Who Moved My Cheddar?

Notice the new look?  Not sure you could miss it!

The transition has taken a few days.  It probably looked like this yesterday.  Let me know if something is still wonky.

Okay, here's a brief really long backstory....

Hubs' least favorite thing?  To listen to Drama talk about the kids, her projects, her blog, her blog BFF's, the dog, the plan for the weekend (it's Monday), the lack of "the perfect" brown motorcycle boots,  the potential new paint color, what if we ... ...blah, blah, blah.... all in the first 4 minutes of walking in the door from a long day at work.  (He would never admit to this, his heart is so large, but this is my blog and therefore my interpretation.)

I get it.  See, once upon a time, I was the Worky-McWorkerson who came home tired and all full up of adult conversation (also had a paycheck!).

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But no longer.  

Now I chill each day with small peeps, a dog who snores, a persnickety kitty, laundry, play dates, pre-school, homework, more blah, blah, blah... So, when adults are around... I TALK and talk and talk and talk and ...oh how was your day?... talk and talk.  (I am NOT complaining here, it is what it is and SAHM's are lucky girls on many levels.)

I HAVE to think at least a couple of you can relate.  Or at least remember when your day-to-day was like mine.

My point is this.  Hubs' favorite color is orange; Drama's least favorite color is pink.  Please re-read the last sentence, I'll wait.  I know, right?  Why-would-ya-make-a-pink-blog-if-you....? whatever.  Pink blog gone.

So, we're doing this thang so that Hubs can kinda relate!  And when Tangerine Tango is 'so last year', you'll just have to assume I'm outdated!

So, I'm going bold so I don't grow mold!   

(I so stole that from one of my favorite blogs: here)

Do you dig it?  At all?

Like I always say, every ONE and every THING is a work in progress!

The truth and nothing but... fun!

I recently took part in an idea exchange of sorts where bloggers like myself got the chance to anonymously critique 2 other blogs.   In return, we each got kudos and advice on our own blogs.



 
It was a fun chance to see something new, but I was especially looking forward to some honest feedback.

The verdict:  Overall the comments were very positive!  I won't go into detail, but I was flattered and glad that each reader got an overall feeling of who I am and what I'm trying to convey.

Here were some of the suggestions for improvement:

One person noted that my posts seemed too wide, so I checked and they seem to be standard and the same size as most other blogs (at least the ones I read).

She(?) also thought I didn't post often enough. I promise I'm working on finding a balance, mmmkay?  I truly feel that my projects should take up more of my time than blogging itself and the writing, editing, photography, editing, etc. are very time consuming.  (Not to mention that whole family/household/personal life thing - ha!)

Another peer felt that my background was boring and didn't fit in with my blog title and my style.  I have to say, I totally agree!  It looks like someone painted old siding with pepto.  However, whenever I change it to something bold or with pattern, it just seems so BUSY, and I don't want it to detract from my writing, photography, projects, etc. (or give me a headache)

 
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Here's where you come in!

I want your feedback!  What would you like to see?  What's missing?  Do I mention my children too much? (kidding, that's not up for negotiation)  I'm not going to change my style or anything, I'm assuming you like me or you wouldn't be here - we're talking aesthetics and layout!  But I'd love your input so give it to me straight!  And THANKS in advance for reading and caring enough to give me your opinion!!!.

PS.  If someone could tell me how to get my Pinterest "follow" button (upper right corner of my blog) in line with the others, I'd be eternally grateful.  Even with my mad html code writing skilz, I can't get it to budge.  Drives this picky girl crazy!

 

It's a Major Award! (better than a leg lamp) The Liebster!

  I hope you all had a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday!  I really enjoyed mine but it went so fast!!!  On your mark, get set, race to CHRISTMAS!!  (Already?)

I was trying to slow down and really focus on all of the things I was thankful for when I found out that I had something else to add to that "thankful for" list.  I was overjoyed to find out I'd been honored with a Liebster Blog Award, by Kelly at Hooked on Home Decor!!!

I am SO excited to be recognized by one of my peers in the blogging world.  This is what Kelly had to say about me... "Her personality really comes out in her writing, her DIY skills are apparent in her projects, and she has an awesome blog title!"  What a BIG, LARGE, HUGE, AWESOME compliment! Thank you Kelly!!!  (I told you it was better than a leg lamp!)

I couldn't wait to learn more about the award itself.  Liebster is a German word meaning "dearest or favorite", and the award itself is meant to showcase up-and-coming bloggers with fewer than 200 followers.  The acceptance of the award requires a few things of the winner:

• Thank the person that gave you the award and link back to their blog
• Copy and paste the award to your blog
• Reveal 5 blogs you have chosen as worthy to receive the award and notify them by commenting on their blog
• Request that those 5 bloggers will pay it forward by awarding the Liebster to bloggers they would like to honor

 It always amazes me how much kindness, support and friendship there is amongst bloggers that focus on home decor and DIY projects!  So, I'm passing this award on to these bloggers so they can also feel the love!  

Here you go....

• Jill from Junky Vagabond.  I had to laugh when I found Jill's blog; clearly we're kindred spirits.  I completely love her makeovers!  She paints everything and has a to-do list a mile long.  (I WILL borrow this idea)  And who isn't looking for balance, right??

• Sarah from Hallway Happenings.  Sarah is doing what a lot of us are doing, learning about design and about herself all at the same time!  The best part is that while a lot of other bloggers are posting about their Thanksgivings, Sarah was posting about her outdoor furniture - because she's in Australia!  I love the idea of getting a slightly different viewpoint from someone across the globe!

• Rebekah from Potholes & Pantyhose.  I chose her blog for several reasons, but mostly 1) because her tutorial on canning jalapano jelly was far more detailed than mine, and 2) are you kidding, she has a photo of herself with a sledgehammer in hand - awesome!!  Far more than a DIY blog, her's is more a life adventure blog.

Okay, I had to save this one for last.  I have been reading this blog since the beginning of my blogging days AND JUST REALIZED THAT I HAD YET TO "FOLLOW" HER!  Um, duh.  We all know what followers mean to a blogger!!!!  I will admit that I also assumed she was one of those big-time bloggers that have about 15 thousand followers (we can all dream)!  So, here it is...

•  Amy from The Salvage Collection.  I love Amy's humor, lack of capital letters and occasional self-deprecation.  She is talented with a capital T, has one thing I'm really envious of (a design degree), and taught me how not to buy furniture with worms or termites!  What more could ya ask for?

(Okay, you caught me, there are only 4.  I promise to update this post when I encounter another worthy of the love!)  

I hope you'll visit all of these blogs.  While you're there, leave a comment and become a follower.  I know from experience that it will make their day!

***Update 12/1/11 - As I was finalizing my picks for passing along the Liebster Award, I received an email from Julia at ShoeStringBean that she had also awarded me the Liebster Award!  So, thank you Julia for making me a two-time winner!
Please visit Kelly and Julia's pages!!!