The Blog Cafe

Closing my doors....

2012-01-23T10:07:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read the title correctly... I began web design back when my daughter was about 1-1/2-2yr old when it was just becoming available to have a web page, so I've been in the business for over 15 years (my daughter is turning 18yr old ) and began blog design in 2007/2008 when I started a blog to share our adoption journey of our son (now 4yrold).
I am now enjoying my scrapbooking/paper crafting design business at my other blog called Upcycled Scrapbooking (http://www.upcycledscrapbooking.blogspot.com) and after much prayer and speaking with my husband, I will be closing THE BLOG CAFE for now (to blog design orders).

For my former clients, I am still available for updates and possibly redesign if you would like and can give you a quote by request only. Blog Buttons are quick and easy so I'm happy to continue to create those for old and new clients/customers anytime. Those are $25 per button.

At this time I'm going to concentrate on homeschooling my 4yrold (and finishing with my daughter who graduates this year from high school) while also working on paper crafting design projects on my other blog. If you are a homeschooler, please visit my personal blog at BeachMonkeys (http://beachmonkeys.blogspot.com) for my product reviews and link/giveaways this year.

I want to say "THANK YOU" so much to all my clients. You all have been great and I've gained some wonderful new blog friends and wouldn't trade that for anything. Its because of you all that I loved my job!!!

You may occasionally see some PROMOS of PRE-MADES you can purchase but as for main blog design, I am closing that part of the business. I will still do cards, invitations, blog buttons because they are quick easy projects that I can accomplish easily with all my other family and business obligations.

Again, THANK YOU!!! If you are looking for some web designers, here are two great ladies you can look into:
LeeLouBlogs and Restored316Designs

GOD BLESS and THANK YOU!

Facebook "Link Up" Block Party Hop through Monday1/23

2012-01-17T16:31:00.002-05:00

Do you want to "Raise" your stats for your Facebook business page?
We have a family-friendly "Facebook LINK-UP" Block Party Hop this week through Monday 1/23.

Let's get started....

Every week, we Co-Host a "Block Party Hop" featuring the top social media sites to help you raise your stats for your accounts.
Your gracious Co-Hosts are Totally Temberton (aka Cara), Frugal Plus (aka Jill) and The Blog Cafe (aka Jen).

The only requirements are you must be a family-friendly site and we do reserve the right to remove you from the list if you are not. You must also follow the Co-Host and at least 3 other sites on the list. Please remember this is a "bartering" system and if you'd like someone to follow you, please follow them.

TWEET this event - You can get more exposure by TWEETING about this event! Click here!
Tweet #blockpartyhop-facebook
before adding your name to the LINK UP.

You can add the button to the sidebar of your blog or this whole post to your FACEBOOK TAB each week and LINK UP. Just use Woobox on Facebook to add this code and our button. Just copy the CODE in this box below and add to your blog post or facebook tab/html. COPY HERE

<br /> <div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/theblogcafe/BlockPartyHop-BlogButtonA.jpg" style="height: 150px; width: 150px;" title="BlockPartyHopWednesdays" /></div>Do you want to "Raise" your stats for your Facebook business page?<br /> We have a family-friendly "Facebook LINK-UP" Block Party Hop this week through Monday 1/23.<br /> <br /> Let's get started.... <br /> <br /> <br /> Every week, we Co-Host a "Block Party Hop" featuring the top social media sites to help you raise your stats for your accounts.  <br /> <br /> Your gracious Co-Hosts are  Totally Temberton (aka Cara), Frugal Plus (aka Jill) and The Blog Cafe (aka Jen).<br /> <br /> The only requirements are you must be a family-friendly site and we do reserve the right to remove you from the list if you are not.  You must also follow the Co-Host and at least 3 other sites on the list.  Please remember this is a "bartering" system and if you'd like someone to follow you, please follow them.  <br /> <br /> TWEET this event - You can get more exposure by TWEETING about this event! Click here! before adding your name to the LINK UP.<br /> <br /> You can add the button to the sidebar of your blog or this whole post to your FACEBOOK TAB each week and LINK UP. Just use Woobox on Facebook to add this code and our button<textarea style="width: 236px; height: 61px;" cols="15" rows="6" name="BlockPartyHopWednesdays"><br /> Every week, we Co-Host a "Block Party Hop" featuring the top social media sites to help you raise your stats for your accounts.  <br /> Your gracious Co-Hosts are  <a href="http://www.totallytemberton.net/" target="_blank">Totally Temberton (aka Cara),</a> <a href="http://www.frugalplus.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Plus (aka Jill)</a> and <a href="http://www.theblogcafe.org/" target="_blank">The Blog Cafe (aka Jen).</a><br /> <br /> The only requirements are you must be a family-friendly site and we do reserve the right to remove you from the list if you are not.  You must also follow the Co-Host and at least 3 other sites on the list.  Please remember this is a "bartering" system and if you'd like someone to follow you, please follow them.  <br /> <br /> TWEET this event - You can get more exposure by TWEETING about this event! Click here!<br /> <a class="twitter-hashtag-button" data-related="1javajill,totallytember" data-size="large" data-url="http://www.theblogcafe.org" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?button_hashtag=blockpartyhop-facebook&text=I%20Linked%20Up%20my%20Facebook%20%40theblogcafe%20%23BlockPartyHop-Facebook%20%20You%20can%20raise%20your%20stats%20too!%20%40">Tweet #blockpartyhop-facebook</a><br /> <script> !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); </script> before adding your name to the LINK UP.<br /> <br /> You can add the button to the sidebar of your blog or this whole post to your FACEBOOK TAB each week and LINK UP. Just use Woobox on Facebook to add this code and our button.  Just copy the CODE in this box below and add to your blog post or facebook tab/html. COPY HERE<br /> <textarea cols="15" name="BlockPartyHopWednesdays" rows="6" style="height: 61px; width: 236px;"><br /> <div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/theblogcafe/BlockPartyHop-BlogButtonA.jpg" style="height: 150px; width: 150px;" title="BlockPartyHopWednesdays" /></div>Do you want to "Raise" your stats for your Facebook business page?<br /> We have a family-friendly "Facebook LINK-UP" Block Party Hop this week through Monday 1/23.<br /> <br /> Let's get started.... <br /> <br /> <br /> Every week, we Co-Host a "Block Party Hop" featuring the top social media sites to help you raise your stats for your accounts.  <br /> <br /> Your gracious Co-Hosts are  Totally Temberton (aka Cara), Frugal Plus (aka Jill) and The Blog Cafe (aka Jen).<br /> <br /> The only requirements are you must be a family-friendly site and we do reserve the right to remove you from the list if you are not.  You must also follow the Co-Host and at least 3 other sites on the list.  Please remember this is a "bartering" system and if you'd like someone to follow you, please follow them.  <br /> <br /> TWEET this event - You can get more exposure by TWEETING about this event! Click here! before adding your name to the LINK UP.<br /> <br /> You can add the button to the sidebar of your blog or this whole post to your FACEBOOK TAB each week and LINK UP. Just use Woobox on Facebook to add this code and our button.<br /> <center><br /> <img title="BlockPartyHopWednesdays" src="http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/theblogcafe/BPH-Horizontal.gif" /><span style="font-family:Century Gothic;color:black;">   <textarea style="width: 236px; height: 61px;" cols="15" rows="6" name="BlockPartyHopWednesdays"><a href="http://www.theblogcafe.org"><img src="http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/theblogcafe/BPH-Horizontal.gif" title="Join our Weekly Hop" /></a>  <script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=125984" type="text/javascript"></script>

