Elizabeth Downie: Blog Makeover

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Blog Makeover

Hey guys! I need your input. I think I want to get a blog makeover but I'm not sure where to go for it. And honestly, I don't even know what I want it to look like exactly. I have some ideas:

Pretty, but not girly.
Simple but not boring.
Colorful but not too colorful.
Bright but not garish.
Shaken but not stirred.

You get the idea.

Have any of you had a good experience with a blog designer that you would recommend? Or do you have any good ideas for a design?

25 comments:

maren said...: Though I am in the process of (trying) to develop my own, I really like this gal's portfolio... http://www.dirtandlacedesigns.com/. She's very reasonable too.; March 18, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Sara said...: Probably not cheap, but here's one blog designer. http://www.flickr.com/photos/frecklednest/sets/72157622150324849/

Might be good for ideas at least. I made my friend Stephanie's banner (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frecklednest/sets/72157622150324849/) and I taught myself a little bit of html so I can mess around with my page format, but that's about it!; March 18, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Natalie said...: The girl who did mine is giving away another blog makeover this week, if you're interested.

http://the-mortensen-family.blogspot.com/2010/03/round-two.html; March 18, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Deb said...: Bailey over at B's Blog Boutique (http://bsblogboutique.blogspot.com) just redone my blog last week (www.justshortofcrazy.blogspot.com). She listened to what I wanted and created a place that I am very happy with. She is quick, efficient, and very reasonable. Think I paid around $45???

Check her out.; March 18, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Valen Hunter said...: Aquapoppydesign

not t0o pricey.... I was gonna go with her before I just decided to do something myself.; March 18, 2010 at 12:44 PM
Drake said...: Blogging is where web design meets scrapbooking. As a guy, I have no useful advice here...; March 18, 2010 at 2:28 PM
CB said...: www.designsbyjamiek.blogspot.com

Mine was $35. You also have to pay for the cost of the design kit (usally less than $10) or istock image. I used an istock image which costs more but I had a hard time finding a scrapbook kit I liked. So many of them are just so flowery, busy, and just gawdy in my opinion (at least for a blog), or else the colors are too muted and blah. Although you only need a nice background paper and a few elements to work with, it's hard to really see that when you look at those kits that are just full of stuff. It might be a better idea to just come up with some colors or style that you like and then browse the digital scrapbook sites based on those colors/styles and go from there. If you need help with sites that sell kits, let me know, I looked at a gazillion of them when I was trying to decide on a new blog design.

I will say that I love my blog after having it redesigned, it really inspires me to write more because it's so cute :) But then again, I'm a weirdo!

Good luck!; March 18, 2010 at 4:04 PM
Anonymous said...: I am with drake on this one. I thought the current layout is pretty good. Functional and easy to read.

I think it just needs more pictures of the author. Like the pictures from the shoe experiment. Are you still wearing the shoes in public?

An admirer from the distance. ;); March 18, 2010 at 4:59 PM
Unknown said...: First the hair and now the blog?? What's next? I hope we will recognize you when you are done! :) I think the layout is working for you as it is.; March 18, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Elizabeth Downie said...: Thanks for the tips everyone! And to those of you who said you like it as is, don't worry. Whatever I choose, I'll make sure it's not too busy looking.

Anonymous, I did wear the shoes to work again today! I'm still self conscious about them. But they seem to be working. :); March 19, 2010 at 12:10 AM
Jules AF said...: I just got a free makeover from someone.... Other than that, I have no idea.; March 19, 2010 at 12:54 AM
Anonymous said...: Found you via Friday Follow blog hop...

I actually have a giveaway going on right now for a blog design!

http://reviewsfromthenuthouse.blogspot.com/2010/03/lucky-girl-design-studio-giveaway.html

Even if you don't enter, you should check out Lucky Girl Design Studio (luckygirldesignstudio.com)
Tonya does great work and she's very affordable (in my opinion, as I've seen blog designs go for $300 or more!); March 19, 2010 at 8:30 AM
Life Without Pink said...: You have to check out The Frilly Coconut at www.thefrillycoconut.com. She is amazing and super reasonable! I just had her do my header, blog button and twitter background. Please tell her Life Without Pink recommended her...you will love her designs!!; March 19, 2010 at 8:40 AM
Mary Burnette said...: Again...why mess with perfection? You could design blogs for other people...GEESH!; March 19, 2010 at 9:18 AM
I am Harriet said...: Hi there.
FYI-I'm having a blog makeover giveaway on my site...
Stopping by from Friday Follow to say hello.

Have a great Friday!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2010/03/good-family-life/; March 19, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Country Mouse, City Mouse said...: Looks like everyone has lots of opinions and options for you:)

Have fun whatever you decide.

