keep in mind what my blog is really about and what the readers are really coming by to see. But like I mentioned above, I think readers like to see that I'm a real person, so I try to throw in some personal things every now and then. And I love input from readers about things my family is going through too......so it's a definite perk to post something that I have a question about.

For bloggers looking to make a little money on their blogs, do you have any suggestions on what to do and how to go about it?

I'd say start with google ads. There's nothing to lose there. But the problem with using ads, is that if you don't have much traffic, you won't see much reward. But if you don't have much traffic, you won't have much interest from private businesses either. So try boosting your traffic first. Another thing, if you're starting a blog to make money.......you'll hate it and will most likely not earn any money. You have to love what you're blogging about so that you stick with it. Then eventually, you may start to earn a little money. When I started my blog, it was purely for my enjoyment. After a while, it grew and that's when I saw the potential to earn a little money from it. And wow, I am so grateful for the little money here or there that it brings in. We all have bills to pay (and pay for the projects), right? :)

I noticed that you do a lot of giveaways. Do you think that plays a part in your great success?

It may help. Giveaways are always fun but I have to keep it scaled back. There are enough interested people to have a giveaway every single day....and I am always so grateful for the generosity out there. But if I turn into a giveaway blog, I will lose the theme of my blog......and in turn, lose the readers who are there for my original blog content. Make sense? But having a giveaway once a week is the perfect balance for me and I love seeing what new shops are out there, and then sharing them with my readers!

When you're planning and writing your posts, do you do a whole week at once, or just one day at a time? Do you think it makes a difference?

Oh, I wish I had a whole week done at once. But I never have that much free time. I usually work during nap times and after the kids are in bed.......so I am continually working on posts, editing, and emails. And sometimes the idea comes to me just a few hours before I post a project. So I just work when I can and post whenever I want to. It works out pretty well though!

What, do you think, were some of the best moves you made to move your blog forward?

Haha.......I really wish I knew the real reasons. I am still sort of surprised that people stop by so often to see what I'm making. But honestly, I couldn't be happier. It has been such a fun outlet for me and such a fun way to meet new people. But I guess just keeping it real and blogging regularly.

Do you do a lot of interacting with other bloggers, like getting involved with blog hops, networks, link up parties and such?

I actually don't do a ton. And this is because of time. Everything takes a little extra time and sometimes I have to politely decline joining in on something because it's either that or sleep/family/emails/etc. Oh, how I wish for more hours in the day sometimes.

What is it, do you think, that keeps your readers coming back for more?

Well, I don't know everyone's exact reason, but I would say free content? I sure enjoy things that are free and I know others do too. Hmmm.....maybe also the fact that I'm showing my readers how to make things for themselves, rather than spending the money to buy them at the store. Those are my guesses.

Do you have any tips you could give growing blogs to increase their readership and growth or any advice you would give them on what to do and what not to do?

Like I mentioned earlier, enjoy what you're blogging about or it just won't last. And a funny tip.....be careful how you word things. Sometimes how something is written can be interpreted 10 different ways. I would hate to offend someone, so I try to be really careful about what I'm saying. But I KNOW I have said things all over the place that are interpreted incorrectly. And that's why I would just love to rent a big warehouse and have a big 'ol crafting party so I could talk to everyone face to face. That would help the issue! Now, to find that big warehouse....

HTML Tutoring

2010-05-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have great news everyone. I have finally come across a great HTML and CSS teacher for you! If you're like me, you've been teaching yourself the hard way, searching through lots of questionable sites sorting through all the out-of-date code. Its so frustrating and practically impossible to learn how to design websites that way, whether its to save money and design your own site or to become a blog designer and make money designing for others. The level of difficulty to find quality information is actually why I moved to another blogging subject, which I now love and intend to stay on. But for all the others who want to get in on the elusive designing club, this teacher is a great way to go.

His name is Robert. You can reach him at idahosixstring@hotmail.com. I was just blown away with some of the stuff he's done and built. I've seen a site he completely WROTE FROM SCRATCH. No copy and paste, he actually typed out all the code. I've been thinking of moving my site to another host and getting a domain and he was showing me ways to get great asp hosting and a good site, making it all look super easy; which is what I'm all for of course.

Even if you just want to learn something simple like changing your fonts, correctly adding a third column to your blog, and stuff like that, he can teach you how to do it the right way. Plus, I knew he was for you all when he told me his prices are COMPLETELY NEGOTIABLE! Woohoo. His schedule will likely fill up fast, so if your interested I'd e-mail him soon. idahosixstring@hotmail.com He's also working on building his own game engine. He does advanced stuff. But he can still explain how to do the simple things in an easy way. I've learned that sometimes its ok to have a little help :-)

Earn Money Here At BCD!

2010-05-07T01:05:00.000-07:00

Want to become a writer and earn a little money? I'm assembling information and articles on different topics and want to give my readers a chance to earn a some rewards for their help. I'm looking for original articles and posts written by you to feature on my blog and other sites that are related to:

1. Money Making Work at Home Ideas, Stories, Methods, or Suggestions.

2. Different Ways to Grow Your Blog or Business.

3. Anything else thats related to these subjects that can offer advice to help other bloggers make their Work @ Home/Blogging Success dreams come true.

When you have some quality original writing on these topics, send it to me in an e-mail so I can take a look. I really want to get a collection of these going. If I find that what you have sent me if what I'm looking for, I would be interested in buying it from you. My payment options would consist of a method of your choosing from the following options below.

Choose a $5 E-Gift Card From One of these Sites:

Or: Have a direct payment of $5.00 paid into your paypal acount. (Remember paypal charges small transaction fees that will not be covered by me)

This is a great way to earn a little extra on the side by doing something you do everyday anyway. Write. Even if you don't think you have anything to write about, I bet if you look at your own ideas and activities, you could think of some tricks you know that you could share with others. Write about something you know that others may not. Remember, I have a limited budget for this program every month, so the sooner you get your writing into me, the better. I can only pay for a limited amount writings and articles per month, and won't be able to accept all submissions. Feel free to submit multiple articles sending them at any time, though.

I'm doing this because I know my readers are so clever and that they have so much to share. I want to hear about some of your ideas and share them with others. Plus a little something in return is always nice. So get your original writings together and send them to me at pocketbookpearls@gmail.com. Can't wait to see what ideas you've come up with. If your submission is accepted, I will send you more specifics at that time.

Good Luck and Good Writing!

Button Swap Blog Hop #2!

2010-05-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Button Swap Blog Hop! Where bloggers can get to gether and swap buttons to help promote and support each other.
Here at Blogger Chix Designs I encourage bloggers to be proactive and involved in growing their blogs. Swapping buttons with other bloggers is going to get your name out there so new readers can find you which will increase your traffic. So whip those buttons out and get ready to swap till you drop :-).

If you participated last week and don't see your button on my blog roll, its because I either somehow couldn't find it on your blog or the code wasn't working quite right. Leave me a comment again this week and include a copy of your button's working code pasted into the comment and I'll be sure to add it.
Guidelines:

1. Grab the Blogger Chix Designs button and put it on your blog/blog roll (first link on the list). Leave me a comment while you're there (include your button's code in the comment) and I'll grab your button and add it to my blog roll too!

2. Add the blog hop list (instructions below list) to your Button Swap Blog Hop post on your blog. Be sure to include the guidelines so all the buttons you swap with others will be returned by them grabbing yours as well. *Be sure to include your button's copy code in you Swap Post.

3. Link your blog post up to the blog hop. (You only need to link up once and it will show up on all the hop lists on all the blogs participating).

4. Then start visiting the other participants! Grab their button and add it to your blog sidebar or blog roll, and leave them a comment that includes your button's code, telling them your visiting from the BSBH party! Be sure to return the favor to anyone visiting you.

*Please note that this is mainly for family friendly blogs that will most likely only feel comfortable supporting other family friendly blogs.
*Tip for having lots of buttons swap success - don't wait for others to come to you, go to them first!*

My buttons:

Copy and paste the html code below.

or

Copy and paste the html code below.

Hot Button 6/15 - Belonging

2010-05-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

If you've got any special events going on or coming up, don't forget to post the on the news board bulletin up top!

Continuing with the 15 hot buttons (from Marketing Straight to the Heart by: Barry Feig) to supercharge your blog's growth is button #6: Need For Belonging.

"When James Taylor wrote 'You've Got a Friend' an anthem of a sort in the 1970's, he didn't know he was writing a marketing essay.

Many people play sports for the camaraderie of the sport and the desire to belong. Recently several groups of adult consumers were asked if they would rather be on a winning team of gung ho personalities who went their separate ways after the game, or a losing team that got together after the game for good times. Most of the people chose the latter.

Americans are among the joiningest people in the world. Proof is probably in your wallet. How many clubs do you belong to? (for me, let's see: Preferred clubs for Albertson's, Fred Meyer, Shopko, Staples, Rite Aid, Best Buy, Big Lots, Joann's, Hancock Fabrics, Subway and probably more...wow, that's crazy). How many associations?...

We want to be among people who are like ourselves. Developing an affinity group is an effective way to market your product (or blog). If you have a group, you have a targetable audience."

Nothing could be more true about the blogging world. Just visiting a blog and commenting is like hanging out with people like yourself and joining the visitors club. We all love to be with people like ourselves. For you crafty bloggers, who are your biggest fans? Other crafters like you! Same with couponers, parenting advisers, and any blogger focusing on a niche. Your biggest fans are people who have the same interests. How can you grow your blog through creating a community? How can you help your readers feel like they're involved with your blog and your other readers?

One of the biggest and fastest growing "clubs" are weekly link-up parties. You will find tons of them all over the web. It's really fun to join one or make one for yourself. The blogger gets to see what their readers are up to, and readers get to meet other visitors and make new friends. Its the weekly club meeting. They can be very powerful tools for your growth. It gives infrequent visitors motivation to visit at least once a week, and lets your frequent visitors have a chance to strut their stuff and share their own thoughts. When participants post about the party on their blog, it drives new traffic to your site. Joining parties will do the same thing by giving other blogger's readers a chance to find your site.

Another way to help your readers feel like they belong to something is through your e-mail newsletter. (Which all of you should have set up your sign-up form on your blog by this point... If not, read my post here about why this is very important to start as soon as possible! Don't procrastinate like I did originally!) Make sure they know that joining your newsletter is going to give them special information or opportunities that they otherwise may not receive by just being a casual blog reader. Big companies totally use this method to grow their businesses. Why is it, we wonder, that everything we sign up for requires us to add our e-mail address? Why companies offer deals, coupons, and insider information as incentives to join their newsletter? Because they know the best way to reach out to customers (readers) is through their e-mail. Their audience may not visit their site to shop all the time, but its a safe bet they'll check their e-mail. This maximizes the chance for reader participation by giving them multiple invitations and announcements. This is going to be one of your biggest helps in growing your blog, business, or anything else.

There are lots of ways to create a feeling of belonging on your blog. Think creatively and I bet you'll be able to come up with something unique for your readers. Focus on a main interest you all share, or an activity. Then build around it. What would make this even better?... You could come up with a weekly challenge and give readers a chance to share their experiences. Maybe make a community of sharing of some sort. There are tons of ideas out there. Add a feeling of belonging to your blog and your readership loyalty will grow even stronger.

Living On Less - TAIT

2010-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Talk About It Tuesday! As part of my Work @ Home series, I'm adding thoughts on how to Live on Less and learn how much is enough.

I have really been reviewing where my family's hard earned income goes. Who exactly is it that has our money since it always seems that we don't... My first 2 thoughts were of course:

Cell Phone

Car Expenses:

GAS
Insurance
Registration
Maintenance
Parking Permit

We have already paid off our car for the time being, which we are very thankful for. Even without a car payment, after adding all the numbers up for just my cell phone and our family's use of our one car- I discovered that I work at my 4-day a week job for over a month and 1/2 straight every year just to pay for these expenses! I spend a month and 1/2 at my job when I'd rather be spending time with my son. I was totally shocked at the numbers! What in the world is going on here?!