What's a Google Alert?! - Blog Tools Tuesday

2012-01-17T03:23:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder "Who's Talking About You?" or using your content?? #googlealerts
Well, look no further than.. GOOGLE ALERTS!!!
I've been using Google Alerts for over two years now and I love it!!

Google Alerts gives you email updates of Google results based on your choice of topic. You enter the topic (i.e. giveaways) or domain (i.e. http://theblocafe.org) and you will received the results of any content on the web using the topic or domain name you set the alert up for, by email.

I love this option because I am able to control what blogs or sites use my information from my website.

Google Alerts allows you to set up your alerts the you want. I set my alerts to email me "as-it-happens", instead of once a day or once a week. This allows me to react quickly, if someone is using my content, to either content them to remove it immediately, or to quickly "thank them" that is helping give exposure to my blog.

So how do you do it? EASY!!

Step 1 - go to Google.com (sign in if needed)
Step 2 - on top bar, click "MORE" to find services and then "EVEN MORE" to be taken to main page of all Google Services.
Step 3 - Now click on "ALERTS" (see below)

Step 4 - Now you are taken to a page to "test" it but I want you to click on "MANAGE MY ALERTS"

Step 5 - Now you will see any alerts you have set-up (if any). If not, here is where you will create an alert. Now Click "NEW ALERT"

This will open a new alert line for you to add your info.

Search Terms

Your Blog URl goes here if you want to watch your blog.
Keyword that relates to your blog, etc.
whatever you want, you can put in here.

Type

Here is where you choose what type of alert you want. I choose "EVERYTHING" but you can choose whichever.
If you want to run a test of which alert would be best, then set up one for each of the choices.

How Often

Once a Day, Once a week or As-It-Happens are your chioces.
I like "As-It-Happens" so if someone has referenced my blog, I can act quickly, whether it be to "thank them", "Comment" or have something removed.

Volume

Only the Best results, or All Results
This is your choice here.

Deliver To

Email or Feed (your choice)

It's That Easy!!!
I'd love to hear how you like this Google Alert Service and what your experience is with it.

===============================================
My Personal Rating for the Google Alert Service is: (I rarely will give a 5 star rating)

My Personal Review:
I like Google Alert Service because it helps me watch to see who is referencing my blogs and how. Great service for being free!! I've actually been able to see someone referenced me and go "thank them" on their blog! Something you wouldnt want to miss!

Get some KLOUT with BLock Party Hop - LINK UP!! til Sunday 1/15

2012-01-11T09:10:00.010-05:00

Do you want to raise your KLOUT score? Share some KLOUT and receive some KLOUT with your fellow bloggers. LINK UP here below.
HOW? See instructions below...

How do you link up? First, make sure you have your KLOUT account activated. Learn more about KLOUT with my BLog Tool Tuesday article"How to Use Your KLOUT".
All you need to do is use your Klout Topics Page as your link, (for example http://klout.com/#/theblogcafe/topics).
How to "SHARE KLOUT"?

1 - Login to your Klout Account in a new tab using your twitter/facebook account.
2 - Click links below (they will open in new window) and ADD THEM as your friend/list.
3 - Give them +K in one category on their topic list.
DONE!!

*NOTE* You only have a certain number of +K credits, so please check back everyday through Sunday to share Klout with others on the list. Remember to give +K back to those that give to you and Tweet or FB Post (through KLOUT) when you give to someone and please add #blockpartyhop-klout to your tweet.

If you have any questions, or problems, please comment below and remember to leave an email addres to be contacted.
Please make sure you add and give your Co-Hosts of the Block Party Hop +K, as required. Frugal Plus, Totally Temberton and myself-TheBlogCafe.

WANT TO BE A GUEST HOST??
You can add this KLOUT HOP to your blog today and its easy, just copy the code in the text box in a post.

