Blog Guidebook

Blogger of the Week - This Blog Is Not For You

2013-05-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

This Blog Is Not For You, how can you but love a blog with a name like that? This summer I am determined to use my sewing machine to make some cute skirts etc., for my little girls.

Check out the Made My Me's tab for some very cute and fashion-forward styles with full tutorials!

This little jewelry bag would be so cute as a pencil or brush bag, a knitting needle holder, and more! Just tweak the pattern a bit eh?

This blog has a super adorbs header...love the detail in it. Plus there are even some very good blogging tips! A blog after our own heart! You'll definitely have some fun projects to work on this weekend, so get inspired!

How To Make a Button For Your Blog - Part Two

2013-05-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Part Two - Dude! Let's Get Started: (Read Part One first)

PicMonkey-ers: remember the steps past #2 can be done in any order, and can be considered as "layers". Just note that once you've created a "layer" it cannot be layered behind other layers (you can attempt to bring "forward" or "backward" but it didn't work for me).

Before getting started you may want to read some of our beginner PicMonkey tutorials such as: How To Get Started, How To Make Your Posts Pinteresting,
How To Make a Header for Your Blog, and Blank Canvases to Use With PicMonkey

Upload your blank square to PicMonkey (links in Part One). Click on the Edit Photo link on their front page and it will lead you through a couple of steps to upload. Very simple and only takes a few seconds. NOTE: if you click the back button while using PicMonkey, you will lose all your work, so try not to use that key.
Re-color - I prefer to start with a white background, but you can keep the gray or also use black (or another color). To change your gray button to white, click on Exposure and slide the brightness (top) bar all the way to 100 (right for white) or 0 (left for black).
Now you can create a border for your button (optional). Click here to see how to add a border.
Now you will use a design element or add one yourself (which you may have purchased or gotten free and saved to your desktop-explanation was in Part One) by clicking "Your Own" under Overlays. Want some FREE elements? Check out our giveaway going on this week!

Overlays is the place to find cute designs, shapes, ribbons, etc. Don't forget you can use the free elements supplied by PicMonkey in different ways, not always as what they are supposed to be. It's simple to drag a shape and only use part of it.
Now, the all-important text! Decide if you're going to use words besides your blog's name. You can say things like: Welcome! I love comments! This is My Blog. Etc. Then place your blog name or URL in the text box. In PicMonkey you can find text by clicking the P symbol. They recently added a few more excellent fonts to choose from. If you don't find a font you love then you will have to add your text in another program such as Elements or Photoshop. (It helps to have a Royale membership when it comes to fonts).
Adding a frame from the "frames" gallery is also fun to do at the end. This will change the "size" of your button, so if you plan on doing this then you may want to factor that in. There are some very cute frames to choose from, you can also manipulate the size of them to suit your style.
Saving your button - a very important step. Make sure and save as a .png file. You can change the size of the pixels before saving too... (You may want to know How Wide is My Sidebar?)

Here are some examples of buttons I made only using images available for free on PicMonkey:

To change the button size, change the Dimensions as shown above

The new size is 150x150!

Thanks for hanging in there with this post...we hope it helped.

Remember you can do it! You can't ruin anything...it just takes time and practice.

Show us your buttons when you're all done!

Now to create HTML code:

Would you like to see a video presentation of this tutorial?

We're working on it!

Win Some Beautiful Elements For Your Blog

2013-05-13T08:34:00.001-07:00

This Giveaway is Now Closed! Thanks!

We'd love to give away a few sets of these adorable elements designed by our own Lyndsay Johnson! All you have to do is place our blog button in your sidebar, leave a link to your blog in the comments section and pin the image above, then we'll pick 5 winners on Friday! So you can have a ton of fun playing blog designer over the weekend!

Our button codes are located in our Button Gallery. Winners will be notified via email too!

Blogger of the Week - The NerdNest

2013-05-05T20:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I found this adorable blog with a ton of stuff to read and it went all over the place, and I LOVED IT! It's a blog written by a husband and wife team and it's called The Nerd Nest! Isn't that nerdy? I love that their banner changes and you can click on it to go to the different sections of their blog! My favorite was "Tech" of course!

You're going to love it too, so pop over and say hi to the family!