Then I started to consider what would it take to live without these things. I'm serious. Do I HAVE to have a cell phone and a car to survive and be happy? Have I just been brainwashed into thinking that these conviences are now necessities required to live a pleasant and productive life? The answer: I don't know. I have never even considered the idea. My family always had a car and my cell phone offered the ease and convenience of on-the-go plan changing and being able to make calls to anyone at anytime. Is it possible to function in today's society without them?

I thought of the people I knew without cars. They bike or take the bus when they have to go to work or go shopping. They don't seem any worse for it. In fact, they seem to have more because of it. What about the holidays when we have to go visit family in the next town over? Rent a car or get a ride. Maybe they can come see us instead if they want to. And when it comes to the cell phone, our land line is included in our rent. I'm already paying for a phone, why pay for two? It doesn't make sense besides the convenience.

These are just some of the things I went over, considering the possibility of freeing myself from these financial burdens. Thus freeing up money and time to spend with my quickly growing son.

My husband of course was just shocked at the idea. One of the points he made that did cause me concern was getting around when winter hit. A possible solution - make use of my free bus pass. As students we recieve a free bus pass for our city's bus system to go wherever we want for free. No charge, just go to the parking building and get your free student sticker. I went over so many things from making menus and planning shopping trips better to make my trips more efficient. There are lots of things involved, but is it possible or not - that's what I really want to know.

So, I want to slowly start to make the transition until I can completely experiment on the idea of living without a cell and a car. I really want to see if its possible. If its worth the money saved on gas and all those other expenses. I may find at some point before totally making the transition that it is not reasonable, which at that point I will go back to the drawing board. But, until then, it seems to me that a month and 1/2 is time wasted if it's not spent with my family.

What are you up to today. Link up and share with us!

Changes & A News Board

2010-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

I guess you can quite obviously see that BCD is under construction :-). This results in the need for a different design to make this blog efficient and reader friendly - cute too. Blogs tend to be mostly only about the writer, their thoughts, and such. That's great and is a lot of what blogs were made to do. For my blog, I want it to be more involved with readers, other bloggers, and to build a community of support. To become a blog growth central station where you can come and know you'll grow and get the support you need for the activities you're planning from other bloggers reading as well.

That's why I've added a Bulletin Chat Log up top where you can post your upcoming/current events that you want to let other bloggers know about. Whether its a giveaway, link-up party or great post, we want to know what's happening! Feel free to post as you like - as long as its family friendly and appropriate. Otherwise it will be deleted. I've added this feature because I know how frustrating it can be to advertise your blogging events. Sometimes I just wished that some blogs had a spot where I could post my current activities that I wanted others to be aware of and hopefully participate in. Granted comments can be wonderful way to do this, but here is a comment board right up top where everybody who visits this blog will see. More convenient and efficient!

So go ahead and post a chat. Be sure to include your blog or post url so we know where to go. Keep an eye out for more community updates which I will hopefully be adding as time goes on. Like I said, my goal is to build a community of blogging support.

BTW - Thanks to everyone who's participating in the Button Swap Blog Hop. It's going great and I'm still catching up and will be visiting soon!

Button Swap Blog Hop

2010-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the first weekly Button Swap Blog Hop! Where bloggers can get to gether and swap buttons to help promote and support each other.

Here at Blogger Chix Designs I encourage bloggers to be proactive and involved in growing their blogs. Swapping buttons with other bloggers is going to get your name out there so new readers can find you which will increase your traffic. So whip those buttons out and get ready to swap till you drop :-).

Guidelines:

1. Grab the Blogger Chix Designs button and put it on your blog/blog roll (first link on the list). Leave me a comment while you're there and I'll grab your button and add it to my blog roll too!

2. Add the blog hop list (instructions below list) to your Button Swap Blog Hop post on your blog. Be sure to include the guidelines so all the buttons you swap with others will be returned by them grabbing yours as well. *Be sure to include your button's copy code in you Swap Post.

3. Link your blog post up to the blog hop. (You only need to link up once and it will show up on all the hop lists on all the blogs participating).

4. Then start visiting the other participants! Grab their button and add it to your blog sidebar or blog roll, and leave them a comment telling them your visiting from the BSBH party! Be sure to return the favor to anyone visiting you.

*Tip for having lots of buttons swap success - don't wait for others to come to you, go to them first!*

My buttons:

Copy and paste the html code below.

or

Copy and paste the html code below.

Work @ Home - Series Kick-Off!

2010-04-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

There are lots of work at home gimmiks out there. Most of them seem like the ones that make money mostly rely on luck. I'm sure there are ones that are valid and good, but for me, I'm still not satisfied; because I'm working for someone else. Call me crazy, but I want to work my own hours, when I want, how long I want... I don't want to be forced to deal with unfriendly people. I don't want to be forced to take an early lunch (or in my case dinner break) and then suffer from low blood sugar the rest of the day (unsteady blood sugar highs and lows are unhealthy for everyone). Most of all I want to stay home with my son.

Everyone has their own reasons why they want to make a living from home. And if you're like me, you don't want to be under someone else, with them telling you what to do. So what is one of the most available resources out there that may lead to income working from home? The internet. And what is a huge communication channel you have right at your fingertips? Your blog.

Now, you can eventually start making an income by selling ad spots, information, handmade items and such through your blog, and these are all great. But there is something else you can do that is really going to help you out. Making a passive income through affiliates.

Working as an affiliate means that your working with someone else. More specifically for us, working with someone else that will pay you for every customer you bring them. A lot of affiliate companies will pay you a portion of the purchase price that every customer makes if your work and reference brought that customer to their company. Some even pay you a month to month portion for as long as that customer is with them. This is passive income. Income that comes month to month by simply making the initial effort. I will be introducing you to programs like these that I come across to help you start building your affiliate network.

Using your blog as a communication tool to promote your affiliates can be very effective. Another way that is extremely effective and will be very useful to you in more than one way is having an e-mail list. I have heard some bloggers refer to their lists as GOLDEN. I didn't start making an e-mail list for my blog until I was already months into it. I WISH I HAD STARTED SOONER!!!!! I read over and over about how if you want to be a successful money-making blogger, you need an e-mail list! But that's all I did. Read about it. I didn't start one sooner because I wasn't sure how useful it was going to be for me; if it would be a productive use of time. Please, let me tell you, anybody looking for success online needs an e-mail list. Now that I have one, I don't know why I wasted so much time, procrastinating. What was I thinking? Why don't I ever take good advice as soon as I recieve it?... maybe I just used to be too skeptical.

Even if you don't think you will need one, please learn from my experience. I really couldn't think of a reason to have one when I first started. Then after I forced myself to start one up, I began reaping the benefits. One reason being, people who are going to subscribe to your opt-in e-mail newsletters, are going to be some of your most faithful readers. People who care about what you have to tell them. Having an e-mail list dedicated to those readers is going to save you tons of time. You can easily promote your events, special blog posts, give them insider deals and information and such more efficiently by notifying them through their e-mail. Plus, if they subscribed to your newsletter you know they are more likely to participate in your activities.

Now, the question comes, how do I make an e-mail list? At first I thought I would build one by using my personal e-mail account and just building a big send list that I would send e-mails through. I quickly realized that this was not the way I wanted to go. People are much more likely so sign up for your list if you have a sign-up form on your blog where they enter their name, e-mail, hit submit, and done. The chances of them joining when there is no form and they have to manually go to their own e-mail and send you a letter with their e-mail info themselves are slim to none. Make it as easy for them to join as possible. That's why I went with a 3rd party to host my e-mail list. One that would make a sign-up form for my blog for me, allow me to dress up my letters, and would send them to all my contacts by me simply clicking send.

I looked and looked for a good e-mail provider. Most that I found only offered free trials for a limted amount of time with limits on the number of e-mails you could send, and after your trial expired you only had so many days to decide to sign up as a paying customer before you lists were deleted. I tried one company's free trial, and they were ok, but I wasn't impressed enough to feel like I wanted to join as a paying customer yet. Then I came across a provider that really caught my eye. Mad Mimi e-mail marketing.

They offered the best free program - even better than some of the other company's programs that you are required to become a paying subscriber to use. Mad Mimi's free plan includes full features, unlimited e-mails and free hosting for up to 100 contacts. That is a really good deal! Plus they make it so easy to customize your e-mail format. Adding a header image is as simple as click and drag.
I urge you, please don't to what I did: procrastinate making an e-mail list for your blog. Its value is beyond more than you could imagine. Don't miss out on even one subscriber you could have had if you had set up your list and sign-up form sooner than you did. And when it comes to a great service provider, I was so happy when I found Mad Mimi. It tops every other provider I've ever found. So get started on your goal for a work at home income and get your list started today. Don't wait... Set up your form on your blog before you write your next post. Seriously. You'll be happy your did :-)
(Signing up is fast and they make your sign-up form for your blog for you so all you have to do is copy and paste the code onto your blog. Whether its on a page, post or on your sidebar, just get it on there and start building your list!)

TAIT - It's Ok to Accept Help

2010-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Talk About it Tuesday!

For me today, I've been thinking about help. What kind of help can you find to help your blog grow?

I think this all started when I was talking to someone who has decided to give birth to her second child that's on the way naturally with no help from drugs and pain relievers. I was so amazed at her courage to do so; she was willing to go the extra step to use midwife and give birth at their clinic, just to avoid the temptation of having an epidural. This made me think about my own child bearing experience.

I have to tell you, when I had my son, I never had a better friend than when the epidural and I were friends. I had to be induced, so I was hooked up to IV's and monitors and they wouldn't let me move, or they would come rushing in and put the monitors back on. When the contractions really started coming, I wanted to move, walk around, anything! I decided, if I have to sit here so they can monitor me, then yes, I want the epidural.

I had previously thought about how is might be unfair and selfish to all the women of the past who had to bare children without the help of the great medicines and technologies of today for me to take the easy way out (easy.. haha, is there anything easy about it?...) That maybe I wasn't as strong as they were. Even after I had my son, I think I still felt a little guilty about it.

Then I realized, I totally had the wrong frame of mind about the whole thing. Instead of feeling guilty I should be feeling grateful. People have been working for hundreds of years to make childbearing more bearable. Its ok if I choose to accept the help they offer. Its also ok for those who choose to go naturally. This does not make us any weaker than our foremothers. I believe that they would encourage us to take advantage of anything available to assist us if we choose to do so.

Later I started thinking about blogging. How you are only one person and its a competitive world out there. Your going to need some help. And you shouldn't feel guilty or weak because of it. Growing your blog is a huge, and possibly time consuming task. A way to recieve help is to take advantage of all the great blogs out there to help your own blog grow. There are a lot of good blogs that put out regular fabulous content. I can put this to my own use. Get involved in their activities, send them an e-mail if you have an idea of your own you would like them to get involved in, and buy my blog and ad spot on their's. Doing everything by myself all the time can be overwhelming. I'm not afraid to talk to others. I used to be intimidated by huge blogs and renowned bloggers. Then I realized, they are writers, just like me. Human and approachable.

So, what are you talking about today? Link up and let others find your blog! Don't forget to add the TAIT button found on the side bar to the right.

Big Advertising Oportunities!

2010-04-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

In June, possibly July as well, I have a big event coming up for all my readers. I am putting together a series of giveaways consisting of ad spots on various blogs. The winner of each giveaway will get to experience the growth benefits of having an ad spot on another's blog when they otherwise may not have had the opportunity due to monetary funds and such.

I am really happy to be able to put this together, and would like to offer the opportunity to those who may want to donate some ad spots on their own blogs to giveaway. Donating an ad spot has a lot of benefits, so not just the giveaway winner will "win".