<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/theblogcafe/BlockPartyHop-BlogButtonA.jpg" style="height: 150px; width: 150px;" title="BlockPartyHopWednesdays" /></div><br /> Do you want to raise your KLOUT score? Share some KLOUT and receive some KLOUT with your fellow bloggers. LINK UP through "BLOCK PARTY HOP" Wednesdays hosted by <a href="http://www.theblogcafe.org/" target="_blank">The Blog Cafe</a>, <a href="http://www.frugalplus.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Plus</a> and <a href="http://www.totallytemberton.net/" target="_blank">Totally Temberton</a>.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: black; font-family: Century Gothic;"></span><br /> <img height="41" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5NGZ2FccR4/Twt-VCJCH4I/AAAAAAAAACM/KjoM-brjXSQ/s200/Klout.jpg" width="200" /><br /> <br /> 1 - Login to your Klout Account in a new tab using your twitter/facebook account.<br /> 2 - Click links below (they will open in new window) and ADD THEM as your friend/list.<br /> 3 - Give them +K  in one category on their topic list.<br /> DONE!!<br /> <br /> *NOTE* You only have a certain number of +K credits, so please check back everyday through Sunday to share Klout with others on the list. Remember to give +K back to those that give to you and Tweet or FB Post (through KLOUT) when you give to someone and please add #blockpartyhop-klout to your tweet.<br /> <br /> Please make sure you add and give your Co-Hosts of the Block Party Hop +K, as required. <a href="http://klout.com/#/1javajill/topics" target="_blank">Frugal Plus</a>, <a href="http://klout.com/#/totallytember/topics" target="_blank">Totally Temberton</a> and <a href="http://klout.com/#/theblogcafe/topics" target="_blank">TheBlogCafe</a>.<br /> <br /> <br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=124780" type="text/javascript"> </script> <img src="http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/theblogcafe/BPH-Horizontal.gif" title="BlockPartyHopWednesdays" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Century Gothic;">   <textarea cols="15" name="BlockPartyHopWednesdays" rows="6" style="height: 61px; width: 236px;"><a href="http://www.theblogcafe.org"><img src="http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/theblogcafe/BPH-Horizontal.gif" title="Join our Weekly Hop" /></a>

Let us know if you have "posted this hop" and we will choose one person for next weeks GUEST Co-HOST!
GRAB a Blog Button and place on your sidebar.

Blog Tools Tuesday - How to use your KLOUT

2012-01-10T00:01:00.024-05:00

This week's Blog Tool's Tuesday Tip is "How to use your KLOUT". Many of you have heard the KLOUT where it shows how much "influence" you have on the internet world (aka followers).

Do you know how much KLOUT you have? Let's get started!

Many of the PR Blogs depend on their stats to help give them more advertisers/sponsors and business and with KLOUT you can better see how you influence your market.

Activating your KLOUT account is very simple by just using your TWITTER and FACEBOOK account.

How Does Klout Work?

Klout determines your real social media influece by using your Twitter, Facebook and other variables to determine your Klout Score. Klout has three different measuring scales: True Reach, Amplification Probability and Network Influence. You score is on a scale of 1-100.

Your True Reach is measured by all your comments, tweets, likes and interactions with sharing and feeds. The more engaged you are with your followers and the internet bloggers, the higher your score.

Here are some examples of how your score is calculated:

Facebook: Comments, Likes, Posts, Shared, Reposted

Twitter-: Mentions, ReTweets by others

Google +: Comments on page, Reshares of your Posts, +1 of your articles.

They are working to add more factors like blog platforms (Blogger, Typepad, Wordpress) and Youtube, Tumblr, etc.

2. AMPLIFICATION PROBABILITY (Huh??)

Don't worry, its just a bunch of fancy words (or SAT words maybe, LOL) that means what is the probable outcome of your influence after you Tweet, Post, Comment, etc. They use this score to measure the interactions because of topic. This is actually helpful for you to see what topics have given you the best responses or influence.

3. NETWORK INFLUENCE (Yeah, its what it sounds like... how cool are you?)

This scoring tool is using Klout's own score to determine if you are influential in your network. Silly, I know but, its their company so they get to make the rules. LOL

Is Bigger Better, regarding my network on Klout? No, not necessarily. As I stated above, Klout is looking at your "influence" by people responding, reacting to your content so your goal is to get them to ReTweet, Share, Repost, +1 your content.

Does it Hurt my score to affiliate with someone with low score? No, in fact its the opposite. The more "influence" you have the better your score will be.

Is it easy to raise my score? Actually No. The higher the score, the harder it is to raise it, as it should be. Your score is based on a 90-day window, so if you shouldn't see a constantly fluctuating rate/score in the three categories. If you are inactive for a long period, your score will be lowered but its based on recent activity.

Klout assigns you a "topic" based on your content and influence, but you can also "add topics" to your account that are what you want to "influence".

What does a +K mean? The +K is saying to the world that this person has "influenced you in this area/topic". So for instance, if you have a lot of "recipes" on your blog, you would give them a +K for that topic, showing Klout and the world, they influence you most in that area.

Is there a "leaderboard" for +K's? Yes, there is! You can have a goal of collecting the most +K's in a certain topic in the 90-day window. You can receive a special colored "Sash" on your Score as a reward for your accomplishment.

Here are samples of the reward "Sash" that Klout will award you with if in the 90day window you are the Top Leader in +K's:

Top influencers detected by Klout receive a GOLD sash.
Top +K recipients receive a BLUE sash.
People who are top +K recipients and top influencers receive a BLUE and GOLD sash.

Why Should I Use Klout? Well, if you like "rewards", then you might want to try KLOUT. They feel those with high influence deserve to be rewarded. Klout rewards you with Klout Perks.

What are KLOUT PERKS? Klout Perks are products and/or experiences that are exclusive and you earn based on your influence. Some really nice perks are phones and airline tickets. To find out if you qualify for Perks, you can just visit the Perks Page.

So are you ready to try KLOUT or really learn to "Use Your Klout"? Great!!! I hope this article helped you understand it a little better.

Did you get "Influenced" by The Blog Cafe to try Klout or try the Klout Hop tomorrow?

Please consider adding me to your Klout Friends and adding a+K to The Blog Cafe. I'm working hard to give you better articles in 2012 and increase my "Klout". Thanks for your help!!

It's fairly simple to set-up so don't worry. All you have to do is go to Klout.com and sign-in using your Twitter and Facebook accounts and you are ready to go!

There are some great blog hops already in place to help you gain your followers to increase your stats. One of those is a blog hop called "Block Party Hop" Wednesdays that I started along with 2 other great ladies, Totally Temberton-Cara & FrugalPlus-Jill. Each week we feature a new social media hop. We are one of the first to offer a KLOUT hop to help you increase your stats for your business/blog. Starting tomorrow (Wednesday at midnight, you will be able to link up your Klout!) Please make sure you follow the directions carefully.