Alt Design Summit Online Conference

2013-05-02T16:50:00.001-07:00

Looking to up your blogging game? Alt Design Summit is offering an awesome ONLINE conference. They have great classes for beginners, and bloggers looking to take their blog to the next level. Classes include: • Graphic Design for Bloggers 101 • Photoshop for Bloggers • Your Blog is a Business • Using Social Media to Grow Your Blog • Lots more!
It's coming up soon, so act fast:

How To Make A Pretty Button For Your Blog (with code)

2013-04-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

PART ONE

Okay my dears...there have been so many requests for a new tutorial I decided it was time to jump back in and create one for you!

Many of you want to know how to make a button for your blog and not pay someone to do it. We wrote a tutorial a while ago using Picnik (whodat?), but we haven't written one in an updated format.

Now your wish is my command!

Get Prepped

I'm going to give you some steps using PicMonkey and Photoshop Elements. If you're a designer reading this you may laugh at me. I am using Elements 6. I tried to update to the latest version 11, but despised it. Blame me for not liking any more change... If you'd like to try out PS Elements 11, they offer a 30 day free trial. If you'd like to use Elements 6 it is available on Amazon for under $25 (if you decide to purchase, just follow instructions for installing). And then, if you prefer to stay FREE, you can just improvise using PicMonkey. I started using Elements about 5 years ago and it works great for creating bloggy headers and buttons and for using all those lovely free fonts out there!

Finding Cute Elements

When I first started out doing blog design I searched for free graphic elements...they are so much more accessible than they were five years ago. You can search Pinterest or Google and come up with hundreds of freebies. Most are free for personal use, but not for something you're going to resell. I also bought elements of design on Etsy.

What should you look/search for? Good question. When you're doing a search, look for any of the following: graphic elements with transparent backgrounds, png, digital scrapbook elements, photoshop elements, digital art, clip art etc.
It should say - These clip art will come to you as individual png files with transparent backgrounds.
I started off with some very affordable purchases, under $5. If you know exactly what you're looking for then search for that also...especially if you want it to match your blog's design.

Finding Fonts

Tons and tons of fonts are available for FREE. Dafont.com is a great resource. But you can always Google "free fonts" and see what comes up. Pinterest has really fed my font love too!

Using Your Graphic Elements

For ease of use, I save all my design stuff in a special folder on my desktop. As I collect more images I create new folders and put them in the "design" folder. It's best to keep everything organized from the get go so you can find everything quickly.

If you're using PicMonkey to create a button you will have to upload each image as you want to use it. Remember, PM (PicMonkey) doesn't store anything for you...you have to finish your design and save it your computer or you will lose all your work.

If you use PS Elements 6, you just open a new file when you need it and it stays open until you close it.

Anatomy of a Blog Button

A button is simply a small graphic that implements your blog name (or other text) and an eye-catching image. Buttons can come in many sizes. One of the most used sizes is 150x150 pixels. This is as about as small as you want to get. Personally I think size really matters here (ahem!), so I make my buttons bigger, anywhere from 200x200 up to 300x250.
Of course, it's nice to offer a smaller version for those blogs who only accept the 150x150.
Much of your size decisions will come from the width of your sidebar...you want it to fit perfectly.

Color and Fonts - should match your blog theme and design. Or at least complement it. Remember also that you can have more than one button.

Size - Last month I created several "blank" button canvases you can use to get started in PicMonkey or Elements without have to create from scratch. To get started, I would use the 300x300 and save it to my computer...this will give you a larger surface to work with. You can resize to 150x150 when you are finished.

Getting Started

You should have everything you need to make a glorious button:

PicMonkey or Elements
Cute Fonts
Adorable Graphics (free or purchased)
Photos you may want to try to use in your design
Blank canvas

Stay Tuned

Now that you've done all your research and gathering of resources, you are prepped to get creative and make your own blog button. My next post will contain the step by step instructions to create a basic button...and you can follow along too!

Tip of the Week: Sparking the Creative

2013-04-27T12:30:00.002-07:00

I generally find that I can't pre-determine my days. There's no way for me to decide in advance that today is going to be a creative/work day, or a laundry day, or a house-tidying day, or an outdoor adventure day, or a make-huge-vats-of-roasted-tomato-salsa kind of a day. I have to wake up, force myself out of the arms of my warm bed, shake off the dregs of dreams, and look the day square in the face. Sure there are days I HAVE to clean up, or I HAVE to meet a deadline. But for the most part, my family has indulged my whims (sometimes more patiently than others).

