Why is it that I always get motivated to blog at the worst possible times?
Take tonight for example. My kitchen table is covered in paperwork for school, baked dorito chips (my love), and books on each corner. Basically, I got shit to do.
Whatever. I’m gonna blog anyways. How is everyone? I know you all probably think I am:
a) Crazy (possible)
b) Sick of blogging (NO)
c) Bipolar (for changing the blog around so many times… possible)
Basically, looking back to early January when I thought to myself, “HEY, I’ll redesign my blog!” wasn’t the brightest decision. It wasn’t smart because at that time I was relaxed and not busy with school yet. Now, I am quite overwhelmed and barely have time to breathe. Basically, I wish I would have started the redesign in May.
However, I do love my design and I’m extremely happy with the switch. I know some of you are puzzled though as to some of these more recent changes. First, I had one design, now another. Basically, the old design and template did not suit my blog after a ton of thought and consideration. The decision to take it down really took over my life and even though I was so stressed with school, I was more upset about my blog. It was so frustrating because I had no one in real life to vent to. Poor Dan I’m SURE became annoyed with me, my classmates looked at me like I was nuts (which is normal, really) so I found myself emailing fellow bloggers to venting purposes.
They key here is this: My blog is my home. It’s like my apartment. I need it to look good to outside visitors. I need to like it. You get me?
When I made this decision to take down the template/design, I had to think quickly: I need a new template and a new designer PRONTO. Ugh.
That’s when Miss Nina came in. I have been admiring her blog redesign for awhile now and when I tweeted her for advice, she told me to buy the Thesis template. After much research and consideration, I took the plunge, bought it, and haven’t looked back. This is THE theme to get on WordPress (even if it does cost money). Thank you, Nina!
Next, the header. This was kinda awkward because I originally talked with Danielle from The Design Girl wayyy back before I even considered a redesign. She offered so many times and I know she’s good – don’t get me wrong. But, I’m on WordPress now – not Blogger. Anyways, I told her of my perdictament and she agreed to do my header (and isn’t it lovely?). Danielle has really become such a good friend of mine (from when I first started blogging) and even though we haven’t met online, I do consider her a friend I can always turn to. She is honest, caring, and always has my back. I truly recommend her for your blog design as well. She will guide you in the right direction and steer you clear of making a bad decision. Thanks D!
Okay, so then I had a header file and a theme. Ugh… !??!?!?!??!?!?!?!?! What now?
That’s when Twitter came in. I tweeted and asked if someone could help me with customizing my WP theme. Luckily, this angel named Princess Quello came to my rescue who just so happens to be a DC blogger too. We met on Gchat and she helped me through the basic of basic and really, without her you wouldn’t be seeing a header right now 
That girl seriously needs to open a blog consulting business!
So friends, that’s where I am now. I have been getting reports that my feeds are not coming to your Google Reader. Please subscribe using the button at the top right labeled “Subscribe”. Hopefully as I continue on my journey it will become more user-friendly. In the meantime if you are a WP expert and have a recommendation on anything send me an email: wearingmascara at gmail dot com.
Thank you lovely readers!
Julie
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I went through the same things when I first launched my site. I went through so many different looks!
And I’m glad I can help…We have more work to do
Also, people MIGHT have to resub to your feed because I think the feed address changes sometimes…I know that when I switched hosts, people had to resub to mine.
xoxo
PS: We gotta do coffee soon!
[Reply]
Somedays I really get into organizing and re-doing my blog. I even vow to make a layout purchase. Then, I get fustrated and end it all.
I LOVE your new layout. I was thinking of renaming my blog to “Not wearing Mascara” and just using your layout, with “not” in the beginning.
Seriously, looking AWESOME!
[Reply]
Love, love, love the new site. After all the hard work and wringing of hands, it looks fan-tab-ulous! Great job
[Reply]
Heyyyy, I’m in real life! Posted about your new home. You’re welcome!
[Reply]
I think it has all come together SO nicely! I’m proud of you for sticking it out, even though I know you were ready to lose it with those awful Google peeps and whatnot a while back! I think what everyone is telling you about the feeds is that they are only partial on Google Reader, which you can change in your settings, I believe. I don’t know, I’m slightly blog-handicapped, but I love what you’ve done. Congrats!
[Reply]
Yeah I was definitely a little confused after our sneak peek at the blog redesign and now it’s all different. I really like this one though, it’s a lot more user friendly
[Reply]
Beautiful blog my love. Nicely done.
Slainte
[Reply]
Hello,
Came via thesis forums. Your site looks good. Keep it up!
-Mig
[Reply]
Thanks for the shout out. You’re so sweet. Loved working with you
[Reply]
Looks good!
[Reply]