Blog Design: The Process

Once my list was made and my goals and assignments were laid out, it was time to decide on fonts and colors for everything. This was both fun and totally frustrating. Scrolling through pictures is super easy, but you've got to narrow it down.

I made folders and started collecting images. I searched for fonts and kept track of the ones that seemed promising. And then I sorted. I ended up with three main theme ideas and built a vision board for each one:

Beach Theme

Rainy Green Theme

Favorite Picture Theme

The process of coming up with each board clued me into the exact direction I was headed. If you notice, the fonts were the first thing I decided on (I used the same fonts on each board). The colors were all strong, yet muted earthy tones.

As I look around the design I settled on, I realize that I didn't end up going with any one board. Instead, I selected a little something from each board and wove them together to create a look that I'm pretty happy with.

If I'm honest, there are still some things that I would like to fiddle with. I go back and forth with the shade of purple that I chose and I really miss the pops of navy. I never did find a font for the body of my posts that I ADORE.

When I started this series I said that I was so happy with my re-design that I haven't changed a thing since then. The thing about blogging, like pretty much everything else in life, is that there can always be a better thing. We can get things JUST the way we want them and then we begin to see that there is still room for improvement. The thing to do is to do your best, to not be afraid of messing things up, and to be satisfied with the way things turned out.

That's what I did and I'd encourage you to do the same!

Did you make an inspiration board for your blog?

Do you have any suggestions for THIS blog of mine?

Blog Design: My List

After I decided that I wanted to redesign my blog, I started by looking at the blogs that I visit most often and made a list of the things that I loved as well as a list of the things that bothered me.

I was brutal. I compared my blog with each one in order to figure out what I wanted to improve on and what I was doing that might be driving my readers crazy. I also asked myself what I already liked about the way things were.

I'll let you in on my list...It went something like this:

First things, first. I noticed that every single blog that I was most drawn to had a super simple greeting. The heading was less about art and more about a nice font. The navigation bar was centered and big and had headings that you found yourself wanting to click on.

I loved the feeling the picture behind my header gave to my blog and the way it brought in the blues and greens that I loved, but after much deliberation, I decided that it needed to go.

As much as I liked the font, I decided to find one that was similar, but easier to read.

Another trend I noticed was that people had started trying to make individual posts stand out by the way they were formatted. The easiest way to do this is to make the post headers large and to center them.

As much as I love purple, I decided that the body of my post being purple was probably not the most attractive choice. I'm still not 100% happy with my font choice. There are several bloggers whose font alone draws me in. I've tried to figure out which font it is, they all say they don't know or that it's Arial. I've loaded Arial as my default font and it doesn't look right. Either way, I streamlined my fonts and colors and I THINK it's much better than before.

Giving my sidebar a makeover probably made the biggest difference. Everyone commented on it. I cleaned it up, made buttons for different categories I post about most often, and created specific spaces for different features. I also made my own social media buttons and started working on connecting with my readers at each one.

By the time I got to the different footers, the biggest decisions were behind me. I had learned a ton about the different ways you could customize even the smallest details and I was brave enough to start trying them.

Prior to updating my blog, I had decided to try adding Engageya. I chose it because of the option to have the circular links rather than square ones. Everyone loved it. I loved it. And so, I decided it would stay.

The messiness of blogger's default for their footers was really bugging me. I wanted to do what I could to make it easier to navigate, more appealing to look at, and to make it match the rest of the aesthetic of clean lines and easy to read fonts I was going for with the rest of my design.

Once I had decided what I liked and what I didn't, I made a list of specific tasks that I needed to complete. As I did my research, I kept my eye out for tutorials and started emailing my friends so that I could actually make the changes that I wanted to make.

What are your pet peeves when it comes to the blogs you read?

Is there anything about your blog design that you put a lot of thought into?

What Designing My Blog Taught Me

My Old Design

Two years ago, I set about the task of redesigning this little space. From scratch. I was armed with inspiration and Adobe Illustrator and had no idea what I was in for. It turned into a fun project and I am very pleased with the results. So pleased that I haven't changed a thing since then.