Being a stay-at-home-mom affords me some luxury in that department. Of course I have to keep up with a little bit of work daily (be it around the house or on my computer) to keep all of our sanity. But some days I wake up and I know I am going to accomplish nothing more than writing all day, or a day-long love affair with new typography and what it can create. And that's fine. I've long since left behind the guilt trip of not being a well-balanced individual in this sense. It's better for me to go with the flow.

Let's say you wake up and feel in your bones that you have to be creative. You have to start somewhere, right? Maybe you have TOO much of that vibrant creative force reeling through you, and you are having a hard time focusing it. Or maybe you know you want to create, but aren't sure just where to start. And possibly it is a creative work day, but you would rather it be a laundry day (does that person exist??). In any of these scenarios, it's always fun to have some creative inspiration and direction. Here are some things I do to mix it up, get things going, and focus my efforts (if they need some wrangling):

FIVE IDEAS TO CULTIVATE THE CREATIVE

1. Be a Creative Creeper
That's right. Stalk other artists. See what's trending (I actually hate that word, but I am trying to warm to it). Check out what feels new and exciting to you. Borrow an idea without copying the original. Put your own twist on it. Find inspiration on Pinterest, Etsy, even sites like Minted or Paper Source. Catalog your favorite creative blogs (whether they be art, design, writing, painting, sewing), and refer to them often. Don't feel like you have to be entirely original all the time. You'll find as you put your own spin on an idea, that it will blossom into something unique. Some of my favorite creative blogs include How About Orange, Oh, Hello Friend, Cardigan Empire (more of a fashion/personal style inspiration blog), Craft Gawker, Holiday with Matthew Mead, Graphic Exchange, The Happiness Project, and Rachelle Gardner has excellent tips on writing. Also for writers, I recommend downloading the free guide that lists the 101 best websites for writers, found HERE.

You can also browse through our catalog of blogs for some easy inspiration!

A word to the wise: Don't let a site like Pinterest run wild with your creativity! It is too easy to pin to your heart's content, only to find you have supersaturated your boards, and just wasted half of your day by following a creative tangent. Zero-in on one or two things you would love to try, then revisit others as you have time.

2. Try something out of your comfort zone
I think artists sometimes tend to find their niche and fly with it. And that is a wonderful thing that elevates work, and defines careers. But other creative pursuits can feed our minds and artistic eye. You'll be surprised where you find inspiration when you engage in something completely different. And if nothing else, you'll be coming back to the proverbial drawing board with fresh eyes. Try creating something new to you. Or revisit a talent you might have had in the past, but let fall by the wayside. If you paint, try felting. If you write, try watercolors. If you are a web designer, sculpt something out of clay. Make a piece of jewelry. Sew something simple. Write a poem and let it be really really bad. Bake a cake and don't worry about perfect icing. Finger paint with your children. Plant an herb garden in a pot. Or maybe it's even as simple as changing your medium that day. I often sketch my illustrations, scan them in to the computer, and then digitally color them in. But it feels completely different to physically hand-paint my sketches with watercolor. I can feel my brain working differently when I am holding a paintbrush vs. the mouse.

3. Find inspiration in books and quotes
Sometimes I need words of wisdom to help push me along. I have enough random inspirational quotes stashed away that I could probably compile one of those feel-good Mother's Day quick-reads that you find at Walgreens. And some of my early "life path" altering decisions came from books I read on creativity and becoming the artist you want to be. I felt connected to the artistic pulse of the universe (or something profound like that). It made me want to go out and CREATE something that would change the world (OK, I was 14, so really it probably just prompted me to paint the day away in my bedroom). But that eventually led to a portfolio, and art school, then graduate school, and eventually my career. So checking out a book at your local library that has to do with your passion/trade/medium-of-choice is a great idea. Some of my favorites include:
The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron
Steal like an Artist, by Austin Kleon
Bird by Bird: Some instructions on writing and life, by Anne Lamott
Story, by Robert McKee
The Elements of Graphic Design, by Alex White
Writing with Pictures, by Uri Shulevitz
Vogue Sewing
The Modern Quilt
You can also find a slew of gorgeously designed inspirational quotes to get you through the rough days, and enhance the good ones. Find many HERE. Post them where you'll see them most, then change them out to suit your needs.

