Hello blog readers!
Well I feel I need a change, a change in my blog layout and design that is. I have totally loved, loved, loved my last two designs but I feel it is time to switch it up a little bit. Jen at http://shaemata.blogspot.com/ has done my last two designs and she did an AMAZING job. The problem is her computer is having "issues" and she is unable to help me with another design. So that means I have to "create" one myself. YIKES!!!
I have been given the names of a few bog make over sites by a few blog readers but I'm scared. I'm so not good with "computer" stuff at all, I'm surprised I can put pictures on my blog without a major catastrophe! I really want to try and switch up my blog but I don't want to ruin it in the process. You see, once I start changing it I can't get my old design back if I don't like it. I've read and re-read the directions on the one site, but I'm sure I will still find a way to mess it up. However, I guess I'm going to give it a try(I will be holding my breath the entire time). Once I figure out what kind of design and layout I want. (Unless of course there is anyone out there who would like to "help" me with creating my next blog design)
So this is the part where you my readers come in. I would like your ideas and input for my next design/layout. If you have any ideas answer the following questions in a comment and I will see what I can do.
* I think right now I have a two column layout, should I move to three or stick with what I have?
*Colors/Background-uhmm....that is a hard one. I want this blog to be "fun" but not "teenagerish" if you get what I mean. I want the new design to be sophisticated looking but not "old" looking. I want it to be whimsical and shabby sheek all at the same time.
*Font-should I post in color or just keep it black?
*If you have ever designed a blog or know of any good design sites to get templates and blogging "extras" will you please share them with me so I can have a few more sites to look at to gather ideas from?
*Pictures-should I include pictures of Shawn and I and Ry and I in the header or would that be odd?
If there is anything else that I am missing....please please please leave me a comment and let me know what it is.
Please leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on this new design.
For those of you wondering I will still be keeping the name of my blog. There will be now way I will change that my blog is still about me, about Shawn, and my life. I think The Tale of Two Coins is very fitting.
Okay, go a head and give me all the suggestions and comments you want. I will give it a few days, see what you all have to say and then start creating my new blog design. Gulp....gulp...gulp!!
8 comments:
I'm not an expert but I can sort of navigate my way through some HTML so, if no one more experienced steps up, and you need help along the way let me know. I can send you my email address if needed.
I like the 3 column and tried it once with my blog but my hubby said it was too busy. FWIW
Hey Jen!!
I'll still be happy to help you navigate your way. You'll find out that it's NOT that scary!! I would suggest saving your current template before changing anything. You can do that when you click on edit html. It's at the top of the page. That way if you mess anything up you can just download it again. I just went through my blog template files and for some reason I can't find your new template. I have the first one but not the newest one! So weird!!
I would also suggest clicking on the preview button BEFORE you save anything to see if it's the way you want it before you click save!
Yes my computer is still acting up. My photoshop doesn't always load which makes it hard when I am working on a blog design. I am in serious need of a new computer! Maybe one day soon!!
Like I said i can still help you with the html coding if you get stuck and if you completely mess it up, I'd be happy to help you get it fixed!! So just have fun!! I think you'll realize that it's not really difficult once you get started. I would suggest starting by clicking on the design tab and seeing what you can play with. It's a lot easier to change from two columns to three etc. I believe you can even preview it before it saves.
Ok, this is getting really long! I guess I should of emailed you instead of leaving it in the comment section!!
Send me an email if you have any specific questions
or get stuck!!
Happy Tweaking!!
Jen
thank you so much for checking in on me on my blog.
i am so glad you left a comment, i was thinking about you just today and i have wondered how you are doing, but i haven't been blogging as much lately. i am trying to get back in the swing of things...
anyhow, i am still so happy for you. i know that i will be doing better when i meet a wonderful guy. i don't care what people say, i know life will feel better when part of that huge VOID is filled. :) you are doing so amazingly. and i am so glad.
as for your blog... here is my two cents...
i would do two columns instead of three. i tried three once and i hated it.
i don't have much more input than that. everyone has such different tastes. when i first started my blog, my background was just plain black and aaron passed away just a few shorts months later... then black just seemed to fit. i kept it that way for the first couple of years, then my sister told me that the black background was depressing... so i finally changed it to pure white. i have really liked it...
basically, it seems like you like a lot of color and fun in your blog, but i am kinda a plain and simple blog background type of gal... so, sorry i don't have any clever ideas for yours... but i cannot wait to see what you change it to.
thanks again.
Google Adori Graphics. I learned a lot from her tutorials! I designed my own blog and it turned out okay. You can do it!
:)
Hi Jen! I've been a follower for quite a while now (maybe a year!). I love your blog and I'm so happy for you that you are so happy right now. You definitely deserve it!
I personally think a two coloumn layout! I'm in the middle of updating my blog at the moment!
I like going to :
http://shabbyblogsblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/dont-freak-out-okay.html
and I've just found this site and it looks pretty neat:
http://hotbliggityblog.com/?refer=true
Just remember to save your current layout code! I always copy & paste mine into word documents and then save.
If I can remember I will send you a link to where it's a very easy tutorial showing you how to use your own pictures as your header!! Let me know if that interests you. :)
Good luck!
I'm just a bloggy mommy, but since you asked... haaaa... the layout looks great and so does the design. Black font is usually easier to read, but the pink actually looks fine. As for the photos you include, do what makes you feel good. Your life is evolving, and why not the blog too???? That doesn't mean Shawn will be forgotten, 'cause you'll never let that happen. Enjoy your time designing your blog.
Jen I'm finally catching up on your blog and I'm so happy for you and the direction your life is going. I'm just now getting back into blogging on my blog and I like to use the free templates. Just google free blog templates. It's very easy to put them in and you can actually put them over your existing design, if you save it, so you don't have to get rid of it if you want to change back. It's very easy to do. I can't wait to see your changes. It's time consuming but fun. Good luck!
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