For each giveaway, the giveaway sponsor who donates an ad spot(s) will:

Be featured in a post solely about them and their giveaway; it will be about what their blog has to offer readers. What kinds of great activities and posts you have regularly and little about yourself to introduce you to potential new readers.
Increase traffic to their blog through various entry options for the giveaway.
Will list the winner of their ad under their sponsor or similar category on their blog. Having a sponsor or a new sponsor will increase reader and unique visitor interest into hopefully becoming your paying sponsors as well so they can have an ad spot too. Giving away an ad spot will hopefully get your sponsorship business going to help you maybe make a little money from all your hard blogging work.

I am starting early so we can work on promoting your giveaway to give you the most exposure possible to increase participation. I am putting this together to help out all my readers, whether they want to enter the giveaways (sponsors can enter all the giveaways too, just not their own of course :-) or sponsor an ad spot, either way everybody wins and grows their blog.

If you would like to be a sponsor and donate an ad spot, send me an e-mail by the end of this week and I will start setting dates and giving you more information on how things will go. Its going to be really easy and have lots of benefits. Be sure an e-mail me sooner than later, because I only have so many openings left and they will go quickly.

I'm really excited to be able to offer this to you. I almost wish it wasn't me so I could enter all the giveaways! I know having an ad on someone else's site can bring you A Lot of new traffic you may not have had otherwise, since one of the biggest obstacles to having one is whether you can afford it or not. So get ready, because come June/July, you are going to want to enter everysingle one of these so you can get as much new growth as possible by increasing your chances of winning a spot!!!

Mompreneur Business Boom?!

2010-04-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder what the difference between a successful Mompreneur business and not? That is a big question that a lot of business bloggers want to know the answer to. My question is, do you know?

A lot of my readers run their own business and would like to know how to increase their growth. I've been studying this concept, and let me tell you, its just not one clear solution. There are so many factors involved. I think one of the biggest reasons might be, people are attracted to certain things and when you hit the right thing, that's when your growth goes wild.

I was scouting around Etsy shops, and I saw one shop that was doing Extremely well. And one of their biggest selling items was one that was completely unexpected to me. Mostly because it was an item that I didn't have a particular interest in but it was very apparent that so many others Did. These designers knew their audience and had a great idea.

We all have very different prefferences and personalities. We like what we like and sometimes we get lost in that and it keeps us from exploring different options that could help us on our way. When your building your business, a good question to ask is, who are your prominent customers? What do they like, what do they want, what will sell well? How do we go about finding this information?

Getting comments from vistors may be a solution. Ask them what they want.

Sending out a survey.

Send out a friendly e-mail to those who would be interested in recieving one with questions about what they like.

These are just starting ideas. They work ok. Is there a better way? Probably. Do you know of one?

Polls usually get ignored.

You really have to give the reader a reason to want to participate in any of these ideas. Do you have an awsome tip you will share with them if they participate?

Give a deadline, let them know what your goals are and when you want to meet them, and how participating will improve things in general. Make them really interested. They know if they participate, things will be more productive and better for everyone, especially them in the long run.

Don't stop here either. I will continue to research and share on this subject, because it is a burning question that I must figure out. If you have any tips for us, share the wealth. We're all here to support each other. There's plenty to go around :-)

Growth's 15 Hot Buttons: Part 1

2010-04-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

From Marketing Straight to the Heart by Barry Feig comes this incredible set of 15 Hot Buttons to Push when trying to appeal to customers wants and needs. They are such powerful concepts that I found they can apply to bloggers and home businesses just as well. You can use these concepts to enhance your posts and other communications to aid you in your end goals, whether its having a high traffic blog appreciated by readers, and/or to sell ad spots/merchandise.

I was really intrigued when I found these. Here are the first 5 for Part 1.

Hot Button #1: The Desire For Control

"Many people think their lives are out of control. They don't know where they're going or how they're going to get there. This is not good. Feelings of loss of control are synonymous with a fear of the unknown. People equate loss of control with loss of power over their own desitny or the destiny of their loved ones."

This is such a gravitating concept. People love to know they are in control of their own lives and look to those they deem to have such control for support and advice. If you would like to see an effective example of applying this concept to a post you can read one here by Money Saving Mom. She does a great job of helping readers feel that yes, they can take control of situations.

If you're offering something that you believe will offer your readers more control of their own lives, tell them so! Explain benefits, how to go about it, give it every good word you have!

Hot Button #2: Revaluing

"(People) are beginning to think that looking to past comforts and happiness may help them find happiness in the present. They're returning to products and entertianment that offer them contentment and familiarity. It's part of an overall revaluing of their lives.

The trend is largely responsible for the growing success of Nick at Nite on Nickelodeon, with comfort programming... (they) will gravitate toward products that are familiar (and therefore comforting), but often with a contemporary twist, like sodas with a more sophisticated appeal...

Emotional connections to purchases should drive manufactureres to develop products and strategies that enhance the consumer's perception of a better lifestyle, such as educational toys for grandchildren and healthier foods."

Using a revaluing methods in your writing will cause the reader to start to think about themselves. What they want to change and how. Then, make your answer a good solution to their need for change. Show them how your information or product is going to add more value to their lives. Take them to a point that they want to be.

Hot Button #3: The Excitement of Discovery

The excitement of something new is based on discovery. "Words like introducing, at last, and new in ads are far more than bromides. They bring increased attention...

The joy of discovery means that almost any new product or service will generate at least passing interest. The chance of discovering something unique is why (readers prowl blogs looking for something interesting and new).

When a (reader) unearths something, it also generates strong word of mouth. When a person talks about something he or she doscovers, that person gets to feel important for exposing this new find. Avon's Skin So Soft was found to be effective at repelling bugs (it's also a decent pain remover). The message traveled quicly from (reader) to (reader). Sales spread faster tatan they woudl have if Avon had released a new bug repellent." Its a way to beat the system.

Hot Button #4: I'm Better Than You

"You are what you buy. That's a primary tenet of marketing to the heart. Overwhelmingly, the means of choice for gaining status is consumer goods. People are willing to pay dealy to enhance themselves in the eyes of their peers.

Prestige or status sales cut through all income levels. Whether your customers are considered upscale or downscale is no barrier to making a product appeal through prestige. It's all relative. In some socioeconomic groups, large flashy gold jewelry is considered a status symbol. In other groups, small antique (valuable, yet understated) gemstones may be de rigueur.

Whether you approve or not, status seeking is a dynamic part of our lives.

The move toward generic brands continues to die a slow lingering death as supermarkets' marketing techniques become more sophisticated. Supermarkets are creating their own brands - super store brands. They've learned that a positive upscale brand perception can be more appealing than a low price. Loblaw's, in Canada, has developed a unique private-label program that offers a premium version of products to enhance the supermarket's store brand and their image.

In a marketing strategy based on status, it's important ot reinforce the product benefits and let consumers rationalize the extra cost. People buy Mercedes cars because they think such a car gives them prestige and they justify the expense by talking about engineering. Membership in a prestigious country club can be rationalized by saying that it may lead to new business contracts.

Hot Button #5: Family Values

"The continuity of family relationships is one of the strongest consumer motivations. But there is trouble in family land. The family breakfast is dead, and the family dinner is soon to be a casualty. While 40 percent of American families share dinner at the end of the day at least once a week, the economics of a two-paycheck family means that at least one of the dinner providers is going to be too tired to do much cooking or socializing.

People are making a great effort to spend quality time together as a family. But as usual, you must market to the dream .. Quality time with families is still of utmost importance. The family unit is far from dead. It is evolving. Marketers must sell a vision of the family, not as it is, but as consumers wish it would be."

This totally describes my family. Every night of the week, either my husband is at work or I'm at work. We probably eat dinner together once a month if we're lucky. Do I stop trying to live the family life I dream of? Of course not. I can get totally drawn in when someone is talking about family values and ways to support them. Such a great marketing strategy!

A Letter To Growing Blogs

2010-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Growing Bloggers,

I love your posts. Whether its a darling repurposed item, something yummy to whip up for dinner, an inspirational thought, a rockin' good deal, or just about your family, I think you are totally awsome. Its amazing to see such a diverse world of blogging subjects.

I think comments are a wonderful way to interact with other bloggers. I am going to try to make it a goal that anytime I read a post, I will leave a comment for the author. Whether its to let them know I appreciated the time they took to write it, if I have something to input, or anything else. I think this will not only help me support other bloggers, but grow and strengthen blogging relationships.

Good blogging relationships will be very useful to you in your blogging "career". When they are built on friendship, other bloggers have no problems referring their readers to you, promoting your activities, and you know you can count on someone to be involved with your new ideas.

You can start building your blogosphere relationships today if you like. Whenever you visit a blog or read a post, leave a comment to let the other blogger you noticed what they were up to today. Maybe give them some encouragement, or just introduce yourself. Give it a try and I bet you will find it was worth your time :-)

I really love reading your positive posts. They always make the world seem a little brighter.
Love Your Bloggy Friend

Sarah
Blogger Chix Designs
http://bloggerchixdesigns.blogspot.com/

Ps: Coming next: Starting on the 15 hot buttons that when pushed help your growth go wild!

Happy Earth Day!

This year I've:

Switched to reusable shopping bags.

Purchased a bike and actually use it.

Recycle lots more.

Happy I'm helping the earth more than I was before!

Want to Know More About Me?

2010-04-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Today I'm posting becasue I have an interview with me featured over at Six Feet Under. Some things you may not know about me that I answered in the interview:

What field I work in.

How long I've been married.

And so on.

Check it out if you like - learn more about growing your blog :-)

Brand Your Blog For More Success!

2010-04-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

I'm currently reading a marketing book that teaches about using the power of emotion. Its really interesting. And can really apply to you on your blog to win and keep loyal readers who may eventually turn into customers.

For those of you who would eventually like to make money from your blog, perhaps through advertising spots or selling a handmade item, think about your blog as a product. There is something that you need to do. Look at this excerpt from the book to help me explain:

"Arm and Hammer baking soda outsells all the other brands combined even though baking soda is a simple chemical. The brand conveys trust and authority. The generic brands seem almost naked and impersonal on their shelf next to the Arm and Hammer product. Perhaps we saw Arm and Hammer product in our refrigerator so often that it made a permanent dent in our neural synapses. Ask consumers what they think about Johnson and Johnson products (Baind Aids, Baby Lotion, and others), and they'll tell you that Johnson and Johnson cares about you. It's a simple premise, but it's enormously powerful and profitable. That's why the company can offer line extension after line extension and know that the product will be tried."

What is the key here? Brand and Trust. Think of your blog as a generic product that you want to turn into a trustworthy brand name product. If people have a question on the subject you write, they know that you're the best one to go to for an answer. For the most up to date of fun activities, you're blog is the hot spot. This is going to help increase your sales of whatever appropriate item it may be because you are going to be the customers prefferred choice over your competitors. They come to you first. Make your brand the brand they want to buy. Of course there are more ways how go about doing this that we can cover, but this is our starting point.

So, Talk About it Tuesday is here! What are you guys up to? (This is also another way to get your blog up where others can find it, By the Way ;-)

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Sault Ste Marie web design

Blogging in Moderation?

2010-04-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of bloggers feel pressure to keep up with the other blogs. Have to put out something new everyday, maybe multiple times a day. They get stressed out because, there just isn't enough time or energy to put out content like that, and then their other duties begin to suffer and things just get crazy. There is a way out of this vicous cycle - Moderation!

Depending on what type of blog you write will determine what moderation means to you. Let me just start by using my blog as an example. I post several times a week, probably about 4 times. Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri. I have to do this because of several reasons. I try to make my posts about quality, not quantity. I don't want to overload my readers with too much at one time, and the effort I put into my posts takes a significant amount of time out of my day. If I posted any more than that, my family and household, school and work would suffer.

As for the weekends, I noticed that the blogging world tends to be a little quieter, so posting is less productive for readers at that point because they are out doing other things, and many are just too busy with family and such to be reading blogs. So, I post during the week where I hope I can help the most readers.