4. Become part of a community
Creativity can often be a solitary pursuit. I had an amazing experience in school working with peers on projects, feeding off of our shared enthusiasm, new approaches, and bright ideas. I worked for a company where I was part of a team, and other creative minds swarmed around me non stop. I could reach out and grab inspiration any time I needed it. But when I became a freelance designer/illustrator, I found I had to really work for that lightening bolt. It got easier over time, but connecting with other creative individuals helped bridge that gap. I sought out blogs (even creating a few of my own) that fostered community. I started following people on Twitter, Blogger, Wordpress (and then followed some of their followers). Even Instagram has provided unexpected friendships with people I would call modern-day pen pals. The key to online connection is to make comments, email blog authors, and generally let yourself be known. Offer things that will benefit others, and you will find that in return.

Conferences are also a wonderful way to meet others like yourself. Conferences will not only help build your brand, but connect you with others who share your passions. If you can't make it to a conference in person, look into workshops and classes online that offer a similar experience. If you're crafty, attend a craft fair in your area (or organize one locally). If you like to write, join a local or virtual writer's group. If you like to sculpt, take a pottery class at the local community college. Here are some good sites to get you started:

Writer's Digest (a wonderfully complete resource for writers of every genre)
Daily Writing Tips
Queen Bee Market
The Blog Guidebook (obviously) :)
Alt Design Summit

5. Experimenting with process
Maybe your process is to be wildly improvisational. Maybe you like a list of goals. Whatever it is, experimenting with process can be very helpful. I have found that many creative minds can benefit from a little structure. It not only keeps us focused on goals, but also helps us see our initial intent more clearly, actually encouraging creativity. Here is one of my favorite ways to work through a major project: Start with a creative device, continue with purpose, and end with a push. I had a wonderful thesis advisor in graduate school. She would encourage all kinds of ways to map out our project before diving in. Then we would plug along purposefully. Finally, when we thought we were finished, she would push us to find opportunities to enhance the results. For example, I might begin with a mind map, list out my ideas, or cast a wide net for creative images in the internet. That would spark all kinds of ideas that would then get narrowed down. Then I would begin my project. (This is the time for experimentation and maybe numerous drafts or versions of what you are creating.) Then once I would finish with what I thought was my very best work, my advisor would always make final suggestions on how I could improve. Every. Single. Time. And I thought I would die every single time. But I soon learned that adding extra visual texture, refining the text, or altering the typography would transform my work from good to great. I have since learned how to do this on my own—push myself almost over the edge. It's a skill that takes time to master (and I am still working on it). But I always know that once I think I am done, there's still something more—some extra little tweak that can make it sing. It's about recognizing the exceptional in yourself, and bringing it out.

Here are some great links to creative devices:
Creative Mapping: A toolbox for creatives
Mind Mapping
Mind Map Inspiration
Creative Brainstorming
Creative Something
Brainstorming Techniques for the Creative Mind

I hope this post has given you some new ideas to get that creative ball rolling! Be sure to share your ideas in the comments. I love to hear from readers.

I LOVE ELEMENTS - Chalkboard Fonts

2013-04-22T11:47:00.002-07:00

Chalkboard fonts are so fun to play with! They can transform your blog design and the chalk colors don't always have to be white! At Dafont.com you can find many FREE fonts that can be used for your chalkboard style...just search for sketch, school, chalk or rough styles and they'll look as if you wrote them on the chalkboard!

If you're not sure how to download and install fonts, it's super easy! Just click the Download button next to the font and have it download to your desktop. It will usually be a zipped file. Double click your zipped file and a folder will appear. Click the folder and a box will appear with the font inside. Look for the icon with .ttf or .otf after the name. Click the icon and it will ask you if you want to install. Another way to do it is to drag to your Font Book (mac). If you need help please feel free to email us!

Here's a short list of our favorite chalkboard fonts and a few links to other bloggers' faves too!

Another great place to find everything "chalky" is at the Fonts Cafe! They even have FREE chalkboard backgrounds if you sign up for their newsletter...you can't beat that!