We run this hop for 6 days to allow enough time for all the bloggers to participate and follower others as a "thank you" for those helping you with your stats.Feel free to link up every week with a different social media. Just grab one of our "Block Party Hop" blog buttons to post on your sidebar as your reminder each week and post about it. We will have the linky code available for you to use in your blog post or facebook tab post.

Want to win $50 Cash?? Use your Twitter Today!

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves cash, right? How would you like a chance to win $50 EVERY FRIDAY? Well, I am very excited that I have joined with an amazing group of bloggers to offer you a WEEKLY cash giveaway! Cool, yes?

Well, there is only one catch, this giveaway is only OPENED TODAY!

But, I am excited to tell you that this week you have TWO separate $50 Friday Events - Group A & Group B - WHICH means - if luck is on your side - YOU COULD WIN $50!!! SO - when you are finished with the giveaway HERE, you can head over to group B to enter that one, as well!!

This week's $50 Friday will be for Twitter Follows, so to participate you HAVE to "follow" EVERY SINGLE BLOG BELOW, then fill out the entry form!

Get started by clicking FOLLOW for every single blog -

Group A

Follow @Savingsandmore

Follow @adventuresof8

Follow @kassieinTX

Follow @insightsbyapril

Follow @MsMissy62

Follow @wrightgregory

Follow @theblogcafe

Follow @kouponkrazed

Follow @upcycledcrapbk

Follow @beachmonkeys

Follow @ peasandpickles

Follow @markyoursavings

Follow @kristinnw

Follow @Dinade

Follow @Weidknecht

Follow @rockinhotdeals

Follow @source1supplyco

Follow @sweepingtheusa

Follow @StyleDecor

Follow @fingerclicksave

Follow @CouponQueenofTX

Follow @BayAreaMommyCom

Follow @craftymomof3

Follow @teachme2save

Follow @LifesCheap

Here's what you need to do to ENTER - FOLLOW EVERY SINGLE BLOG ABOVE, just by clicking the Follow Buttons, then move onto the entry form below, fill in THE BLOG CAFE in the extra info area, in the entry form in question one, as the Blog you are entering on, then click "I did this"... for Question #2 (remember, you have to Follow EVERY Blog, via Twitter, above, before clicking "I Did This!"

Good Luck!

To See Group B, Please Click - HERE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alexa Blog Hop with #blockpartyhopwednesdays

2012-01-03T17:55:00.000-05:00

Increase your Alexa rating & meet new friends
Alexa Blog Hop: Increase your Alexa rating & meet new friends for 2012!!!

Visit Totally Temberton , Frugal Plus, and The Blog Cafe to join the Alexa Block Party Hop.

1.Our Hop runs for 6 days so to allow everyone time to get theirs listed and follow people back. Please make sure you do follow your CO-HOSTS and leave a review/comment for them.

2. Get the ALEXA Toolbar you can download the Alexa toolbar here.

3. Add your blog name & URL to the linky list below.
4. Please grab our button and post on your sidebar/post to help us spread the word and get more followers.

5. GUEST CO-HOST!!! For 2012 we will be adding GUEST CO-HOST and we will list you at the top with us! You must participate in 1 the hops, follow, and post on your social media and blog to be considered. (feel free to leave us a comment below if you have done all and the link to your posts/status)

HOW TO WRITE A REVIEW on ALEXA

(1) Copy the blog link from the hop below and then paste it into the SEARCH BOX at Alexa.
(2) The site’s stats will come up. Click the GET DETAILS button.

(3) The site’s stats will come up again, but this time a bio will be included. Underneath the bio and stats, you’ll see a menu bar. Click on REVIEW. Leave a review for the site.

(4) After Review, please visit their site, leave a comment that you reviewed through Alexa#blockpartyhop.

(5) If someone leaves you a comment saying they’ve reviewed your site, please try to be courteous and give them a review in return. The hosts will be doing reviews too, so EVERYONE in the hop should receive at least two reviews.

(6) Please be courteous and give return reviews from fellow followers. The hosts will be doing reviews too, so EVERYONE in the hop should receive at least two reviews.

GRAB THIS LINKY CODE to add to your BLOG POST or FACEBOOK TAB (yes you can add this to your facebook page/tab using IFRAME (WOOBOX).

Blog Tools Tuesdays - NEW WEEKLY Blogger Tips!

2012-01-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my new weekly blog maintenance tips for 2012!
You will get a new tips, how-to, or important update for you as a blogger with the most important topics to you!

Don't want to miss out on my weekly Blog Tools Tuesdays? Make sure you are following me/subscribed to my emails and social media sources!
Here is this week's topic - How to add a domain to your blogger account...

Many of my clients have asked or had me do this for them and so I felt it was a good one to start with since there are so many new bloggers in 2011/2012.

First, you need a domain name (the www name you see up in the URL address bar is a domain name).
If you do not have one, I can recommend a great resource that I've used for over 15 years... Netfirms.
I've had excellent customer service for over 15 years and highly recommend them to all my clients for domain and/or hosting.

Once you have purchased your domain through Netfirms or already own one, you will probably need to wait 24-48 hours for it to hit the WWW registry.
Now, lets get started setting up your domain for your blogger account.

STEP 1
Login to your Blogger.com account. Go to DASHBOARD. Now click on SETTINGS, PUBLISHING.
Now you will see a small sentence that says:

Switch to: • Custom Domain (Point your own registered domain name to your blog)

CLICK the words CUSTOM DOMAIN and it will drop down and open a new section.
Now you want to click this sentence to switch to advanced settings:
Already own a domain? Switch to advanced settings

Now you will see a domain box and "setting instructions" link underneath. CLICK THAT LINK to open Google's instructions for setting up your blog domain. You must open this to get the IP addresses you need.
Follow the questions and answer to open the detailed instructions you will need. (see below)

STEP 2
Now you need to open in a new tab your domain host company control panel or C-Panel.
Once you are logged in you need to find the DOMAIN panel that allows you to change your DNS properties. Choose your domain name and click DNS button.