This is how I learned to blog in moderation. Blogging shouldn't stress you out. Its supposed to be a fun way to get relief from your everyday life. Do I ever get stressed about it? Of course I do, but I work on learning to control what I call "blogging anxiety" :-)

So how can you learn what your best blogging schedule is? Easy, test your readers. What do they expect, and what do they appreciate the most? Then combine that with what you are able to handle. What fits into your schedule peacefully? Its important to remember that You need to take care of Yourself.

So if your blog is stressing you out, take a step back and re-evaluate and possibly moderate. It may help you fell more comfortable with your schedule.

Take Advantage of Opportunities

2010-04-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

I bet a lot of others out there are a lot like me. A bit skeptical. It takes a lot of convincing and proof before I will explore opportunites. I do a lot of research and read through various references before I will plunge into anything new - Especially if it involves Money or Contracts!!!!

I personally believe this has its advantages. I know what I'm getting into, I've thought through its affects from present to future, and know how to get out if I need to. (I always seem to have a back up plan, just in case...)

For example, right now I'm researching and testing e-mail resources in order to better contact opt-in e-mail readers who would like to recieve tips and suggestions right into their inbox. This is tougher than it seems, because there are So many options and price variations, all with different advantages and disadvantages. For me, all I can do is keep narrowing down my choices until finally, the last one. Then I review again to refresh and reaffirm.

Now, this is difficult because, like I said, it involves money. But its a great opportunity for growth. Yes, I often over complicate and get overstressed about things. But not all things are this difficult. There are tons of easy opportunites to grow and reach out to others that just get overlooked. That is where you can shine!

There are more opportunities out there for us to take advantage of than we often realize. The ones I want to talk about are, of course the free ones. There are tons of free ways to get involved and get out into the blogging spotlight. I read blogs all the time with their writers practically begging their readers for input, participation, advice, and suggestions. This is your opportunity to grow your blog!!! I'm serious!

If a writer opens up a post for reader participation, such as, "What would you like to see going on on this blog?" you have found a prime opportunity. Think about, what would you like to see on this blog? Is it a craft blog? Ask the writer to post a Creative Challenge where they list a basic, everyday item and challenge their readers to jazz it up into something decorative or useful, or both. Then ask the writer to add in a link up party so everyone can show off their projects, which the writer will either review or have their readers review and choose one of the funnest ideas. Then feature that project and bam! You were just featured on someone's blog and their readers are going to get to know you and your blog better because of it. And even if you aren't chosen, you still have your link up so people can find you!

You can adapt this idea to almost any kind of blog subject. Coupon Best Deal Challenges, Most Inspirational Story, Best New Dish for Dinner...

Why is participating in an opportunity like making a suggestion to a writer who is looking for them such a good idea? Because so few people get involved, that it makes your participation that much more significant. You can help the writer out with new ideas as well as help yourself out. I love reading the comments that are not only for the writer, but for other readers as well. Make your suggestion comment worth reading, add your blog url and presto, blog exposure.

Now, the challenge suggestion is just one of many ideas and suggestions you could give that are adventagous to both parties. The key is to think, how can this benefit the writer as well as myself? How can I become more involved with other blogs and make new friends and support the ones I already have? I bet you'll be able to think of a suggestion to make! So, for safe, easy opportunities, my question is, What are we waiting for? Let's help each other out!

Sign Your Blog Up to My Free Directory!

2010-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sign up your blog and get noticed for free! I now have a blog directory set up right here for you on Blogger Chix Designs. Go here to link up your site under the most fitting category and get free exposure to reach new readers!
I decided to set this up, because I wanted to give my readers a chance to get their blog out there so people can find them. I'm always talking about how you need to get your site's name out in the blogosphere so people have as many chances as possible to find your great site. You won't have any readers if others don't know you exist! This way you can target readers looking for exactly what your writing about. It helps establish returning visitors.

You won't find any strings attached either. You don't have to get readers to vote or visit the sponsors site, or anything like that. Just link up and there you'll stay (until the list needs to be renewed or something like that :-). Its a first come first serve basis, so the sooner you link up, the closer you'll be to the top of the list, where you will usually get the most traffic. If you want to grab my Blogger Chix Designs Button for your blog, I always of course appreciate that. But it is not a requirement in order to list your blog in my directory.

I am also starting to think about featuring a great blogger in an entire post every now and then, just to give you a little publicity boost and promote your fabulous blog and writing or shop. Where do you think is the first place is that I'll be looking for these bloggers? In the directory of course!

So please feel free to list your blog and get some niche advertising for free.

What to Meet Some Blogging Partners?

2010-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Talk About it Tuesday!

I've been getting a lot of questions about how to find blogging partners for you and your blog. To be honest, it took me quite a while to find my partners. And lots of time and effort.

Just to refresh your memory, my definition of blogging partners are a small group of 4 or 5 blogs that all agree to help promote each other. They swap buttons and put their partners' buttons on their blog, near the top in one of the first three spots. This is beneficial for all involved - you get a free, good advertising spot on someone's blog and in return you do the same for them.

So, I've decided to try and give you a hand in finding some partners of your own. It will be much easier than the way I did it.

*Just send me an e-mail at pocketbookpearls@gmail.com letting me know your interested in finding some blog buddies.

*Include what type of blog you write
-How many partners you're intersted in grouping with
-Are there specific types of blogs you would like to partner up with? Similar to yours, completely different, ect.

When your spot opens up, I'll let you know and tada, you've got your own network!

My blogging partners and I use smaller buttons so they fit more nicely into the sidebar. If you don't have a button, or would like some help with one, just let me know. I'll do the best I can I only ask you a favor of grabbing my blog button in return and adding it to your lovely blog.

So, that's it! I'll help you set things up and get things going. The sooner you let me know, the sooner we will hopefully be able to get things set up; this is a great way to start getting your name out there, and giving people a chance to find your blog.

Now, time for link up party! What have you been up to? We'd love to hear!

Don't forget your excuse button!

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Set Some Goals

2010-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Goals are really going to help you. Most of you. Why is that?

Goals give you a deadline. I want this to be happening by this time.

(I want to have more points on the scoreboard than the other team by the end of the soccer game)

Big Goals are great, but mini-goals set to get to the big goals are the way to go.

(Big Goal - Crush opponent; Mini Goal - Score a point)

So this week we need to set a goal for ourselves.

What is it you want it to be?

Meet 5 new blogging friends and swap buttons?

Link up to 5 linky parties and visit 5 other people in each party and leave a comment?

Set up your blogging partner network and get your ad up?

Find a new trustworthy blog directory every day and sign up your blog with a good description and tags.

These are just a few of the many goals you could make for yourself this week. Just at least make one. Now, if you're like me, you don't actually like to share your goals for fear of failure. What if you don't meet your goal for this week, and you already told everybody about it? You feel a little embarrassed, like a failure almost. That's not true! What's the purpose of a goal? To get you started and motivated. So if you've done that, then you've already had more success that most others do when it comes to goals. Many don't ever go farther than thinking about the idea of the goal. And if your are able to reach your goal by the end of the week, alright!

Let's all do a victory dance!

Mine will probably look like this:

If you would like to share your goals, that would be great. It makes you feel more accountable for reaching your goal and may also inspire others if they are having trouble setting a goal for themselves. My goals often spand over several weeks and usually seem to be woven together. Right now my goal is to share my Blogging Express Report with you my blogging buddies. Hoping they will find it useful in some way for them. Now, you make your goal. What is it? We'd love to hear!

Now, let's get kickin', we've got a week of growing ahead of us!

How Shallow Are You?

2010-04-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

So, I've got this crazy, curly brown hair. Sometimes it looks good, and sometimes it needs more work. Same with my clothes. Clothes shopping = headache (the shopping takes forever and I'm really picky), so the ones I already have get worn to death. Till they have so many holes, I can't hide, or sew them anymore, and they are too raggy to wear them in public and not be embarrassed. Does that mean all my clothes are like that? No, I have plenty of decent items I can comfortably wear in public without putting on the coat of shame. Which is why, despite all efforts made by teachers and parents, I've been able to discover something that so many cannot purge from our society. A shallow opinion.

Yes, its true. People TOTALLY treat me differently based on how well put together I look. Heels and cute outfit = nice smiles and greetings. Sloppy and thrown together = ignored and overlooked. And to be honest, I can completely understand it. I have learned that this is part of most people's nature and it actually takes them effort to get past this. Am I guiltless? I'd be a liar if I said yes. We do it without even thinking about it. The next time you go to the grocery store, look around and think about your immediate reaction to people's presentation of themselves. What are your first thoughts?

Am I saying that this is ok? No, of course not. Everyone should be treated nicely. So, why then, are we talking about it on this blog? Because the same goes in the bloggy world! People like to read blogs dressed up in a clean outfit, or maybe even heels and a handbag. It makes them happy to be on a blog with a cheery, put-together look, reading content they really enjoy. Take the time to check out your template, and this will put you above the rest. I know its not easy. I go through different template designs all the time, trying them out and observing results. But I believe it makes a huge differnce and can assist you in your efforts for growth. When your thinking about your blogs daily date with your readers, don't forget the lipstick!

Skip Hop Pronto Winner!

2010-04-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

Time to Announce the Winner of the Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad Giveaway!

Thanks for your participation, everybody. Loved the input!!

Congrats #32!!!!

Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen:

said:

I follow:)

I look forward to hearing from you within 48 hours with your mailing info so we can get the Prize to you.

E-mail me at pocketbookpearls@gmail.com

My Free Blog Growth Expess Report Is Now Available!

2010-04-09T04:54:00.000-07:00

Yes everyone, its here! My report to help you jump start your blog growth. I wrote it especially for you who really want to move forward with their blog/business and don't have all the extra funds to do it. Inside I reveal three of the best beginners ways I have found to boost your readership and get your blog's name out there, where others can find you. And they require no money to do them. Just effort!

Its right up on my menu bar under BLOG GROWTH EXPRESS FREE REPORT.

There will be my opt-in newsletter form there where you can sign up to get all my latest and greatest current newsletter tips. After submitting your e-mail and name, a confirmation link will soon be sent to your inbox. Click the link inside the e-mail to confirm your subscription and the report will be sent to you.

Blog Growth Express
By Sarah Blogger Chix Designs

This is just the beginning. There are lots of ways I hope to be able to show you on how to expand your audience. So don't wait till catch up time, let's get started right away! Sign up for my e-mail newsletter and get your FREE copy of my report. Let's get things going!

Welcome all new Friday Followers. So glad to have you here!

Take Action Today to Gain New Readers!

2010-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all future writers of blogs with huge readerships! What are we going to do today? Grow your blog of course!

Let's think about your post today. What was it about? Your cute family? A snazzy project? A fabulous deal? A piece of advice? Now, who do you think is going to find that post useful to them in their life today?

Not sure? What blog do you go to for inspiration about your posts subject? Are you thinking of one? I bet that author is a person that would appreciate your post today. Now, go tell them about it!! Its easy. Just leave them a comment with the link. Be sure to check out what's going on with them today. Show them a little support, too, while your at it. We all need to support each other if we want to make it.

So, you've posted your comment and you've just done one great thing to help your blog. Your name is now out there and people have another chance to find your and your fabulous blog. This is a very important key you need to remember. Try to give others as many chances as possible to discover you! Even the most talented figure skater won't be discovered if they don't get out there and skate!

Now, if you're feeling really ambitous, check out a few more blogs and do the same thing for them. Show some comment support, and be sure to tell them what you have to offer today for them at your blog. The more writers you support, the more that will support you. You get what you give. Now, get out there and meet somebody!

Might I suggest you start with my blogging buddy, Not Your Average Teenager? She's great! You can find her link up in the right hand corner of my blog. Check her out and make a new friend!

Special Announcement: I have written a special report just for you to start you on your way to helping your blog grow. It is going to be available very soon here on my blog along with my e-mail newsletter sign-up for even more!