A month later, on February 2, 2015, I wrote a list of the things that I had learned during the whole process. Here's what designing my blog taught me:

*The number of bloggers doing their own design work is shrinking. Most people replied to my questions with "Ummm...I'm so sorry, I don't know! Someone else designed my blog. I have no idea!"

*It's not going to happen without great friends and a googling monster for a Mom. Whenever I came to a dead end, I would reach out and ask for help. I e-mailed people who I thought could help and while most of them couldn't, the few that did, saved the day! We can't forget my Mom. When nothing was working, I'd ask her to look for a different tutorial. She even sat there reading coding for me so that I could find my mistake!

*Tutorials are everything. I found NOTHING on pinterest and everything from bloggers who shared tutorials or lists of tutorials on their blogs.

*Getting started is easy. The hours of finding helpful tutorials, designing elements, and playing with coding isn't too bad.

*Making the jump to actually APPLY them to your blog and share it with everyone is the hardest. It was so difficult that I almost didn't go through with it.

*The best place to begin is to look at the blogs that you visit most often and make a list of the things that you love and a list of the things that bother you about each one. Be brutal. Compare your blog with theirs and ask yourself where you need to improve and what you're doing that drove you crazy on their blogs.

*Don't hesitate to e-mail other bloggers. They might not be able to help you, but they all want to!

Do you do any design work or do you hire it out?

When was the last time your blog had a makeover?

Back to Blogging

February 25, 2014

I apologize if I've bombarded you with posts lately. I have gotten back to blogging before. One of my downfalls is getting into a groove. The problem with coming back is that you are FLOODED with ideas. You take the time to develop each one and schedule posts only to step away because "I have posts scheduled" and then before you know it, you're not back to blogging anymore.

So, this time...I've been writing my ideas down and working on each one a little at a time. It has worked really well so far. I think it's safe to say that I'm "back" again.

Some of my tips from this time around:

Answer emails. People comment. Take time to TALK to them. This is how we bloggers say thank you to one another.

Sit in your chair and write. Take the pictures, upload them, and hit "publish". You don't get to schedule ahead of time yet. If you get too comfy, you'll lose your momentum.

Give yourself specific assingments. Photograph ____ recipe. Collect links for _____. Take an hour to write a post on ______. Honestly, this is the strategy that has made THE most difference.

Make time to read the posts your friends are writing. Don't forget to leave comments to let them know what you think.

Do any of these tips resonate with you?

How has your blogging strategy changed over the years?

The Aim of Grace

June 3, 2016

Yesterday, Amy and I were chatting in the comments of one of her posts and she said some words that reminded me of what God has been teaching me as of late. It's a theme that keeps coming up, so  it's time that I share it with all of you!

Amy said this, "...I'm often reminded that even when we stretch ourselves the Lord continues to fill in the gaps."

And she was right. There is so much that can happen at any given moment. There is so much that IS happening at EVERY given moment. Some of it is wonderful. Some of it is predictable. And some of it is enough to make you want to crawl back into the bed and start over. Whatever is happening, has happened, or will happened, we Christians have a hope in our God that truly is beyond belief.

Our God stands with grace in hand. His people need His grace and He gives it to them as they need it. Grace isn't something we can store up. Grace is granted to us. No more and no less than we need.

A few weeks ago, the familiar passage from 2 Corinthians where Paul talks about God's grace being sufficient came up while the pastor was preaching his sermon. It's been on my mind ever since. God's grace didn't make the hard thing disappear. What God's grace did was give Paul the strength to press on and the humility to know that God was at work.

The same is true for me and for you and for all of God's people. The aim of God's grace isn't to make our lives easier or happier or more comfortable. It doesn't make us perfect. It doesn't make conflicts with difficult people disappear or grant us the ability to deal with them in a way that will keep them from blowing up at us. And it dawned on me that THAT is good news. The good news of God's grace is that it is granted to us to keep us walking with and depending on God.