Some of our favorites from Font Cafe are:

Check out Yellow Bliss Road and Big Red Clifford for more links to favorite chalkboard fonts! And learn How to Make Your Own Chalkboard Printable from How To Nest For Less...super cute and easy!

Have fun with chalkboard fonts! Let us know what you create, we'd love to do a round up!

Secret Blog Tips No.1

2013-04-18T15:25:00.002-07:00

Press Play to see our first blog tip video!

You can also locate all our blogging how to videos in our sidebar!

My New Blogging Motto

2013-04-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Blogging Help at The Blog Guidebook

2013-04-16T19:59:00.001-07:00

Many of our readers are brand new bloggers and may not know the history of our site...so here's a short synopsis ~~

The Blog Guidebook started out as an idea to have a big-book online directory of blogs...if you wanted to find a blog about historical homes, the color pink, cupcakes, etc...just look under a category heading and find a blog you might have something in common with.

It has gradually morphed into a blog where a searcher might find help with blogging issues, read the latest news about the web, or get tips to writing great posts.

Now The Blog Guidebook is your place to learn about blogging, design tricks, industry secrets, and find answers to bloggy questions.

What else can you find here? Did you know:

1. We have an awesome list of FREE printables

2. We update the blog conference list constantly

3. We share new knowledge with our readers on Facebook daily

4. We share tutorials on PicMonkey, Instagram, Pinterest, Linky Tools, Google +, and other helpful sites

5. We have a FREE ebook for new bloggers that contains the basics about blogging

6. We will help a reader find an answer if we don't know it (we're not perfect!)

7. We have the ability to help a blogger with design questions

8. We work with Blogger (blogspot) blogs

9. We want our readers to be the best bloggers on the planet!

10. We have great things in store this year for the year ahead (ch-ch-ch-changes....)

If you have not yet listed your blog(s) for FREE in one or more of our categories, then you're missing out on a big part of who we are...a FAMILY of bloggers...an entity of smart women who can blog the heck out of anything! Add yourself today!

And you can still sign up for our RSS feed or our mailing list. We send out a newsletter with updates on what we're doing every month - check out our sidebar for details!

Got an idea for a new category? We love to add new categories. As soon as there are three requests for a new genre we will add it for you!

My Head Is Up My Blog

2013-04-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sitting in the airport for about 6 hours waiting for a flight to get me a little closer to home. It's giving me a lot of time to mull over the past few days at Bloggy Bootcamp (I missed my flight home, so have to re-route through Las Vegas and get home a day late). I have been reviewing my notes and I feel as if I have had my head up my blog for the past year. I haven't been paying attention to what's going on outside of my blog. I've been focusing on writing for my readers, not really gaining new readers or sharing all my content on social media.
By no means do I feel defeated, just slightly deflated; I have to acknowledge that I'm behind-the-times. I know about lots of things but I don't know HOW to use all of them or how to tell you how to implement them in your bloggy life.
What do you wish you knew how to do?

My Blogging Future:

There are a few things I've been considering since I went to Bloggy Bootcamp last year (in St.Louis), and that's two new enterprises. Do you want to hear what they are?

Well, one has a lot to do with beautifying your blog - you know, adding photos and graphic elements (easily and affordably) to make your blog infinitely more pinnable and pretty. The other is a broader scale project that would involve lots of other bloggers and writers. I think we bloggers deserve a magazine about US! It could be about blogging, interviewing bloggers, decor and DIY, crafts, who does what in the blogging industry, lots of gorgeous photos sent in by you...and lots of destination links.

What are your thoughts on these ideas? Does it sound like something that would be worthwhile in pursuing? I'd love to hear your comments.

This week I'm also going to be jumping more into Google+....this is something I think we're all going to have to do!

My bloggy weekend is now extended as I fly home a roundabout way and miss my kiddos for another 24 hours. Can't wait to share all the gritty details with you. Hugs!

Wish You Were Here! My first video

2013-04-13T07:25:00.002-07:00

Hey Friends! This is Sarah and I'm at Bloggy Bootcamp in Scottsdale, AZ this weekend! I'm trying my hand at vlogging! Here's my first video. Stay tuned for more to come from Scottsdale!