Now it should have changed to say "DNS" and look like this and now click CNAME alias.

STEP 3
Now you will be changing you CNAME Alias according to the instructions on the GOOGLE HELP page you opened. Please note to check for your Host. If you are using NETFIRMS just add the following:

type 'www' (without quotes) in the HOST box and 'ghs.google.com' in the POINTS TO box then click ADD.
Now you are done with this step. (CNAME Alias added)

STEP 4
Now we will move on to the "A RECORD" update. This involved you getting the IP addresses that the google help page gives you to add.
You need to change your DNS now to "A Record" where it used to say CNAME Alias. Make sure it changed and confirms it. See below.

Now you will copy the first IP address and go back to your HOST and insert that info as follows:

INSERT the IP ADDRESSES one at a time along with your domain name (without 'www').

Make sure you repeat this step for all 4 IP Addresses so there is 4 lines.

NOW you are done. All you have to do no, is go back to BLOGGER and complete the last steps of adding in your Domain Name and redirect box is checked.
See below (and on Google instructions help page)
*NOTE* it says it may take 1 hour to 24 hours to take effect for the DNS changes so you may want to come back later for this last step and leave it as your .blogspot.com domain name until it takes effect. remember you can check by typing in your browser your new domain name and see if its ready. I'd advise doing this last step the next day to be safe.

Friday means FREE CASH!!! $50!! Enter Today only!

2011-12-30T00:01:00.016-05:00

Everyone loves cash, right? How would you like a chance to win $50 EVERY FRIDAY? Well, I am very excited that I have joined with an amazing group of bloggers to offer you a WEEKLY cash giveaway! Cool, yes?

Well, there is only one catch, the giveaway is ONLY opened for ONE DAY! BUT - I am very excited to let you know that YOU have two giveaways to enter - meaning if you are REALLY lucky, you could win $100.00!!!

This week's $50 Friday Group A & B will be for Facebook Follows!
BLOGS to Follow via Facebook

This giveaway is for $50 Friday Group B
Adventures of My Family of 8

Freebie Corner

Gone Klippin’ Krazy

About a Mom

Crazy Coupon Train

My Crafty Life

The Blog Cafe

Go Momma Coupons

Gypsy Mama Logs

Rockin Hot Deals

Coupon Queen of Texas

Hott Mama in the City

Koupon Krazed

Good Steward Savers

Smart Spending Spot

Khan Studios

This n’ That with Olivia

Sweeping the USA

Saving with Scissors

Shore Savings with Patti

Mark Your Savings with E

Going Crazy!!! Wanna Go?

Deep South Dixie Couponers

Life with a Big Family

Frugal Experiments

Here's what you need to do to ENTER - Go through the list above and LIKE EVERY SINGLE BLOG - then go through the entry form below, fill in THE BLOG CAFE as the Blog you are entering on, then continue down the line clicking the "do it" button(remember, since this is a mulit-blogger event, you MUST like EVERY blog ABOVE to be eligible to win.... but the cool thing is, that it also gives you 25 extra entries)
Good Luck!!

For another chance at $50, you can enter $50 Friday's Group A, by Clicking HERE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Got Facebook? Enter to win $50 Cash!!!

2011-12-28T10:56:00.000-05:00

Well, there is only one catch, the giveaway begins THIS FRIDAY and is ONLY opened from 12:01 am and will close at 12:01am on Saturday, so it is only OPENED ONE DAY!

This week you have the chance to win $100 since there will be TWO different $50 Friday Events - (both held here on Adventures of 8) woo hoo - both will be for Facebook Follows, so feel free to "follow" any and all of the following BLOGS,via Facebook NOW, so that you are all set -

GROUP A

Keenly Kristin

Adventures of My Family of 8

My Tots Exactly

Life’s Cheap Thrills

Insights by April

Going Crazy!!! Wanna Go?

Saving and More

Africa’s Blog

Debbie Does Coupons

The Kids are Grown, Now What?

Planet Weidknecht

Bay Area Mommy

Deal Doll

Cheap Mama Chick

CMM Style

Crazy Coupon Train

Beach Monkeys

Upcycled Scrapbooking

Gone Klippin’ Krazy

The Dad Blogs

Teach Me 2 Save

1FrugalMom

Shore Savings with Patti

Photo and Film Transfer Services

Coupons & Freebies in Texas

GROUP B

Adventures of My Family of 8

Freebie Corner

Gone Klippin’ Krazy

About a Mom

Crazy Coupon Train

My Crafty Life

The Blog Cafe

Go Momma Coupons

Gypsy Mama Logs

Rockin Hot Deals

Coupon Queen of Texas

Hott Mama in the City

Koupon Krazed

Good Steward Savers

Smart Spending Spot

Khan Studios

This n’ That with Olivia

Sweeping the USA

Saving with Scissors

Shore Savings with Patti

Mark Your Savings with E

Going Crazy!!! Wanna Go?

Deep South Dixie Couponers

Life with a Big Family

Frugal Experiments

This week's $50 Friday is a Facebook follow and remember, in order to win, you have to follow all participating blogs via Facebook. If it’s too much to follow everyone in one sitting, you can remember where you were (maybe even write it down) then return later to finish following so that you can visit all the Facebook Pages above between now and Friday so that you are all ready to go:)

This is how you can be sure you have the chance to enter this week and each consecutive week–

Sign up for my daily emails – by clicking here… this will ensure that you will get an email letting you know that the giveaway is up.
“Like” me on Facebook – by clicking here... this event will be tweeted, posted on my Blog, and on my Facebook Page… (But remember, with all of Facebooks new changes, to ensure you don’t miss it, I would still recommend signing up for my daily emails.)
Follow me on Twitter – click here to get my tweets
Mark your calendar – to come back here EVERY Friday to enter!

COME BACK this FRIDAY to ENTER!

Google Plus (+) LINK UP!!! Get Followers @ #blockpartyhopwednesdays

2011-12-13T16:36:00.003-05:00

We’ll soon be announcing a new line-up of weekly themes for 2012. But, to simplify things throughout the busy holidays, we have decided to run a Google+ hop from now through the end of the year. Link up your G+ page any time between now and December 31st!