New follower this Friday!; March 19, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Unknown said...: Hey girly! Following you now from Friday Follow...I am going to do a blog redesign myself, but waiting until I fix some other things. I do have a recommendation for you, Lee Block from http://www.headacheshormonesandhotflashes.com/
She is also a web designer, check her out!

then...come visit POM!
http://thepursuitofmommyness.com/; March 19, 2010 at 2:27 PM
Unknown said...: I Love My background, Have a look on it!

Following you from FF,
Please, check out my blog and follow me back ?

Cheers!

Half Brazilian-Half Irish
http://halfbrazilianhalfirish.blogspot.com/

Ká.Entre.Nós
http://kaestoueu.blogspot.com/; March 19, 2010 at 3:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Oh Elizabeth, you do know that if you hit "customize" at the top of your blog there's somewhere there - where blogger give you a choice of templates...also google "blogger backgrounds" to even jazz that up...but you probably knew that huh? There are some pretty trick out blog, but darn if I know how they do it. Anyway, Happy Follow Friday - I'm following you now, maybe you will follow me? http://hauplight.blogspot.com/ Great blog. Thanks; March 19, 2010 at 4:12 PM
♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...: HAppy Friday follow hope you can follow me back. :)
http://littleyayasandblessed.blogspot.com/; March 19, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Erin said...: Found you on Friday Follow. Good luck with the blog makeover. I want to get one to but don't know who to go with. I hope you'll stop by our chaos soon. http://www.erinamundsen.blogspot.com; March 19, 2010 at 4:25 PM
Jennifer said...: I’m your newest Follower from Friday Follows
Come visit me!
Enter my giveaway to win a pair of Freshwater Pearl Earrings
HERE: http://whodoesntlovecoupons.blogspot.com/2010/03/perfectionscom-review-and-giveaway.html

Thanks
Jenn; March 19, 2010 at 4:28 PM
:: ashley :: said...: found you via follow friday, I am way excited to read your blog! follow back at http://adailydoseofdieting.blogspot.com/
can't wait to get to know you!!; March 19, 2010 at 5:47 PM
Anne said...: coming over for Friday Follow.

http://lunaj1456.blogspot.com; March 19, 2010 at 10:54 PM
~SHANNON~ said...: I'm your newest follower, I found you through Friday follow! Only it's Sunday now! Do I still count?

I hope you will come follow my blog out as well!

PS. I would check out rentageekmom.com She did my page and she is VERY professional and wonderful to work with. She also offers two weeks of free help after the makeover which can be invaluable!

Have a great weekend!
Shannon
http://milkandcuddles.com/; March 21, 2010 at 3:58 PM

Quotes that make me laugh

"What is the point in having a glowing orb section if you're going to put the glowing orbs with the monkey paws!?" - Nandor

"The mashed potatoes aren't as buttery as usual, mom. Did we go poor?" - Bobby Hill

Rose: Last year the Woman of the Year in St. Olaf saved all the books from the library fire! She grabbed two books in one and and one in the other."
Dorothy: Your library only has three books? What happens when someone reads them all?
Rose: I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
- The Golden Girls

"A penny!? Worthless! It's the garbage of money!" - Barry, The Goldbergs

Danny: You wanna live in a ninth floor walk-up!? What happens if there's a fire?
Mindy: Danny, you know my plan in an emergency is just to count to ten and wait for death's embrace! - The Mindy Project

Chris: Leslie, I'm sorry. Anne didn't just go to Ann Arbor to visit her family. She went to sign a lease on our new home.
Leslie: Ann Arbor sounds disgusting!
Chris: She already has family there, and I have a new job lined up at the University of Michigan. Go Blue! It's a good town, and it's a great place to raise a family.
Leslie: What is so great about it!? There's no JJ's Diner there, there's no Welcome to Pawnee sign! I mean, the stupid state is split up into two pieces! It's ridiculous!
- Parks and Rec

Tom: "Now, I know high-end, internet only magazine isn't really your scene, so Donna and I wrote up some cocktail banter and some conversation snippets for you to practice so you can fit in."
Ron: (Reading) "Annabel, could I be more jelz of your low-lights right now, I mean O.M. squee, talk about bangs envy."
Donna: "Oof, you got a long way to go, Swanson. Let's go again, from the top."
Ron: "I regret everything."
- Parks and Rec

"Hello, young man, do you carry Fat Steps Cankle Wranglers? They're for the problematic foot." - Mindy, The Mindy Project

"No one tells you how hard it is to be a parent!" - Frankie
"That's because if they did, no one would do it. It's called punishing-it forward." - Mike
- The Middle

Listen to me. NOBODY on the computer is having as good of a time as you think they are." - Mike, The Middle

"It took me all day, but I got the ten signatures I needed! I'm running for student body president!" - George Michael, Arrested Development

"Life is precious. And if I die, I want my... son... to know the dealio. The dealio of life." - Michael Scott, The Office

