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Well would you have a look around here! Yep I have gone and done it! I have updated my blog template! I had been thinking about it for a long time, but I so loved my 3 column all singing all dancing template, I designed it myself, tweaking it here and there over the years and had never really tired of it....well that was until this year!
What with us moving house, I have managed to fill my days up quite easily with home chores and a bit of crafting and gardening, so I have not been blogging as much as I would like too!...I still think in stories though!...everything I do, I think to myself that would make a good blog post, but I never seem to get around to it!
So I thought... what would make me fall in love with blogging again!
...and hopefully get my blog traffic surfing to new heights as although my original design (below) was lovely, it was not responsive and also had too many widgets, not to mention lots of broken code, which meant bad SEO!
So a new design it had to be!
So I started investigating on Google (like you do!) and realised that blog templates had come a long way since I first created mine!...HTML coding has changed quite a bit too and what with me not getting any younger...I thought i would try and find someone to do the hard work for me.
I first started thinking I would change my blogging platform over to wordpress! As bloggers on that platform tend to have a better designed blog...you know a more modern look...so I researched day after day, pondering, questioning and procrastinating...where was a gal to start? I got some help from my old friend Cathy from Avalon Rose Web Design...Now there's a gal that can code! She told me that is was best to stick with Blogger and also advised me about my website (I want to update that too!) She recommended SHOPIFY for the website side of things...but that is a whole other story!
Thank you Cathy x
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For me personally I always liked designing the graphics...the template coding was always confusing, but I taught myself quite a lot and could recognise code and could code my blog and also went on to design other peoples blogs too, we are talking about 5 years ago now. I just wouldn't have the confidence to do it now though, as I have said times have changed so much, I feel this new advancement in coding has passed me by now.
Anyways, after a lot of research I decided it was best that I didn't migrate over to wordpress, you see it's ok if you are new to blogging or you are just about to start a blog...but if you are an old timer like me with a lot of posts (I have nearly 900!) then it can get complicated. Apparently when you move over...all your posts 'go wonky'! and to be honest I didn't feel like amending each and every one of them!
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So here I am, still on Blogger, but with a shiny new design by the delightful Heather from GeorgiaLou Design...What a Brilliant gal she is and so lovely to work with, my design is all responsive and everything...I could of just bought the template as Heather provides detailed instructions on how to install it...lol! I read those instructions for about 5 seconds and thought to myself that i would rather her so it all for me hahaha! Shows you how far detached I have become from designing my own blog! Thank you Heather.
I did once call these two column template's 'The Plain Jane's' because there was a trend that seemed to be spreading like wildfire...just a plain white background, two columns and a very plain header...and there was no way I was going to have one of those!
This template however, goes far and above the 'plain jane' look...and of course I still have my pretty pictures to spruce the place up a bit and my new logo.
So...here I am in my new surroundings...A New House and A New Blog Design...(but thankfully not a new baby lol!) So I am hoping this will be the start of a new relationship with blogging...
Wish me luck peeps...
Fathers Day Card Making Kit with Digital Scrapbook.
I have collaborated on this post with Digital Scrapbook to bring you a fun project…Making Father’s Day Cards.
When Father’s Day comes along, its nice to buy a card for him isn’t it! So for those of you who have not bought a Father’s Day card, I thought I would make you up an Element pack for you to print, cut and add to a card blank. This would be a fun thing to do with you’re kids if they are into crafting…or you can keep it for making other (personal) projects in the future.
Don’t forget to use sticky foam pads for dimension and other embellishments that you have in your craft stash!…You can get an idea of what I mean Over Here!
Remember to right click on the images and save them to your computer or open them in a new tab and then save…Please let me know how you get on.
Here’s a picture of what it could look like…Depending on what you use! I made mine to someone called Richard, but haven’t added names on the sheet…you can do that yourselves.
All scrapbooking elements were provided by Digital Scrapbook… so head on over to them HERE and read about the copyright and how to use the graphics properly!
Enjoy!
Whether you moved into your home ten months ago or ten years ago, if it lacks space, this can be a real issue….But don’t sell up! Instead add space!
The number one reason people choose to move house is because of a lack of space. It’s no fun living in cramped conditions where you and your family are falling over each other all the time. The problem is that moving house can be a real nightmare, especially if you love your home and it’s location. Finding somewhere new to live can be expensive, time-consuming and stressful. That’s why, if you can, it’s always best to attempt to add more space to your current home, rather than selling up and moving on.
What do you want the extra space for?
Start off by thinking about what you need the extra space for. Is it a case that there’s just not enough living space? Perhaps your living room gets seriously overcrowded and uncomfortable? Are you lacking enough bedrooms? Maybe your kids have outgrown room sharing and each need a space of their own? Is having just one bathroom a real nightmare? Think about what the problem is and what you need to do to make it go away. This is important as the type of space you need will have an impact on what area of your home you choose to transform.
Consider your options
Once you’ve worked out what type of extra space you need, start thinking about what your options are. A great option for adding extra space both upstairs and downstairs is an extension. However, you will need a large garden and a big budget for this. For adding extra bedrooms or bathrooms, an attic or basement conversion is a good option. To boost your living space quickly and affordably, adding a conservatory to your home is worth considering. There are plenty of options for adding extra space; it’s just a case of working out which one is best for you.
Think about each option:
You’ve got plenty of options; the question is which one is most suitable for what you want? As well as most suitable for your space and budget. It’s also worth thinking about the ins and outs of each of these options and all the work that comes with each one.
Loft conversion
If you’ve got a sizeable attic, a conversion can be a great option. However, it can be costly depending on the setup that you have. If for example, there aren’t already windows up there, you’ll need to put some in. You may also need planning permission, depending on whether you’re going to make the ceilings higher. Extra insulation may also need to be added, to make the area easier to keep warm or cool.
Extension
The most expensive of all the options, an extension, can be a fantastic option. It will add a whole extra section to your property. This means the value of it will rise significantly. However, you will need to invest a large amount to create a good extension and will also require planning permission. If you need to add space upstairs and downstairs, an extension is the best option. It’s just important to realise that it will take a lot of time and money, that’s all.
Basement conversion
When it comes to adding extra space to their homes, a lot of people aren’t keen on using their basements. This is because most basements are cold and damp, and don’t exactly scream homey. However, they can make great extra living or sleeping rooms; it’s just a case of getting the transformation right. To create a basement area that’s dry, warm and inviting, you’ll need to invest in basement waterproofing. As well as treatment for any damp or mould Do this and you can turn your basement into a fantastic extra living space. It may be a little pricey but the space and value it will add, makes it worth it.
Conservatory
The easiest and most affordable option, adding a conservatory is a great way to add some extra living space. It will, of course, take up some of your garden, but as long as you have a sizeable yard, that shouldn’t really matter. The great thing about conservatories is that they’re quick and easy to build and can be up within a few days. They don’t tend to require planning permission and are affordable. The only downside is that they only add extra space downstairs, not upstairs.
If you’re in need of extra space in your home, before you decide to move, think about your options for making your current home bigger. If you love your property and the area it’s in, moving really isn’t worth the time, money or hassle.
Whether you moved into your home ten months ago or ten years ago, if it lacks space, this can be a real issue. The number one reason people choose to move house is because of a lack of space. It’s no fun living in cramped conditions where you and your family are falling over each other all the time. The problem is that moving house can be a real nightmare, especially if you love your home and it’s location. Finding somewhere new to live can be expensive, time-consuming and stressful. That’s why, if you can, it’s always best to attempt to add more space to your current home, rather than selling up and moving on.