Our Prayers to Keegan's Family...

2011-12-07T14:57:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, The Chupp Family's son Keegan has been fighting brain cancer since he was born and yesterday our dear Lord Jesus Christ called dear sweet Keegan home to be with him to care for. I ask that you please visit the Keegan's family blog and leave them just a few kind words to let them know you are praying for them and thinking of them during this very difficult time. Thank you!

GOOGLE+ HOP with #BlockPartyHopWednesdays,closed

2011-12-06T21:00:00.001-05:00

This event expired December 11, 2011

Order your #HolidayCards for only $15!!! TODAY

2011-12-05T10:11:00.000-05:00

Has the Holidays sneaked up on you this year?? Don't worry, I can help. Just order your holiday card template from me, TODAY and submit your photos and info and TODAY you will have your Personalized Photo Card template emailed back to you and you can print your Holiday Cards today at your local photo store for pennies and mail them out today!! Read below for instructions on ordering.

Don't see a design you want? That's no problem, just email me and I'll design a card for you based on your specifications @ theblogcafe@gmail.com.

DON"T DELAY!!

TELL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY -

Choose style in cart:

SANTA

NORTH POLE
ORNAMENTS

CHRISTMAS TREE
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

GINGERBREAD WREATH

The Holiday Cards-Personalized is available for add-on or individual purchase.

*SEND PHOTOS to {theblogcafe @ gmail.com}

Holiday Cards-Personalized: custom designed holiday cards to be personalized. Just choose your card, send me the photos and information to personalize your card. You will receive a completed holiday card photo jpg file to upload to your favorite print/photo store to print cards. (these are printed as photo 4x6, so its cheaper and easier to send cards. You may want to choose MATTE finish) Turn around is 24 hours/business days.

Get Signed Up for the Valetine's Giveaway Hop by Mama to 4 Blessings..

2011-12-05T01:15:00.000-05:00

Mama to 4 Blessings (me) and Kim at Chubby Cheeks Thinks are teaming up to bring you Valentine's Day Giveaway Hop! I know Christmas isn't even over yet and we are thinking about Valentine's Day! They wanted to get an early start! Want to know how you can JOIN the hop???

Valentine's Day Giveaway is an opportunity for bloggers to share a giveaway on several other blogger's blogs. How? When you join the Valentine's Day Giveaway Hop your name is added to a linky on all the other bloggers giveaway posts that participate. What a great way to promote your giveaway and increase your traffic!

Plus it's FREE! We are not asking for any money for you to sign up BUT we do have a few guidelines that are quick and simple!

Visit Mama to 4 Blessings' blog to get the details &
SIGN UP HERE

#TwitterHop for #BlockPartyHopWednesdays, Join us today!

2011-11-29T23:52:00.001-05:00

#TwitterHop for #BlockPartyHopWednesdays, Join us today!

It’s Follow via Twitter week!

Please Follow all 3 hosts via Twitter and, as a courtesy to other participants, please follow at least 2 more new blogs.

Follow @theblogcafe

Follow @1javajill

Follow @totallytember

NEXT, TWEET ABOUT THE HOP!!

Please Follow all 3 hosts via Twitter and, as a courtesy to other participants, please follow at least 2 more new blogs.

Have Fun meeting your New Neighbors!

By now, you probably know the drill...

Family-friendly links ONLY.

This week, please Follow viaTwitter

You are encouraged to post the button on your blog to help us spread the word. Also, we have a hashtag: #BlockPartyHopWednesday. Don't be afraid to use it! :)

As always, thanks to my lovely co-hosts and friends - Jill of FrugalPlus and Cara of Totally Temberton - for making this great hop possible.

GRAND Re-OPENING!!! & Holiday Photo Cards are HERE!

2011-11-27T18:11:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to share this new Long awaited, re-design of TheBlogCafe!!!
You will now be able to order much faster and easier through our new BlogCafe Store!

For all those that are receiving this through e-mail, I will need you to "re-subscribe" to the blog feed via my site, or this link because I will no longer be posting updates through this blog feed. I know its confusing so to make it easy, just click SUBSCRIBE and you won't miss any of the DEALS, and UPCOMING GIVEAWAY for the GRAND RE-OPENING!!!

HOLIDAY PHOTO CARDS are BACK!!!
I'm excited to bring back Holiday Photo Cards to make it EASY for you to get out your christmas cards this year.
Check them out in our new store!

I will be adding more designs later in the week. All you do is order your design, submit me your photos and I return the digital file to you for easy printing on your printer or at your local photo store.
Don't wait, get yours TODAY!

JOIN OUR HOP!! Get more followers! #blockpartyhopwednesday

2011-11-22T16:57:00.002-05:00

This is "GFC- Google Friend Connect" week of Block Party Hop, hosted by Jill of Frugal Plus, Me of The Blog Cafe, and Cara of Totally Temberton.
You don't want to miss this! If you haven't heard of our "Block Party Hop" Wednesdays - #blockpartyhopwednesday then you've been missing out!!

Do you need more followers, subscribers, higher rank? higher Klout score, etc? Then look no further!!

Our Hop is weekly and we rotate our Hops every week. Find the one that fits you, grab our button, post it and HOP with us!! Every week or whichever ones you want, but don't forget to Tweet, SHOUT, POST and let all your friends know!

ABOUT BLOCK PARTY HOP:

This is "GFC- Google Friend Connect" week of Block Party Hop, hosted by Jill of Frugal Plus, Me of The Blog Cafe, and Cara of Totally Temberton. Each week, our hop has a different theme. Once we have rotated through all themes, we begin again. Follow the quick easy steps in RED!