P.S. This is unedited and in my hotel room...so please forgive me! Keep blogging!

And I'm not endorsing Starbucks, because I had Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf yesterday!

Shut the front door - Washi Tape Crafts!

2013-04-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Washi tape the other day...our friend Amy from Mod Podge Rocks has started a new site all about crafts with Washi! Wish I'd thought of that!

Going Out of Style - NOT!

2013-04-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Have you seen our Bee Calm and Carry On posters floating around blogland? Well, they've been around awhile...and sadly, we're not going to be printing anymore...so they will still be available but only until they are all gone. If you've been holding out for one, you better get on it, becauze they will be out of print.

And, because we'll be at Bloggy Bootcamp Business Edition this weekend, we are going to sweeten the deal! FREE SHIPPING! Yep...I know, that's insane.

Order now through Monday and you'll get free shipping. After that, everything will go back to normal, until the posters are sold out. Click to go to our Blog Shop and order.
Please note that your posters will not ship out until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Hugs!

P.S. You can learn how to be your own blog designer by clicking on the link below too.

I LOVE ELEMENTS - Washi Tape

2013-04-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of Washi out there...and below is just a small sample of what is out there...most of it is FREE (which is awesome), but there are some beautiful ones for a few dollars. Just click on the images to go to the direct links (source).

What do you use Washi for?

Also, check out our We Wuv Washi pinboard over at our old pal Pinterest....we'll keep adding as we find the washi! And here's a cute tutorial for making your own washi at home for scrapbooking etc.

P.S. Check this out:

What's Wrong With Blogging?

2013-04-04T08:00:00.002-07:00

When I started blogging I felt like I was addicted. I wanted to blog day and night, night and day, and even when I was in the bathtub (please don't do that). Eventually those feelings wore off as I got tired, and I learned to try to balance the blogging episodes...but it took time and effort to figure out how to blog without harming my body, my kids, and my life in general.

Some things that go can go wrong when you blog:

Back pain and shoulder pain
Headaches, eye stress
Carpal tunnel symptoms
Lack of Exercise
Gaining weight
Drinking too much coffee or tea
Eating too many snacks
Ignoring telephone calls
Losing focus on daily life
Losing track of time - running late
Not making dinner
Becoming forgetful of chores or letting them pile up
Too much screen time
Not enough family and child time
Stressing about everything

We have all had moments of stress, or we got into a project and didn't want to stop to make dinner...and that's okay. But have any of the above moments happened more than once or twice? Have you forgotten to pick up little Jimmy for soccer practice or had to call your husband to bring home a deli chicken because there's no food in the house? Well, I've been there, and I don't want to go there anymore.

When we ignore our lives and opt to focus more on the screen we are losing out big time, and so are our families.

We're also missing great opportunities to embrace our lives and gain new ideas that could give us some great things to blog about in the future!

Here are a few strategies to employ if you find yourself on the bloggy addict fringe:

Set a time limit on your screen time. Just like you would for your kids. Choose a time of day when no one needs you...early in the morning, late at night etc.
Get adequate exercise...if you're sitting at your desk for hours, try to get a walk in to clear the cobwebs.
Make lists - write out what you want to blog about and use your scheduled time to research your interests and write.
Stretch and move - if you sit hunched over the laptop you will start to feel some aches...every 1/2 hour you need to get up and move, stretch your arms over your head, get the blood flowing.
Find a bloggy spot - make sure you have a comfortable space to work on your blog, in a chair with your feet up, have somewhere to rest your elbows, put a pillow behind your back.
Schedule time on the internet AFTER you've made time to be with your kids and family. Family should always come first...your blog will still be there when the kids have gone off to college.
Use the internet wisely. There are tons and tons of free resources for bloggers and moms. Find printable menu planners, blog planners, writing prompts, charts and kids activities. You might find having a list will save you time, energy and stress.
If you're online, make sure your kiddos have something fun to do too. Print out free coloring sheets, puzzles, word games, crafts, make up fun activity bags for toddlers...this will engage your child and they can even be in the same room as you!
Research shows that watching tv or bright computer screens can inhibit your natural sleep cycles. Turn off the screens at least 15 minutes before you want to go to sleep...breathe deeply.
Remember, blogging isn't everything. If you're blogging as a business, yes, it's important. But you are important too. You are not your blog. Focus on yourself first, and your blog will follow you.