"Somebody threw a snow-cone at my windshield today. I thought I hit a rainbow. It was terrifying." - Teddy, Bob's Burgers

"Stop calling me the Prince of Darkness. That's how rumors get started." - Monk

"I'm giving you an all tomato, meaning you give me the whole tomato or else." - Troy, Community

Tracy, talking about Weird Al: Don't you understand? He's going to parady you again! That's what he does! That's all he does! You can't stop him!
Jenna: Unless I write a song that can't be parodied.
Tracy: Impossible. What do think Phil Collins was trying to do with Sussudio!?
-30 Rock

"20 year old girls! They think I'm awesome! Look at them! They don't know what Saved By the Bell is and they've never felt pain!!" - Nick, New Girl

"Due to my campaign, the romantic aspect of our relationship is over, and I am totally fine with that. But Ben and I have so much in common! I mean, we're amazing friends! And friendship is better because friends help you move, they drive you to the airport! Boyfriends just.... love you and marry you."
- Leslie, Parks and Rec

Claire: You know that really dangerous intersection?
Phil: Where desire meets jealousy and the result is murder?
Claire: Uhuh. The one where I almost killed you this morning.
Phil: Oh yeah, that was my bad. I got lost in my jams! Dangerous combo: speed walking and Speedwagon. Oh! I wasn't even trying for that!
- Modern Family

Tobias: As you may or may not know, Lindsay and I have hit a bit of a rough patch.
Michael: Really. When did that start?
Tobias: Well, I don't want to blame it on 911, but it certainly didn't help.
-Arrested Development

"I don't want to talk about it Ken! You'll hear all I have to say about Jack Donaghy in my tell-all book, 'Betrayal, COLON, What Really Happened With My Baseball Team, COMMA, Disaster at Knuckle Beach, QUESTION MARK."
- Tracy, 30 Rock

Burt: "You seem real happy to keep pining for her! You pine, pine, pine, but you don't do anything! You just sit there like a log!"
Virginia: "A pine log!"
Burt: "Which is the worst kind of log! Best log? Yule. Best Yule? Brenner. Best Brenner? David. Best David? That's where it starts to get complicated."
- Raising Hope

"Camping sucks! It's super boring. And you can see the stars, which I hate. They're creepy." - April, Parks and Rec

"Andy!! I don't even want to be here! The air is too fresh - it's disgusting. I can't breathe. And there's a brook somewhere that won't stop babbling. SHUT UP!" -April, Parks and Rec

Shawn: "Gus, don't be the ribs that flip over Fred Flintstone's car. I know you're not completely sold on my hit man theory, but I need you to suspend your disbelief and hop onboard the streetcar named Shawnzire."
Gus: "Dude, you know how that metaphor makes me uncomfortable." -Psych

"You had me at meat tornado." - Ron Swanson, Parks and Rec

"So dumb guys go for dumb girls, and smart guys go for dumb girls? What do smart girls get?" - Alex
"Cats, mostly." - Phil -Modern Family

"The parade was awesome. Angela Lansbury was the grand marshall. Good times, she wrote." - Phil, Modern Family

"What?!? I don't have $30,000 laying around! I have it buried very deeply. And I don't want to have to dig past a certain someone to get it." - Dwight, The Office

"When you're a kid, I remember really loving going to bed. There was one time where I actually laughed myself to sleep, 'cause I couldn't believe me luck. - Karl Pilkington

"And so our employee of the month is the late Roger Dusset, who tragically died from complications due to union organizing." - Mr. Burns, The Simpsons

Ron: "I'm hungry."
Leslie: "Ok, don't be such a baby. I cooked you some bacon for a trail snack."
Ron: "I ate it already. I could smell it in your purse before I even parked my car. And now it's gone and I hate everything." - Parks and Rec

Shawn: "Lassy, where did you go? We were totally filming your speech!"
Gus: "And we need you to sign a release for America's Funniest Home Videos." -Psych

"I've been with NBC for a really long time. A really long time. Remember the Cosby Show? I was Rudy." - Conan O'Brien

"A book hasn't caused me this much trouble since Where's Waldo went to that barber pole factory!" - Tracy, 30 Rock

"Can we go to Banana Republic? I have a crush on a mannequin there." - Millhouse, The Simpsons

"I just stopped by to thank you. You've been really supportive of me during my transformation to hideous man-beast." - Harvey, Sabrina the Teenage Witch

In reference to the date being 9/9/9: "I haven't heard that many nein's since I dated that German woman." - Conan O'Brien "

"Sadly, Teamocil has been discontinued. The sense of wellness it created in relationships was merely the first sign of complete pituitary shutdown." - Tobias Funke, Arrested Development

"I am single now. What we have here is the ultimate smackdown between the nard dog and crippling despair, loneliness, and depression. I intend to win." - Andy Bernard, The Office

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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Blog Makeover

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