1. GRAB THE BUTTON, POST ABOUT OUR HOP ON YOUR BLOG or FACEBOOK

2. Follow Hosts (required) and more than 1 blog on the hop

3. TWEET about the hop using #blockpartyhopwednesday

BLOCK PARTY HOP THEMES:

GFC (follow) - Nov.23rd

Twitter (follow) - Nov. 30th

Facebook (follow) - Dec. 7th

Subscribe by Email (or RSS) - Dec. 14th

Alexa (follow and/or review) - Dec. 21st

NEW!!! Klout (connect) - Dec. 28th

Blog It Forward (show love by linking a blog you like) - TODAY

RULES OF THE HOP:

~YOU MUST Follow your hosts: The Blog Cafe, Totally Temberton and Frugal Plus

~Link ONLY to a family-friendly site. (Our kids may see this.)

~When you like/follow/review a new blog, please let the blogger know.

~Please consider putting the hop button somewhere on your blog.

~If you tweet about the event, please use the hashtag #BlockPartyHopWednesday or #blockpartyhopwednesday.

~Feel free to post the hop code on your blog.

~Have fun!

HERE'S THE HOP CODE:

http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=117770

HERE'S THE BLOCK PARTY HOP:

Don't Miss this!! SIGN UP TODAY! BLOG IT FORWARD!!!

2011-11-15T20:06:00.002-05:00

This is "BLOG IT FORWARD" week of Block Party Hop, hosted by Jill of Frugal Plus, Me of The Blog Cafe, and Cara of Totally Temberton.
You don't want to miss this! If you haven't heard of our "Block Party Hop" Wednesdays - #blockpartyhopwednesday then you've been missing out!!

Do you need more followers, subscribers, higher Klout score, etc? Then look no further!!

Our Hop is weekly and we rotate our Hops every week. Find the one that fits you, grab our button, post it and HOP with us!! Every week or whichever ones you want, but don't forget to Tweet, SHOUT, POST and let all your friends know!

ABOUT BLOCK PARTY HOP:

This is "BLOG IT FORWARD" week of Block Party Hop, hosted by Jill of Frugal Plus, Me of The Blog Cafe, and Cara of Totally Temberton. Each week, our hop has a different theme. Once we have rotated through all themes, we begin again.
This week you post someone else's blog link. Post as many as you like.
I think this is perfect for the week before Thanksgiving. Sharing who's blogs we are thankful for!!

1. GRAB THE BUTTON

2. POST IT ON YOUR BLOG

3. POST 1 or more favorite blogs on the HOP

4. TWEET #blockpartyhopwednesday

5. Go to your favorite blogs to let them know you "blogged it forward" through the Block Party Hop with a link back to me.

BLOCK PARTY HOP THEMES:

GFC (follow) - Nov.23rd

Twitter (follow) - Nov. 30th

Facebook (follow) - Dec. 7th

Subscribe by Email (or RSS) - Dec. 14th

Alexa (follow and/or review) - Dec. 21st

NEW!!! Klout (connect) - Dec. 28th

Blog It Forward (show love by linking a blog you like) - TODAY

RULES OF THE HOP:

~YOU MUST Follow your hosts: The Blog Cafe, Totally Temberton and Frugal Plus

~Link ONLY to a family-friendly site. (Our kids may see this.)

~When you like/follow/review a new blog, please let the blogger know.

~Please consider putting the hop button somewhere on your blog.

~If you tweet about the event, please use the hashtag #BlockPartyHopWednesday or #blockpartyhopwednesday.

~Feel free to post the hop code on your blog.

~Have fun!

HERE'S THE HOP CODE:
http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=113567

HERE'S THE BLOCK PARTY HOP:

IMPORTANT! Please Read and VISIT this blog!

2011-11-01T22:48:00.002-04:00

PLEASE VISIT THIS BLOG!! THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS!!
I'm honored to have met Beth Chupp from several years ago as a new client. She has a special little boy, Keegan, that is living with cancer and recently was sent home with hospice. He has a rare type of brain cancer and has been through numerous chemo/radiation treatments.

She and her husband have so much FAITH in God that he will once again heal their son and we believe that too! They are such an inspiration to so many and my family as well. So many are following their life and praying for them. I was honored once again when Beth contacted me this morning to help her with her blog and she allowed me to give her a new blog header. PLEASE READ KEEGANS STORY and VISIT HER BLOG! Please help spread the word and get more people praying for this precious little boy by placing one of these buttons on your blog or site.

If you feel led, please donate on her sidebar to help with the "final expenses". Keegan (her son) has only been given a short time left but we all are agreeing that God will heal him, so please visit their blog and pray. They have a Pampered Chef fundraiser and soon a online silent auction. Please find that special place in your heart, pray and give what you can or just leave them a message letting them know you are praying for them.Click here for latest update.

They also have available t-shirts, bracelets and car decals as a fundraiser for TEAM KEEGAN!
Shirts can be purchased for $15 a piece. Bracelets are $2 and Decals are Free with any purchase

2011-11-01T20:53:00.004-04:00

ABOUT BLOCK PARTY HOP:

This is Alexa (follow and/or review) of Block Party Hop, hosted by Jill of Frugal Plus, Me of The Blog Cafe, and Cara of Totally Temberton. Each week, our hop has a different theme. Once we have rotated through all themes, we begin again. This is ALEXA week!

BLOCK PARTY HOP THEMES:

GFC (follow) - Week 1

Twitter (follow) Week 2

Facebook (follow) - Week 3

Subscribe by Email (or RSS) - Week 4

Alexa (follow and/or review) - Week 5

Linked-In (connect) - Week 6

Blog It Forward (show love by linking a blog you like) - Week 7

HOW TO REVIEW A SITE ON ALEXA:

(1) Copy the blog link from the hop below and then paste it into the SEARCH BOX at Alexa.

(2) The site's stats will come up. Click the GET DETAILS button.

(3) The site's stats will come up again, but this time a bio will be included. Underneath the bio and stats, you'll see a menu bar. Click on REVIEW.

(4) Leave a review for the site.

(5) Once you've reviewed a site, please visit the actual site and leave a comment letting them know you reviewed them as part of the Block Party Hop.

(6) If someone leaves you a comment saying they've reviewed your site, please try to be courteous and give them a review in return. The hosts will be doing reviews too.

RULES OF THE HOP:

~Follow your hosts

~Link ONLY to a family-friendly site. (Our kids may see this.)