Balance is a challenge in the world we live in...don't let your blog tip you over the edge. What do you do to stay balanced?

P.S. Click the link below to learn about an amazing course that can change your blog's life too.

Prepping For A Blog Conference Weekend

2013-04-02T03:30:00.000-07:00

Last night I spent a little while putting together some outfit ideas for my trip next week to Phoenix. I'll be spending a few days at the Zona Resort with the SITS Girls at their Bloggy Business Conference...and I'm hoping the weather is gonna be fine! (It's barely spring here in the midwest, so I'm looking for some sunshine please!)

The outfits above are simple and I know they'll be comfortable. Comfort is my priority...of course, I love jeans and flat shoes (probably because I'm so darn tall), but I also thought throwing in a dress would be fun too. You never know...I might want to take myself out for a nice dinner or something. I get to do that when I'm on a trip by myself...ah peace!

I also tried my best to keep everything affordable...not extravagant. Some of the clothing on Polyvore.com is outrageous by the way, if you decide to create a "board" for yourself...watch the prices! If you click on the image it will take you to Polyvore and will list where everything is available from and prices. I am hoping to find that tote in my little city here...definitely need that for traveling!

So, two pairs of jeans (maybe), or I may throw in a skirt or capris in case it is very warm. Plus, I love the little cream colored cardigan shown above...cardis are so perfect for me. Plus they pack well, or I could throw it over my shoulders on the plane.

Some other bloggy conference essentials I musn't forget:

1. Business cards - I'm thinking something really fun this time, so I'll be remembered.

2. Writing utensil & notebook - I must go to Staples and get a few favorite pens. Taking notes is essential.

3. Smartphone - duh!

4. Laptop - I will take my trusty MacBook Pro to write a few posts or make notes. Plus I can do some surfing and check Pinterest while enjoying my quiet time (no kids yelling for a snack).

5. Snacks - speaking of snacks, I'm on a wheat free/grain free diet and will have to pack some homemade treats. I don't want to fall off the grain-free wagon while I'm gone, that's a for sure!

6. List and Goals - I'm working on a list of goals I'd like to accomplish while I'm at the conference, such as meet 30 new people, seek out readers and followers of my blog, hand out a few freebies to those who know me (postcard packs or imprinted cute things), and meet all the event sponsors and hosts. I know Twitter will be a big part of the conference so I should brush up on my tweeting skills too!

7. Tote Bag or Laptop Bag - try to find a bag or tote that will accommodate your needs without being too heavy or bulky. I read a post recently on a Martha Stewart tote from Staples. I'll check into that.

If you're heading out to a blog event in the near future, don't forget that comfort is key to success. You don't want to be inwardly moaning as your toes grow huge blisters from tight, but cute, shoes...or getting annoyed at a strap on your blouse that keeps falling...etc. etc.

Instead of buying a whole new wardrobe (which I'm not doing...I will be shopping my own closet for most of the above) why not grab a pedicure so you can wear the sandals you always wish you could wear out...or get a hair trim and some highlights? A little attention on those things will make you look polished and put together without breaking the bloggy budget.

You could try asking your readers for suggestions too...some might even like to sponsor your trip with a sample pair of handmade earrings or an adorable one-of-a-kind tote bag. You, in return, will thank them graciously and tell all your readers and tweet about them...it really happens!

A week or ten days before the event: get plenty of rest, take your vitamins, eat your veggies, and stay in tip top health so you don't have to miss a thing!

I LOVE ELEMENTS - The Alphabet

2013-03-25T14:20:00.004-07:00

There are so many styles of alphabet...what is your go-to alphabet?

Happy Helpers

2013-03-25T13:38:00.003-07:00

I was going crazy today as I looked around my house in utter despair. Despite my best efforts, it pretty much looked like the zombie apocalypse had happened in my home. My kids love to trash the joint. Especially if I am on my computer working, designing, blogging. (Are they trying to send me a message?? Nah....) So Sarah sent me some great ideas for motivational tactics from the blogosphere. Of course I wanted to create my own version (specifically something purple to tempt my 4-year-old). I came up with these Happy Tickets and Chore Cards based on other fun designs out there on Pinterest. I told my kiddos that if they are "happy helpers," they get a ticket. After 5 tickets, they get a treat. Same idea with the Chore Cards. After 10 punches, they get a prize (probably another treat, since ice cream goes a long way around here). Need a little motivation for your kids? Download the PDF pack HERE. (I am including orange, blue, purple, and pink versions). You can print them out and write your child's name on the Chore Card. I taped a Happy Ticket to the outside of 2 envelopes to provide visual motivation, and hung them on the fridge to collect my happy helpers' tickets. (Don't mind my trimming in these photos. I was in a rush to get the ball rolling on this one!)