Talk About It Tuesday

2010-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another TAIT! Today, when I can talk about anything I want (its allowed...because the button says so!) I want to discuss ...

The unexpected impact a Thesaurus has had on my writing. I become wearied of using the same old humdrum (yes, that really is a word in there) words. Its an advantageous asset for every blogger to have.

Ok, that's enough word stimulation for this post. But, seriously, I love my Thesaurus! It is so useful to have when I'm looking for just the right word to create just the right impact I want my writing to have. It helps me enhance my posts and is great when your trying to come up with a name for your blog. When most of the common terms are used up, a thesaurus can help you build a great title.

Wording is everything! From the title of you blog to a simple Closing on a letter, words will either help your relationships with others grow or not. Do you know you have a good post with valuable information but it just seems so blah? Spice it up by going through and choosing a few words. Look them up and see if there is a better one you could use to make things more attactive. I love cleverly worded writing (I would love to be one of those people who can pull it off all the time with what seems like no effort at all). Plus, superior wording will make you seem more intellectual. That in effect, will cause readers to to consider you more of an authority or expert on your topic than others. That will begin to build trust and readership, which will help you blog grow.

So, from my point of view, My Thesaurus Helps My Blog Grow!
(I found mine at a second hand store along with a matching dictionary - my very nerdy christmas present to myself last year; and I was excited about it!).

What wonderful musings do you have to share today? Link up, check out others, and leave them comments. A great way to meet new bloggers and for them to meet you.

And don't forget your blogging excuse (even if you don't need one :-)

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April's Featured Interview: April!

2010-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Interviews to help Bloggers Stand Out From the Crowd!

In order to help others out on one of the toughest parts of blogging: getting noticed, I've decided to do some interviews with pros who have experience and know how to share with others. This month's featured interview is with fabulous blog designer April from April Showers Blog Design. If you already read her blog then you know that she is super fun, energetic, and her designs are always gorgeous.

So, why did you decide to start a blog?

Just to write about my life! I didn't think it would turn into anything else! But thankfully, I've kept it a personal blog too as it migrated into a design site.

How did you decide on what your blog should be about? Was it difficult to decide on your subject, or did it just come naturally?

I just decided to be completely honest and share things that people seemed to avoid on their blogs. I don't see the point in pretending or hiding who I am. So I just let whatever weird things come to mind OUT. No matter who likes or dislikes it. Then I finally embraced my creativity and put it to good use!

What is it about your blog, do you think, that keeps your readers coming back every day?

Heck I don't know! I really wonder that myself. I like to mix it up and never just do plain ol' boring post after post. I'll do a personal post, a video blog, a giveaway, post some pictures...just keep things dynamic. Then I also offer free stuff which is probably 90% the reason why people come to my blog anyway. LOL!

Do you think it would be the same if you didn't input so much of your personality into your writing?

Heck no! Personality is everything! Even if you think you're dull, you aren't. People always seem to tell me that they can never write anything interesting because they just can't think of anything good. Most of what I post isn't planned...I don't think about it beforehand or try too hard. If I'm just sitting there at my desk and my cat starts staring at me awkwardly...I'll write about it. Never be too afraid to post weird or funny things...who cares if you get like one comment? If people hate it, move on to the next topic. It's all about YOU not THEM.

What kind of things do you do to reach readers? Advertise on other people's sites, do lots of giveaways, nothing and they just come to you? Do you have any suggestions about that for others?

I use the Chic Chick Media widget, I offer blog designs and things like that for free (for very popular sites) in exchange for sponsorship space, I ask people to take my button, I offer freebies with my button embedded in them, I USED to (when I was just starting out) comment on people's blogs like a MADWOMAN. That's what I think started it all.

When it comes to designs, do you think any color or style in particular really help a blog get noticed and stand out to readers?

People are really starting to like the clean, modern, and simple look versus a narrow cluttered and scrappy look. If it's easy to read with clean text, colors that work well together, and well-thought-out divisions of columns and widgets...then people are more inclined to stay on the page.

Did your business start out slow in the beginning and then escalate? Or did business boom from the start?

Um, honestly blog design is a pretty "happenin" business. The only time I recall it being "slow" was when I closed my waiting list! LOL! That's why I'm not afraid to promote other blog designers...there is PLENTY of business to go around. But right now I have more business than I EVER have. It's soo crazy. Especially for someone like me who would forget their head if it wasn't attached.

When you first started out, what did you do to get noticed?

Gave away free stuff. I did a lot of "bribing", ha ha!

Was there ever a time you wanted to give up? What kept you going?

Oh my heck YES. I literally work from 8am-5pm daily, workout from 5:30-6:30, then work on designs from about 6:30-midnight or later or pull an all nighter. Then catch up on sleep on the weekends. But it's never enough! I must be a horrible business person because I'm always behind! So yes...that part is tough. But getting new followers, getting emails from people who like my site, having people CARE in any way shape or form about what I do makes it completely worth it.

For bloggers who are just beginning, do you have any suggestions for them to help their blog grow?

Don't wait for people to find your blog. It won't happen with the gazillions of blogs out there today. Follow as many blogs as possible and COMMENT. Leave TONS of comments. Just starting out, that should get you plenty of notice.

Anything else you would like to share or tips you want to give?

I think I've said my fair share! Ha, ha!

Thanks again April for sharing such great tips!

Great Free Clip Art?

2010-04-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Is there such a thing as great free clip art? One where you don't have to wonder or question the source. Where you can sift through great collections to your hearts content? Yes there is! One of my favorite sites of all time is Microsoft Clip Art. They have drawings, cartoons, photos and all kind of images.

They have lots of fun images you can download. I use them in tons of my projects and posts and such. And usually before I buy any stock images, I look through Microsoft Clipart first to see if they have what I need. Save my dough for other things. Check them out, they're a great free resource, and you know that's what I love:-).

Giveaway: Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad

2010-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

This Giveaway Now Closed!!!

You know its going to happen. In the middle of your shopping trip, your baby's eyes get that familiar concentrated look.

And after a minute or two, you can smell their present wafting through the air.

You could use the changing tables in the bathroom,

but by themselves, they are a little too scary for me. Too much of the unknown could have previously gone on there. You could cover it with paper towels, but that takes forever, and the baby is already upset, crying.

Which is why I am so excited to be able to give away the Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad Kit!

You can use this anywhere. On the changing table at the store, on the grass during a picnic, on the floor when visiting a friend. It folds into a carrying case and comes with a slim wipes container. Plus I loved the color.

And even if you don't have a little one, this is perfect to give as a baby shower gift! Always need some of those handy.

So if you want to win this awsome trouble saving Changing Pad here are plenty of ways to enter!

I know your little one will be thankful to get if you're the lucky winner. It may not be like one of theses fantastic kids beds, but its still an imporvement over the other options available! This is all possible thanks to the CSN Team.

Be sure to leave a seperate comment for EACH entry. If you put them all into one comment, then they will only be counted as one entry reguardless. The winner will be announced on Saturday, April 10, 2010. The winner has 48 hours to send me their mailing information, which I will then send to the shipping agent who will ship the prize to you.

This Giveaway is open til Friday, April 9, 2010, at 11:59pm, Mountain Time. US and Canada Residents are eligible only. Winners mailing address must be in either the US or Canada. 1 Winner will be selected by a random integer generator.

Good Luck!

Giveaway Ends: Friday, April 9, 2010, at 11:59pm, Mountain Time.

How To Enter:

1. Check out CSN Store's Kids Beds, then tell me which ones you like and why you like them. Be sure to look around, because I'll probably be using your opinions as a reference when putting together my future giveaways.

2. Follow my blog. If you're already following, tell me so :-).

3. Grab my button to decorate your blog with.

4. Join my E-mail party. (Check the sidebar)

5. Subscribe to Blogger Chix Designs via reader or e-mail.

6. Tell a friend about the giveaway, they follow my blog as their entry, and you both leave the other one's name in your comment. OR write a post on your blog about this giveaway.

7. Tell me what sewing, crafting, stamping or other such project you would really like me to make into a video tutorial.

TAIT

2010-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

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Hey Everybody. Totally got a new bike: Pawn Shop style...

Its the Purple and Silver Version of this:
West Coast Woman's Cruiser

And now I'm totally cool like Farrah Facet. And since I'm a mom and got it at a killer deal, I totally look like this when I'm riding it:

How to Find a Cruiser Bike For an Awsome Deal:

1. Rule: Always call around before you waste your gas looking for a bike (wasting gas to find a bike to save on gas... is that redundant or what?)

2. Call the bike shops in town - check prices and stock (expensive and scarce).

3. Check out the couple shops that may have something according to your phone calls.
(Includes finally dropping off your donation items to the thrift store, stopping by the drug store to pick your photos, realize you forgot to put on deorderant, and buy some while your there since your almost out anyway. Also, pick up the Easter cards to put the pictures in and try to remember to send them out before its too late...)

4. Find nothing, see a pawn shop, check out their bikes, find one for twice what you want to pay...

5. Go home, call all the pawn shops in your area, nobody has a cruiser - except one in the next city.

6. Put baby down for nap, leave him with daddy, check out the last shot you have a cheap bike, and there it is. Your future bike. Tada.

7. Buy it.

Can't wait to read what you've been up to!

Little Guy's Fishin' Hat

2010-03-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming and the Sun is out.

My little guy needs a hat.

So here is my tutorial on how I made him a little hat to wear. I used a little math, so you may need to crack out the calculator. If you would like more explanation on the math part, I'll add, so just scroll down past the video.

For my cirlce patterns I use big bowls because they were going to work best for me. You can use whatever you want, plates, freestyle it, maybe a real pattern you have :-).

Anyway, enjoy!

Here is the formula I'll be using:

Don't be afraid, I know you can do it. The only number you need to find is the radius. Measure across the center of the center piece and divide that number by two. That is your radius. Then, just plug that number in, punch the formula into your calculator and and that is how long you connector piece needs to be.

Wow! Huge DIY Designing News!!!!

2010-03-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

You now have a personal designer customizable by you at your fingertips. Blogger in draft just released its customizable template program. It does just about everything!!!!

Now you don't have to know complicated html to change your blog to three columns, change colors, fonts, almost anything!

If you want to check it out more go to www.blogger.com/templates

They will give you directions how to get this for yourself.

Its great! Have fun.

What Do You Love to Do?

2010-03-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

I love to:

Throw out old clutter.
(So Refreshing and Freeing)

Empty my laundry basket.
(Almost There!)

Finishing a project.
(Have to finish my English Paper)

Imagine going jetskiing
(If only...)

Watching a love tragedy
(Like Gone With the Wind or
The Ten Commandments)

Cracking open a textbook
and learning a new thing.
(Most recent: Physics
Have to read the page twice
to try to soak it in)

Getting on the scale, and
its gone down.
(Yeah)

What do you love to do?

Welcome new Friends!

WLW - Weight Loss Wed.

2010-03-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hosted by Rosey Little Things

Broke into the next set of numbers, yay!

Food alert!

A dirty little secret you really should know. I have found that a serving of yogurt has as much sugar as a serving of ice cream!!! Yes, I'm serious. I compared the amount of sugar in Activia Yogurt and Haagan Dazs Ice cream (I can't remember the exact flavors, so here are just some images to use in my example)

17 Grams of sugar per serving

Yikes! So, if your watching your sugar intake like me, watch out for yogurt. Check the sugar content before you buy...

Talk About It Tuesday

2010-03-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry you guys, I had scheduled this post, but it remained a draft, so after I got home from work today, I saw it wasn't up! Here it is now, a little late...

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I Love Ballet!

I didn't always think ballet was that great. Then I saw Barbie presents Swan Lake (yes, I have seen that movie) and watched the extras and found the artistry Amazing! Ballet is such a controlled, diciplined, beautiful, strong art form that sometimes the things they do are practically unbelievable. For example

Incredible! That is flexibility.