~When you like/follow/review a new blog, please let the blogger know.

~Please consider putting the hop button somewhere on your blog.

~If you tweet about the event, please use the hashtag #BlockPartyHopWednesday or #blockpartyhopwednesday.

~Feel free to post the hop code on your blog.

~Have fun!

HERE'S THE HOP CODE:

http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=113565" type="text/javascript

HERE'S THE BLOCK PARTY HOP:

#BlockPartyHopWednesday - SUBSCRIBE!!!

2011-10-25T23:20:00.001-04:00

Its time for #BlockPartyHopWednesday!!
Don't forget to follow the hosts (required) or you will be deleted.
Make sure you follow all those before you and those that subscribe to you.

Let's have fun and please share this HOP on Twitter, Facebook and your blog
Don't forget to use #blockpartyhopwednesday for Twitter!
Please share with your fellow bloggers and post about it and place our blog button somewhere on your blog too.

Hugs! Jen

#BlockPartyHopWednesday - FACEBOOK Follow You Back!

2011-10-18T22:19:00.000-04:00

Link Up for #BlockPartyHopWednesday - Facebook Follow You Back!

This is Week 3 of Block Party, a New Blog Hop from your friendly blog neighbor's Jill of Frugal Plus, Jennifer of The Blog Cafe, and Cara of Totally Temberton. Each week, the hop will have a different theme. Once we have rotated through them all, we will begin again. This is FACEBOOK week! The themes and order are as follows:

GFC (follow) - Week 1

Twitter (follow) - Week 2

Facebook (follow) - Week 3

Email (subscribe) - Week 4

Alexa (follow and/or review) - Week 5

Linked-In (connect) - Week 6

Blog It Forward (show love by linking a blog you like) - Week 7

We realize that not every blogger will have every type of account. So, we're letting you know now in case you want to make any additions before a specific hop begins. Of course, participation in any given week is optional. But, we hope you'll be able to join us in the neighborhood every week!

We all maintain family-friendly sites; therefore, we kindly request that you keep that in mind when you place a link in our hop. Please be honest with yourself - and us - in assessing whether or not your site is an overall good fit for our hop. We appreciate it!

Please join us this week for our FACEBOOK hop. Please add ONLY your Facebook link. Please follow all 3 hosts via Facebook and, as a courtesy to other participants, please follow at least 2 additional new Facebook accounts.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop.

Remember:

Family Friendly blogs/sites ONLY.

This week is for FACEBOOK; please do not link to your blog!

Follow your hosts. Do NOT link, if you are not going to follow! We *will* delete you.

To be fair to other participants, please follow at least 2 additional Facebook accounts.

Please consider helping us spread the word by posting the blog button, tweeting, etc.

Have fun this week discovering new pages!

#blockpartyhopwednesday - twitter hop

2011-10-11T23:09:00.001-04:00

Thanks for following me as your host. Please see my co-hosts for official rules! Cara -Totally Temberton and Jill - Frugal Plus

#BlockPartyHopWednesday - GFC Follow!

2011-10-04T20:59:00.000-04:00

It's time for another Block Party Hop!

We really want to encourage participation, but we must ask you to follow the rules. If you make a mistake and put in the wrong link, that's fine. Just please follow up with the correct link! We will keep the correct one and delete the mistake! :)

See the Week order below. Since this is the first week of October, we are starting over with #1 - GFC.

GFC (follow)
Twitter (follow)
Facebook (follow)
Email (subscribe)
Alexa (follow and/or review)
Linked-In (connect)
Blog It Forward (show some love by linking a blog you like)

It's GFC week. ONLY link up if you have Google Friend Connect on your blog. Please follow all 3 hosts via GFC and, as a courtesy to other participants, please follow at least 2 more new blogs.

We’d love it if you would place the button to the Blog Hop somewhere on your page, whether it’s on your sidebar, a “Blog Hops” page, or a separate post. Please help us support this blog hop! The "Grab Me" code is below. :)

Remember:

By now, you probably know the drill...

Family-friendly links ONLY.

This week, please link ONLY to a new or favorite blog that you wish to promote (not yours).

You are encouraged to post the button on your blog to help us spread the word. Also, we have a hashtag: #BlockPartyHopWednesday. Don't be afraid to use it! :)

As always, thanks to my sweet friends/co-hosts - Cara of Totally Temberton and Jill of Frugal Plus - for making this great hop possible.

The Blog Cafe

Closing my doors....

Facebook "Link Up" Block Party Hop through Monday1/23

What's a Google Alert?! - Blog Tools Tuesday

Get some KLOUT with BLock Party Hop - LINK UP!! til Sunday 1/15

Blog Tools Tuesday - How to use your KLOUT

Want to win $50 Cash?? Use your Twitter Today!

Alexa Blog Hop with #blockpartyhopwednesdays

Blog Tools Tuesdays - NEW WEEKLY Blogger Tips!

Friday means FREE CASH!!! $50!! Enter Today only!

Got Facebook? Enter to win $50 Cash!!!

Google Plus (+) LINK UP!!! Get Followers @ #blockpartyhopwednesdays

Our Prayers to Keegan's Family...

GOOGLE+ HOP with #BlockPartyHopWednesdays,*closed*

Order your #HolidayCards for only $15!!! TODAY

Get Signed Up for the Valetine's Giveaway Hop by Mama to 4 Blessings..

#TwitterHop for #BlockPartyHopWednesdays, Join us today!

#TwitterHop for #BlockPartyHopWednesdays, Join us today!

GRAND Re-OPENING!!! & Holiday Photo Cards are HERE!

JOIN OUR HOP!! Get more followers! #blockpartyhopwednesday

Don't Miss this!! SIGN UP TODAY! BLOG IT FORWARD!!!

IMPORTANT! Please Read and VISIT this blog!

#BlockPartyHopWednesday - SUBSCRIBE!!!

#BlockPartyHopWednesday - FACEBOOK Follow You Back!

#blockpartyhopwednesday - twitter hop

#BlockPartyHopWednesday - GFC Follow!

GOOGLE+ HOP with #BlockPartyHopWednesdays,closed