Blogger Bugs and Glitches

2013-03-22T07:09:00.003-07:00

Below are some bugs in the Blogger system that we've noticed in our everyday use of Blogger's platform. Please add yours in the comment system (if you can...ha ha ha!)

1. Can't add links on some Pages...(unresolved)

2. If you like to pre-date your posts, you can't immediately see your post after publishing. You have to grab the Permalink (which is easy to forget) and paste it into your browser. This was not an issue on the Old Blogger interface. (unresolved)

3. Have to use more clicks to change your post schedule... (unresolved)

4. Many bloggers have contacted us saying they are having trouble with the commenting system on their blogs. Some are unable to leave comments. Some are finding that their blog isn't allowing comments.
Resolution: for those commenting your browser needs to be able to accept third party cookies. Update your browser to allow this. For those not getting comments, try changing from an embedded comment system to either of the other options.

5. We've had several bloggers unable to log into their blogs. (resolved)
Resolution: make sure you log in with the correct email address, or it will look and feel like you've lost your blog.

What are your peeves? We'd love to hear and maybe come up with some answers!

Setting Up BlogLovin Is Easy Peasy

2013-03-20T12:23:00.002-07:00

Don't forget we'll be losing Google Reader soon (July 2013) because Google is in a clean up and downsize mode apparently. Keeping our fingers crossed they don't close down Google Friend Connect...cuz that would be SAD! We're trying BlogLovin and it seems to a pretty cool interface...tracks followers and is easy peasy to set up!

Check out this link to a tutorial on how to set up BlogLovin as your go to reader!
(Thanks to Texas Lovebirds for doing the hard work!)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I LOVE ELEMENTS - ARROWS

2013-03-18T21:29:00.001-07:00

Arrows are totally the way to go right now...we found these adorable elements from around the web, that can be used to decorate a blog or make super cute invitations (get creative!)...

Stop being so talented ya'll! No, really...I'm jealous.

What's your favorite "trendy" thing right now?

Is chevron still in?

What about Brad Pitt?

Bloggy Home Tour Part Two: Breakfast Room

2013-03-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Before: Brick wall, bad lighting, wall not yet knocked down, tile floors
Sorry it's taken so long to get back on the bloggy tour...ill health and the winter blahs are responsible! Luckily there may be hope for us yet! Spring may possibly raise her brilliant head this week and we'll all be inspired to start our seeds and throw open the windows...what do you think?

So, the above photo is partially of the kitchen and eat-in area the first day we owned our house. I've since painted all the cabinets (kitchen post coming soon) and removed the six foot long fluorescent light fixture. We also added pre-finished wood floors in birch. I don't recommend pre-finished, but it was a good choice for our first time. We avoided the chemical smell and drying times.

What I want you to focus on though is the eating area...the dark brick, the 70s curtains and the paneled wall to the left. Just a sick and sad space by anyone's standards!

Here's the AFTER (from Valentine's Day):

Click on the photos to enlarge if you like. We removed a wall, added wood floors, built-in bookcases and seat, painted brick and paneling, and added a cute hanging light from Ikea. I'll add another photo as soon as I tidy up again! I love that we added storage and display areas...they didn't really do a lot of that in the 70s did they?

What do you love about your home?

Next week: Kitchen

We're Still Here

2013-03-14T07:14:00.002-07:00

Hey Dear Readers!

Just wanted to let you know we're still here! We're just working away behind the scenes here at The Blog Guidebook! We've been updating links and adding some nice graphics so it won't be all boring text!

We've also been battling illness, contemplating life changes, and hoping Spring will cheer us up! How has your blogging journey been going? Do you need some blogging inspiration? Let us know and we'll do our best to inspire you!