The costumes are so ornate.

This dancer has long, beautiful hair (I think its real...) I like this picture because it reminds of my own long hair that I finally cut off.

If I could go to all the recitals in my area, I would love it. I think the last one was the Nutcracker, two Decembers ago when I was about to burst, getting close to my son's due date. Suprise, suprise, I don't think I've been to one since :-)

Can't wait to read what you guys are writing about!

Super Easy Button Tutorial

2010-03-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

I will be writing this as plainly as possible, so it will be direct without a lot of confusing filler words.

How to make a 125x125 Blog Button with a copy code box.

1. Design your 125x125 Button Picture.
(I use a free program called paint.net - If you don't know how to make a 125x125 image, stay tuned for a tutorial coming up on how to do it using this program.)

2. Upload your image to your photobucket accout. Copy the direct image url.
(photobucket is a free image hosting web site that uploads your images and gives them a url address for you to use when sharing. I've been using them for a while now.)

3. Paste the url into this code where it says Paste Url Here. Don't delete the quotation marks!

4. Enter your blogs url address where it says enter your blogs home url here. Enter your Blog's Name where it says Blog's Name Here.

5. Where it says Tag Identifiers Here, you need to put in a unique series of words, about 3 words will do it. This is so if you ever want to look up who has put your button on their blog, you can enter those words, including the quotation marks (very important) and enter them into a search engine. The results will be anyone who has grabbed your button for their blog. Cool huh?

6. Copy code and paste into an html/java script gadget onto your blog and done.

Let me know how it goes!

Red Elegance Earring Tutorial

2010-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today I have a tutorial for you on how I made my Red Elegance Earrings that I showed you a couple of weeks ago. I made this video a little differently, and the audio is better than last weeks :-) I also switched out the hooks on this pair to an open style instead of the closed one. Hope you enjoy!

Mini Me Leopard Print Purse & FF

2010-03-19T00:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, like I said, here is a video tutorial. I'm putting together a little purse for someone to add to their toybox if they like. For some reason, my camera's audio recorder really picks up the S's in this video. It sounds like I have a lisp, even though I don't. This is my first go at recording and posting, so I plan to improve things as I go along, learning along the way just having fun.

*Note*

Since making the video I've actually found an even Easier way to sew in the handles for the purse.

Before you sew together the two pieces, slide the handle in between the two layers, making sure its clear from all the sides.

Then pin the ends into the corner.

And just sew over it. Now, your are sewing this into the short edge . Remember that one edge has to remain open on the other side.

This way, when you flip your piece inside out, the handles will already be sewed in. Tada - easier!

Also, Welcome Friday Followers!

Update

2010-03-17T08:48:00.001-07:00

Planning and working on videos. Soon to come.

Talk About it Tuesday

2010-03-15T23:47:00.000-07:00

Happy to say I was able to sign up for my jewelry class at Joann's in April. Yay! And it was during coupon commotion week on Open House day, so 50% off the class and coupons for all the supplies. That was great. That makes crafty projects more affordable. I have also been going through some project ideas that I'm excited to work on. Super Easy laptop cover, re-usable grocery bags, and incorporating some cute cloth into my jewelry designs are a few of them.

I hope you all have fun and look forward to reading what your up to and writing!

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Project Idea

2010-03-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

Spring Break will soon be here. I have a little project idea for you today. Its super fun and Super Frugal, and will keep your little ones busy for a little bit..hopefully :-)

When I go shopping out for project books, like crossword puzzles or such, I really can never fork over the money to buy one off the shelf. Same for kids activity books. I usually think that if they're over a $1, they're just too expensive.

So, I decided to make my own kids activity project. Connect the Dots.

I went into the paint program on my computer (nearly every computer made has this preinstalled into it) and set it to my pencil at a fairly large size.

Then I went around placing dots in a pattern around the paper and went back and numbered them. Done. Super easy. Here is an example of one I made:

Just a simple star. You can make yours as hard or as easy as you want. Maybe, you can even get the older kids to make them for the younger kids. Its kind of fun. And my favorite part: cheap.

Giveaways!

2010-03-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

Another chance to promote your giveaway. Link up and join the party!

Open till 3-19

Friday Follow #4!

2010-03-12T07:37:00.001-08:00

Another Friday Follow. Great fun! All my visitors: be sure to link up your giveaway if your having one in the Giveaway Mcklinky. Its in my other post :-)

To Play FF:

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:
--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
--Grab the Friday Follow and Sponsor buttons and include both on your Friday Follow blog post.
--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.
--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.
--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.
This list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Help Your Blog Grow Part 1

2010-03-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

Since I like to help people with their blogs, one area that lots are concerned about is how to help your blog grow. I'll start out by just doing a little series of things I've learned so far.

When your just starting a blog, one of the hardest parts is getting your name out there. If people don't know you exist, then it is very unlikely that they'll be visiting your blog. Unless they somehow miraculously find you through a search engine or something. Amongst the other 10,000+ results. I've have not found that particularily effective so far :-).

If your really serious about your blog, then one thing you may want to consider is advertising on a blog that's bigger than yours. Some offer advertising for Mom businesses for free, like Moms By Heart (She's awsome), and others you pay a small fee. One thing I don't regret is advertising on another's blog. I get a lot more hits and exposure that way.
(Now, this may not be the same for everyone - in other words, if you advertise and it doesn't work out, you agree to not blame me or sue me or anything - I'm just trying to let others know what I've learned :-)

One thing that I have been really working hard at is a way to get good advertising on another's blog without the cost of an advertising spot. We're in college with a baby, so we are not rich! And I actually found a way. I joined up with a few other blogs, and we are now blogging partners and we help each other out. I made a button for each of us and we all have a set buttons with links to our partners on each of our blogs in one of the top 3 spots of our sidebars. We are all in agreement to keep them there as long as we wish to participate. Now we all have a great advertising spot without the cost. It was a lot of work to put this together when I first started out, but its totally great. And I met some great people along the way too.
(If your interested in me helping you put one of these together for yourself, just let me know and I'll try to help you out and let you know what you need to do)

Another thing that I've learned that has made a huge difference for me (we're talking exponential) is something that I've really worked at and have reaped great results. That is...

Until next week!

Weightloss Wednesday

2010-03-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Rosey Little Things

Alright doing great. Another pound down, yay! For me, it seems I'm one of those two steps forward, one step back kind of people when trying get fit. But, even if its slow, its still there, which is what counts.

Thanks to a reader's helpful comment I've decided to try granulated sugar substitute in some recipes this week. I bought a bag at the store and am a little excited to give it a try. Note to self: even if it doesn't have sugar, still need to watch out for fat, like in sugar free cookies. I also actually found a place that sells sugar free desserts - Walmart. I haven't bought any or anything yet, but its nice to know in case my attempts don't work out and somebody's birthday comes around.

Today we're having fajitas with vegetables, sour cream, little bit of cheese, wheat totillas and salsa. I LOVE salsa. It is so delicious. Yum. Yum yum. Great with Baked Tostitos Scoops.

Good luck to all you trying to be healthier as well this week!

Talk About it Tuesday

2010-03-09T01:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just wanted to write about whatever you want? Even if its out of the norm for your blog? Well, now you can feel comfortable about it! Sometimes I just want to write about whatever is on my mind, whether its:

What's going on in my life;
What I'm currently interested in and studying;
How I'm feeling;
Goals;
New ideas;
Future Plans;
Whatever!

And I want to encourage you to do the same! So, go ahead. Write a post about anything you feel like writing about and link it up here so I can read it and leave you a comment.

Then read other participants posts and comment on theirs. I bet they'll do the same for you!

Don't forget to grab the Talk About it Tuesday button for your blog to support yourself and all Tuesday writers.

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Have fun writing and I look forward to reading your posts!

Talk About it Tuesday

Ok everybody. I have a confession. I really love to study etiquette!!! Isn't that weird? When I'm in my college English class and we switch into new groups for a discussion or something about our research papers, I'm always a little timid to talk about my subject. I really don't want people to think I'm stuffy and uptight, because I thought that was how alot of people viewed proper etiquette. As a bunch of bothersome "rules" that need not be bothered with. I am continuously suprised every time I introduce my subject by the people who actually find it a great topic and that yes, we do need more of it.

Can you believe it? I almost couldn't myself. Now, I won't pretend that I have perfect manners in any way whatsoever! I am reading a rather suprisingly funny book about the subject called Miss Manners by Judith Martin and am continuously finding things to improve on for myself. And Miss Manners has such an upfront and joking manner in how she answers her readers etiquette questions, that its turning out to be an enjoyable read.

For me, I really enjoy humor, especially when it doesn't involve lots and lots of crude jokes. Sometimes that can just be a little much for my personal enjoyment. Just good, clean, funny by Miss Manners is great!

One of my favorites:

Dear Miss Manners: If you had a single piece of advice to offer a couple who want to break into society, what would it be?

Gentle Reader: Don't bother.

Dear Miss Manners: What is the proper way to walk in high-heeled shoes?

Gentle Reader: Left, right, left, right, left, right.

Videos!

2010-03-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

Since I am totally getting interested in jewelry and card designing, I've been thinking about doing video tutorials to help me help others who are interested in the same thing. Only problem is, I can't seem to find the memory card that came with my camera. The other one I have just will not work in it. I have been turning my house upside down, literally looking for it and it just seems to elude me! I mean, its got to be here somewhere.

I'll just keep looking, and hopefully here shortly I will have videos up for you all to enjoy (or suffer through, is probably more like it :-) but hopefully not)

Giveaways!

2010-03-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

I love to find out what other people are giving away! Link up, join the party and get free exposure for your giveaway. Check back next week for another link up as well!

Open to link up till 3-11

Friday Follow #3

2010-03-05T00:22:00.000-08:00

Time for my favorite - Follow Me Friday. Welcome all new readers!

Here's How FF Works

Add your blog link to the McLinky below ~ remember to leave your blog name under "Your Name"

Follow Trendy Treehouse ~ we will follow you back!!!

Grab the "Follow Me Fridays" button for your blog ~ so more blogs can share in the fun!

Follow other blogs that have linked up ~ Comment there letting them know you are now following them and visiting from Follow Me Fridays!

If someone follows you, follow them back, It's only fair. LOL

Welcome to the eighth Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:
* Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
* Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
* Follow as many blogs as you like
* Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow
* Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one - but you can follow each blog. Follow a few or follow them all.

The list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

I Made Some Earings!

2010-03-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to report that I somehow managed to make earings. Handmade! I love to make them, but visiting the bead shop can be challenging. My son wants to get into everything! Last time we made it through clean, but this time we had a spill. Oy. The ladies were so nice and helped me pick up the few beads that dropped. He's still a little guy, so I have to watch him every second. While I was holding him and looking at the open stock beads he grabbed a couple of little bins and on the floor they went.

I did discover that they actually have toys for little ones to play with. That's great!

This was my first design like the ones I gave to my friend for her birthday.

Purple Shimmer

Then I got excited and made some more!

Red Elegance

Mountain Blue

All of the ear clasps are made out of silver plated brass. The Red Elegance is made out of resin and black jasper beads and I really love how those look together. It was fun putting all these together.

I am also pleased because I opened an art fire account today. Just so I could share my work with you all. You can check out my studio here. I am so happy that in celebration I want to give my earings away for DIRT CHEAP!

Purple Shimmer: $1.00
Great for summer outfits.

Red Elegance: $1.50
Fancy Night Out.

Mountain Blue: $2.00
Classy Casual Day.

All great as quality gifts for super price.
Only because I think you guys are the best. ~~One thing though - I will be able to offer five sets of each design, but I can't seem to figure out how to edit the quantity available on each listing...~~ Oh well, if you would like a pair and it doesn't show one available, just shoot me an e-mail and I'll help you. Remember though, first come first serve!

Weightloss Wednesday

2010-03-02T23:20:00.000-08:00

(Hosted by Rosey Little Things)

Hi everybody. 30 Day Shred Rocks!

I think I am on the verge of breaking through my plateau. I kept going back and forth, but I'm back down again. If I can just break into the next set of numbers I would love it. Motivation to work harder.

This week I've cut back more on something else I love. Light creamy salad dressings. I've found a delicous light Blue Cheese Dressing, and even though its light, I still have to watch it.

So I switched to a no sugar added Vinegarette. Yum.

I was walking around Fred Meyer's, looking for a dessert I could take to my friend for her birthday that we could eat together to celebrate. I was hoping to find something yummy and suger free, but I couldn't find anything. I wonder where I could find sugar free cookies. You know, I also wonder where diabetics find yummy desserts to eat? I'm not a diabetic, but I'm finding that they must have a hard time finding acceptable foods to enjoy. I tried making brownies once. They turned out as a great big blog of yuck! I'm just not good a making sugar free things yet, I guess.

Doing better at cutting out more fat from my diet like I made a goal for last week. Good luck to you other WLW bloggers!

The Card

2010-03-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Card

Made by Me!

I'm still a rookie, but these are much better than my last ones :-)

First I cut out the paper

Card Base

3 Balloons

Center Platform

Bottom Strip

Attached platform and stip to card base.

Then attached balloons to embroidery thread and foam using double sided tape.

Then tied strings at bottom.

Strings from side balloons came and tied around to the middle back of the card.

And center string tied into a bow.

Tada!

I'll get some picture of the earings I made up next. :-)

Check it out!

2010-03-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

I've made hand-crafted earings! I am so happy, I almost couldn't believe it! I also made a couple of birthday cards, one for my sister, one for my friend. I have been spending the last couple of days trying to get my new camera to work for me and have so far been unsuccessful. I really want to show you pictures! That's ok, I will work on it some more and should hopefully have the pictures by tomorrow. I've also been working on my research paper for my english college course. Its on etiquette (yes I changed from doing the stock market to public etiquette). Its actually quite an interesting subject to me.

I want to be able to teach my son manners and increase my knowledge for my own.

So, like I said, I can't wait to show you my handiwork. I am so happy with all the pieces (earrings and cards). Pictures soon. Yay!

Friday Follow #2!

2010-02-25T23:05:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Follow Me Fridays from The Trendy Treehouse!

Here is how it works....
•Add your blog link to the McLinky below ~ remember to leave your blog name under "Your Name"

•Follow Trendy Treehouse ~ we will follow you back!!!

•Grab the "Follow Me Fridays" button for your blog ~ so more blogs can share in the fun!

•Follow other blogs that have linked up ~ Comment there letting them know you are now following them and visiting from Follow Me Fridays!

•If someone follows you, follow them back, It's only fair. LOL

The more you follow, the more will follow you!

It's that easy!

Blogs only please ~ No advertising links! Have Fun!

First time participating Blog Hop hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!

Welcome to the seventh Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.
Here’s how YOU can join the celebration:

Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below – Only need to on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots

Follow as many blogs as you’d like

Comment on the blogs telling them you’re from Friday Follow

Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow

The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one – but you can follow each host blog. Follow a few or follow them all.
This list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. This list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Meet My Partners!

2010-02-25T23:01:00.000-08:00

I have great news to share with you all. I am now blog partners with three great gals who have some fabulous blogs!

Mel from Mel's Lightbulb Moments offers great scrapbook ideas, freebies and guidance to great scrapbooking. She also offers lots of example templates for you to use or inspire ideas of your own.

Ashley from A Daily Dose of Dieting is a dedicated, motivational writer to help you keep track on you health goals. She offers great advice and practices what she preaches, so gives tons of helpfull first hand advice.

Dani is the author of Craft Rookie and she does some absolutely fabulous crafty projects. She has tons of great ideas and they are all super cute!

Be sure stop by and check out their blogs. I think they do a great job, and I bet you will too!

New Design Done!

2010-02-24T00:08:00.000-08:00

I recently finished a new design for two great gals who write at Two Frugal Friends. They were pleasant to work with and I enjoyed making this fun design for them.

They write about some great deals, so be sure to check them out and follow their posts! Maybe we can all save a little more mula this year.

Weightloss Wed.

2010-02-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

(Weightloss Wed. Rosey Little Things)

Crazy week! Did Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (it is only slowly getting more tolerable, but still a challenge!) and stayed pretty well on track. Except for one thing...

Flamin Hot Cheetos!!! :-(

Two days ago, I bought a crunchy, delicous bag while at work and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So yummy! My eating style is mostly focused on low glycemic foods and I really don't think cheetos is one of those foods. Oh, man! But I noticed I did not get a terrible headache, like when I ate the airheads I told you about that one time, so I'm very confused. Well, all I do know is that I don't feel up to par, and I'm not going to let Cheetos get in my way! I'll just eat Baked Cheetos. No, I'm just kidding!

Since the beginning of the year, though, I can say that it looks like I have lost inches from all over! That makes me very happy :-) I think setting up an eating schedule will do me wonders of good. Maybe a menu too. That would probably make my life a little more organized and that would be great! Now, time to try to find a way to do this...hmmm, I'll have to work on that for this week!

I think cutting more fats out of my diet will be a good idea too. I've pretty much gotten rid of most of the sugar, so now its time to graduate to lipids. Ok, I can do this. I hope! Just have to keep reminding myself, its all going to pay off... yep, just keep on going.

Cards = Expensive

2010-02-23T00:06:00.000-08:00

I have recently been studying on how to make prettier handmade cards (mine are just awful :-( and upon "researching" I noticed how expensive it was!!! All the tools they use would really start to add up.

Block Stamp from Hero Arts

$13.00

Cling Stamps

$15.00

Blue Stamp Pad

$6.00

Scrapbook.com Corner Chomper

$24.99

Glue Dots

$4.00

Permanent Tape Adhesive

$6.49

Border Punch

$14.99

Ribbon Kit

$35.94 On Sale $15.99

Cardstock Pack

$20.00 On Sale $18.99

Monster Embellishments

$4.99

White Pen

$3.70

These are just some of the basics I noticed. Bottom line- Actually Making cards is not cheap! But it looks so fun, that I really want to continue on! In a practical, budgeted manner, of course :-). I can't go crazy and buy everything I want impulsively. We would starve! (Not really, I would not allow that to happen). I think part of the reason my cards are no good(besides the part where I'm just not good at it) is because I can't afford all the nice things to make a pretty card. Oh, well, I won't get discouraged. I'll keep on trying!

http://www.joann.com/

I've also decided I'm going to talk to my husband about letting me take a little class at Joann's Crafts and Fabric Store. Its a basic class about Jewelry Making 101. Its very affordable. If I sign up at the open house event, I'll get 50% off the class ($17.50 instead of $35.00). Its a one day class for 2 and 1/2 hours and it sounds like fun. Having a teacher quite often makes all the difference between success and not for me. I think I would really like this!

Follow Me Friday

2010-02-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

I found this blog hop hosted by the Trendy Treehouse. Looks fun!

Here is how it works....

Add your blog link to the MckLinky below ~ Remember to leave your blog name under Your name.

Follow Trendy Treehouse ~ We will follow you back

Grab the Follow Me Friday Button for your blog ~ so more people can share in this FUN!

Follow other Blogs that have linked up ~ Don't forget to comment saying that you are now following them and visiting from Follow Me Friday so they can find you!

If someone follows you make sure you follow back ~ It's only fair. LOL

The more you follow, the more will follow you! It's that easy!

This is for blogs only ~ no advertising links please! Have fun!

My Second Attempt at a Card

2010-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

St Patricks Day is coming, so I decided to try another attempt at making one of those fancy cards :-). And I used Double Sided Sticky Tape to put everything together.

Here are some cute stamps I picked up to use.

But found they did not turn out very well :-(

So I decided to cut some clovers from cardstock instead.

I also cut out the card base.

Next came the plaid border.

And I decided to add some buttons I had to this card. I tied 3 different colors of embroidery thread I had into bows through the button's holes to add a little girly touch.

Then cut out some foam to mount the clovers on.

Taped them to the clovers.

And then onto the card.

Done!

So, a moderately successfull attempt. I am still not very good at this, but I'm trying!

Weightloss Wednesday

2010-02-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

I've been doing ok this week. I hit a plateau and decided to take my excersising up to the next level. I picked up Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and 5 lb weights.

Man, these workouts are truly workouts! Its great! There are 3 levels to go through and I am struggling with just level 1. Its actually hard! I don't really watch the biggest loser much, all I really know is what I hear from others, and I hear she is tuff. And she doesn't let off in her DVD's either, it seems like. Its pretty motivating.

So I hope to see myself getting off this plateau here soon. I recently have been having big sugar cravings to ward off. I haven't eaten a lot of real refined sugar for some time now, but I had two mini airheads last week. They gave me a Huge headache! That's enough motivation to stay away. I have been satisfying the sweet tooth with fruit and sugarless candy, and am doing better.

This week: Workout harder!

Make a Payment

2010-02-13T15:38:00.001-08:00

My Very First Card

2010-02-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

So, I went to the store and picked up some very basic tools to try to make my very first handmade card!

I picked up:

Several pieces of cardstock

Stamps

Stamping Pads

Foam

Double SidedTape

Markers

Glue Pen

I decided to try to make a Valentine's Day card, since that's the closest holiday.

Cut and folded pink cardstock in half.

Cut a piece of the lips cardstock and taped it to the pink card base.

Made several attempts to stamp "Will You Be My Valentine" with new stamps, pads, and markers. As you can see I had to "break the stamp in".

Then I grabed my colored pencils I already had and colored in the white background.

Cut out stamped paper as well as a few small pieces of foam.

Taped foam to back of paper.

Cut out a heart from remaining piece of pink cardstock. Then got some purple ribbon and one sided tape I had, tied a bow, and taped in on and around the back of the heart.

Then on it goes onto the card.

I added the stamp cutout, but I'm not sure if I like it much. I almost like the card with just the plain heart better. What do you think? I will probably be giving this card to my friend for Valentine's Day tomorrow. Hopefully she will understand I am a card making ametuer.

And that is my very first attempt at a hand made card. There's lots of room for learning, that's for sure! But overall I enjoyed it. Hope you have a great Valentine's Day!

No Sleep, but Found a Great Deal

2010-02-11T02:51:00.000-08:00

My little sweet son has a stuffy nose and cannot sleep. Seems like a little thing, but its 3 in the morning right now and I know tomorrow will not be fun...

I stopped at the 24 hour Walgreens and picked up Triaminic Thin Strips, so hopefully those will be helping him soon. Right now he is next to me playing with a one of my make-up concealer sticks, a pen and some old game system inter-cooler. Its almost like he is trying to play the drums. I am tired and he is not. Often seems to be the case :-)

While waiting for him to tire out, I think I have stumbled across a great deal. Buy two Triaminic items from Walgreens and a $5 Register Reward will pop out. Plus there is a $1.50 coupon here. Try to print two, and if all goes well, that should make the items (originally on sale this week 2 for $10) only $1 each. Wow! Be sure to double check though.

Hope you all are able to get a good rest. Me, too...

Weightloss Wednesday Recipe

2010-02-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Oven "Fries"

This is how the cookbook (Magic Foods RD) version looks.

The Recipe and how mine look:

2 Medium Sweet Potatoes Peeled

I left mine unpeeled for extra fiber and ended up only using half - the other half I saved for later.

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

I added smaller amounts because I was using less potato.

Preheat Oven: 450 Degrees

Cut Sweet Potato into 1/2 inch wide wedges and toss in seasonings.

Place on sheet.

Bake turing several times until golden brown and tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

One serving is 1 cup.

This is what I had for that meal:

"Fries"

Salad with lots of veggies, some feta cheese, light vinagarette and a few croutons.

Veggie Morning Sausage

They were so Delicious! 30 minutes was a little too long and I ended up taking mine out early and they were still very crispy. A blood sugar and weightloss friendly meal.

Weightloss Wednesday

2010-02-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

I've joined the weekly Weightloss Wednesday started by Rosey Little Things. I guess I should start out by stating my weightloss goals and steps.

Total Weightloss goal: I'll tell you when I make it :-).

Food Guide Resource: Magic Foods by Readers Digest
A guide to better blood sugar.

Exercise Resources:

Marine Corps Fitness

marinecorpsfitness.com

Crunch Pilates 10 minute Workouts DVD, Belly Bottom and Thighs

Dancing With The Stars Dance Workouts

I'm happy to say that since the beginning of the year I have lost about seven to ten pounds. I found a way of eating that has really worked for me: controlling my blood sugar. A lot of people think controlling your blood sugar is for diabetic people only, but I have found that following such a lifestyle has made a lot of improvements for me. And I am not diabetic.

I also purchased a dance cardio dvd and joined the free marine corps fitness site that guides you through workouts and such to help you become strong in ways similar to marines.

I also recently made a more GL friendly (blood sugar friendly) french fry variation that I ablsolutely LOVE! Baked Sweet Potatoe "Fries" from scratch. Since my camera batteries died, I will have to make that my next post so I can show you how I made them. Delish!

Because I Totaly Wish I Could Make Cards Like This!

2010-02-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

I found a link to KWerner Design today and can't believe how Awsome it is. I really want to be able to make cards like these because I send out a lot of cards on holidays.

I saw this card and think it amazing. And she has a whole video tutorial on how to make it! Check it out here. Maybe my dreams of becoming a fabulous card maker aren't as far away as I thought... :-)

Vintage Flower Ruffle Headband

2010-02-05T23:15:00.001-08:00

Linds from over at That's So Cuegly made an absolutely adorable Vintage Ivory Headband with Ruffles that I absolutely loved!! She being extremely generous and gracious, allowed me to feature her tutorial and share it with all of you. Check it out, its so darn cute! She does a great job.

Want to make one?...

What if we include some RUFFLES?

That's what I thought.

(I bought a bed skirt at a yard sale for a quarter because I loved the fabric. So I cut it up).

I cut pedal shapes, no rhythm or reason as you can clearly see below. I literally hacked away at it.

Hot glued the centers (very very lightly or your center will get too stiff to shape. You could sew, but I'm ALL about no-sew, even if it intels glue burns.)

I did the same thing to an ivory colored lace that I had.
And glued 5 more pedals on top.

I placed a bead in the center and put the thinnest ring of hot glue around the whole base of the bead. Like so...

Then start pinching. I ended up shaping and pinching with both hands to give the flower a shape

Then put a tinsy dot of glue for the stragly back pedals.

Isn't she lovely?

She goes GREAT with ANY UPDO!

Then I got to thinking...What if I made a smaller version for a headband?

like so...

(I just cut out a circle of lace about the size of my palm and then pinched it all up with glue) and THEN added the pearls.

But it was missing something...

something...frilly.

something...feminine.

something...ruffely.

I grabbed a shiny brown 1/2" ribbon and glued it on the edge of the headband. I glued it first on the inside of the headband and wrapped it around the edge and glued it on the otherside. This is on the opposite side of the headband that the flowers are on.
*****
Then we start loop-de-looing...

The arrows indicate where to put the glue. Put it lower than you think so that you can adjust the loop to the size you want. You'll understand once you start.

(sorry about chipped nail polish...a couple posts ago I noticed I REALLY needed to color my hair, so I did it the next day...now I'm going to go give myself a manicure...)

Just keep going...Just keep going...

I stopped once I got to the flowers and didn't do the other end.

WALAH...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

By Linds at That's So Cuegly!
http://cuegly.blogspot.com/

Another WOW Giveaway

2010-02-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

Donna at But I had a Coupon is having another fabulous giveaway, that I just have to tell you about! The Revolution Earings by Fruition. I guess when I see such amazing artistic talent I just have to let everybody know. I wish that I could make that! Go over and make sure you enter so you don't miss out on the chance to win these.

Blog Roll

2010-02-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

Join My Weekly Button Swap Blog Hop and see your button added here!

Is this you too?

2010-02-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if I take multitasking over the top. Hard boiling and egg along with cooking pasta for my son's lunch (he loves pasta - the "Pasta Baby")?

While Quinoua cooks in the rice cooker.

A new Scrubs playing on the XBox

And Carson working on his morning cereal.

Hmm.. that actually seems like a light load. If I wanted to go into Overdrive: add dishwasher running, washer cycling, dryer spinning, dinner cooking, and maybe tidying up or cleaning out the fridge. That would be crazy!!! But as many of you know, this is practically required if you want to get anything done on a busy schedule.

Here's a SHOUT OUT for all you great multi-tasking folks. Keep up the good work!

New Design

2010-01-29T09:52:00.000-08:00

I just finished a design for The Coupon High. I had a great time designing it.

Kim is the author of this blog and she does a great job. Check it out http://www.thecouponhigh.net/.

Big Research Paper

2010-01-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

As you know, I am in college working on pre-grad school credits. Right now I am in a research writing and developement (or of the sorts) English class and we are about to finalize what subject we are going to spend the WHOLE semester researching and writing about. After lots of brainstorming and trying to decide on something I really do want to know more about, I think I've narrowed it down.

Can you guess????

The stockmarket. I can hear some of you saying "Great!" and others wondering, "Why bother?"

Well, I really don't have in-depth knowledge of anything about the stockmarket. And I really want to! There is so much to learn, that hopefully I won't have a difficult time writing the approximately 10 page paper at the end of the semester or something (besides the difficulty of just writing that much in general).

It is possible that I may start sharing some of what I learn with you... (I almost feel bad for you myself).

I found out something really interesting about one of my fellow employees at my work. They started investing in stock really young and managed to get buy some in Starbucks. That stock paid for several cars and a house!

Now I know what some of you are thinking - "She's looking to get rich quick, and will find nothing but dissapointment along the way." That would be so if that was why I decided to study the subject, but its not (even though that would be really cool!). I'm studying it for understanding and awareness.

So if any of you know of good place to start my research, let me know! This venture could be really exciting or really boring. I guess we'll see.

Designs Of Life: Conquering a Pre-disposition

2010-01-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

This is one of my earlier posts this year. To read more just click on Home.

So, since this is my design blog, I figure I can share with you whatever I like, especially if its my personal "Designs Of Life" goals. I have recently been able to practically wipe out one of my most bothersome pre-dispostions = PACK RAT!!!

Yes, can you believe it? Me, a pack rat, able to de-clutter my house? And feel great about giving the stuff away, or just throwing it out? Yep, I actually did it!!!! And I'm still going strong!

So for any of you who have the same problem and are wondering, how in the world was she able to do it, let me tell you!

Since starting my design business on top of all my other responsibilities, I found that all the messes caused by the extra junk I have around my house, where really putting in a dent into my time. I knew if I wanted to be successfull in all my goals, I would HAVE to start making some tough choices. -And I decided all my junk was NOT worth the time.

I know that everything I have takes up some of my time. To take care of it, to clean it, everything. Plus, when things are cluttered, the mess makes me very unhappy. I get distracted, cramped, and my son loves to tear everything onto the floor, making More mess.

So, I opened up my boxes and started getting rid of it all.

Clothes that don't fit or I don't like- Donate

Clothes that have holes or are raggity - Trash

Extra Kitchen Appliances I don't Use - Donate

Old Tupperware - Trash

Extra Shoes I Don't Need - Donate

Expired Food - Trash

Unhealthy Food- Trash (more to come on my amazing new "diet" {I like to call it food lifestyle changes} that actually WORKS for me!!! AND IS HEALTHY!!!!)

Old Yucky Dishtowels or Towels - Trash

Extra Sheets that don't fit anyone's current bed - Donate

Broken Toys - Trash

Broken Cheap Jewelery that I know I will never get around to fixing - Trash

Old Makeup- Trash

Perfumes that I don't wear - Giveaway

Underthings that have hole(s) - Trash

Extra Plastic Bags - Recycle

Extra Papers - Recycle (or shred if they have personal info)

Just Anything that I don't need - Get Rid of it

At first I didn't think I would be able to get rid of Anything. What if I need it later? What if I'm sorry I got rid of it? -All those questions that come up when your trying to clean. But, I forced myself to go ahead and I discovered something.

Every time I got rid of another thing I didn't need, I felt like I had an increase in the power I had over my life. I wasn't controlled any more by all the stuff I had around. I was in charge. I didn't have to slave over taking care of all this junk. It felt so good, that it motivated me to keep on going. And everytime something else was gone, it got easier to get rid of the next thing!

This has been a HUGE stepping stone for me. It has really made a Big differnce in my life. I want to let all of you who have this problem know, that You Can Do It! I know its made me a happier and more productive person.

My Design Was Featured!

2010-01-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

My newest design for ...But I Had A Coupon was featured at Designs so Pretty!! That is so cool!

Thanks for submitting my design Donna!

Winner of Random Giveaway and Her Design

2010-01-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

The most recent winner of my random giveaway is Donna at ...But I Had a Coupon! (check out her blog its great).

This was a lot of fun to make and I really enjoyed working with Donna. Look for more giveaways to come!

I Want You To Be Successfull!

2010-01-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

I WILL MATCH OR BEAT A FAIR COMPETITORS PRICE FOR A CUSTOM BLOG DESIGN!!!!!

Are you ready for a unique look all of your own for your blog? Here at Blogger Chix Designs, we want you to be a successful blogger and a great way to start is to make your blog STAND OUT.

New readers have an easier time remembering blogs that stand out. A custom look adds a professional touch and lets readers know that you are serious about your writing or business.

There is nothing more satisfying in my book than returning readers and additional followers. It helps you know that somebody really appreciates the effort you put into your site!

In my own blogging experiences I found out how important a signature look was. Sometimes it makes all the difference between a successful blog or not!

So let's crown your blog with an eye-catching design to give a boost to your blogging prestige. Next stop is your design deal to pick out the perfect package for you!

*Please continue to my terms, conditions, policies and disclaimer before continuing.*

Premade Designs

2010-01-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

CURRENTLY NOT TAKING NEW ORDERS

Contact me for purchasing information on any premade template.

Slight alterations with title/description size and select other text alteration are possible.

Want To Add: Basic Horizontal Menu: +$5 Post Signature: +$5 Grab Button: +$5

For additional add-ons contact me for more information.

PINK STROLLER

PRICE: $65

CAKE CHEF

PRICE: $65

SALE SHOPPING

PRICE: $65

COMPUTER ROSE

(I can remove the blue sidebars if you like)

PRICE: $65

PINK BATH PEARLS

PRICE: $65

WINDOW SHOPPING

PRICE: $65

PINK CHEF

PRICE: $65

DENIM HOOPS

PRICE: $15

WINDOW SHOPPER

PRICE: $35

PINK BATH

PRICE: $35

BRIGHT SHOPPER

PRICE: $35

WHITE LAUNDRY

PRICE: $35

Frequently Asked Questions

2010-01-02T13:06:00.001-08:00

Q: What are the URLS you are talking about for ordering menu buttons?

A: In order for me to make a horizontal menu bar, you need to give each of the options you want their own post in your blog. Then, select the individual post, and it will direct you to its own page. The URL(web address in your browser's address bar) of that post's individual page is the url I need to make it into a menu button. It usually consists of your blog's address plus that page's extension. Ex: http://bloggerchixdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/12/design-deals.html
Q: Can I use my blog design for more than one blog?

A: No. I own the blog design and you have only purchased a one time use license. If you want permission to use the design on more than one blog, contact me for more info and extra licensing prices. If you have purchased an istockphoto image however, that license is yours and you may choose how you wish to use it within the company's terms, conditions, and uses.

Contact

2010-01-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

If you have questions, concerns, tips, or anything you can reach me at pocketbookpearls@gmail.com