There's been a lot of stretching going on. And most days it's great, please hear that. I write these things to let you know what's happening with me and to encourage you through the times when you might need to be reminded of truth. On those days when we're sure that this is as far as we can stretch, He's there with the grace we need not to break and crumble and give up. Every time.

"...He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Open Letters: A Link Up

I'm joining Julie of A Hopeful Hood to kick off her brand new link up. The main goal of this one (which will be held on the last Thursday of every month) is to give bloggers a chance to get to know and support one another by sharing posts featuring open letters.

Your letters can be anything you want them to be. They can be addressed to someone you know, love, and appreciate. They can feature your thoughts on some current events issue. They could even be sent to your teller at the bank or that stranger you saw when you were out grabbing coffee. Whatever the case, write them, post them, and then link them up!

* * * * *

Dear Sweet Old Couple,
You don't know it, but you pretty much made my Mom's day when we were all out shopping yesterday. We saw you hunting for a parking spot and the way you both reacted when my Mom offered you ours was something that kept us smiling all the way home. May something as simple as a good parking spot bring me as much joy as it brought the two of you!


Dear Summer,
I'm starting to really wonder what you're going to hold this year. I expect you to be unlike any summer I've ever known and if I'm honest, I'm not sure how to feel about that. I'm looking forward to the best bits and trusting God with the rest. There's no room for disappointment because whatever you hold passed through His hands. I hope I'm ready!


Dear Sister of Mine,
You are going to be 18 in just THREE days!!!! I'm stoked and shocked and sooo many other feelings all at the same time. I saw a little girl wearing an oversized t-shirt as a dress the other day. She was dancing and hopping and "sweeping" the sidewalk without a care in the world. From a distance, she looked just like you when you were that size. As I watched her, I went right back to the days when you were that little girl. Those were sweet days and somehow, they ebbed and flowed and brought us all to where we are today. Days are like that. They turn into years before we know it and we nearly forget them until something as simple as a little girl reminds us. 18 is almost here. I know there is so much going on. You are brave and thoughtful and determined. My advice to you is this: In the years to come, the best and most important thing you can do is to put God first. Cling to Him. Cling to His Word. And make sure that your hope is in Him. Thanks for being that little girl and growing into the young woman that you continue to become. I love you!

* * * * *

Now it's your turn!

The Rules Are Simple:

1. Add a link to any post in the form of a letter.
2. Comment on the post right before yours.
3. Link back to your hosts.

The whole point of this link-up is to form community and meet some new bloggers, so don't drop your link and run! Any unrelated posts will be removed from the link-up.

An InLinkz Link-up

 Julie is currently looking for future co-hosts! Be sure to drop her an email and let her know if you are interested.

On Getting My Blogging Motivation Back

I spent the last half of 2015 limping along as a blogger. At first I thought I just needed a break. Then I got behind on emails. I was posting occasionally and every single time the comments continued to flow in. A few months into this blogger's slump, I realized that I still had just as many ideas and that I had every intention of resuming my regular posting schedule. The missing ingredient was simply MOTIVATION.

I posted about my struggle and my blogging friends told me to plug ahead anyway, jot down ideas, let them know when I figured out how to get back to blogging regularly, and that I would come back to it when I was ready. Their words were truly encouraging. Every time I didn't have a fresh post up, I remembered their words.

Eventually, I decided to take the first piece of advice and just start plugging ahead anyway. I was skeptical at first. I didn't want to make any announcements because I was SURE that after a few weeks, I'd find that my motivation was gone again. I kept sitting down at the computer, but I was holding my breath.

It's the beginning of February and I'm nearly two months into NOT losing my motivation again. About a week ago I decided to let myself breath and to be confident about the fact that my blogging motivation was back.

MOST of my readers have blogs of their own. I know you have struggled struggle with balancing life and blogging and keeping your motivation going strong. Here are some things that brought my motivation back and continue to give it a boost:

I made a list of my most faithful commenters so that I could send them an email explaining how grateful I was to them for sticking around even when I wasn't. I'm still making my way through that list, but it frees me from feeling bad about the pile of emails I never sent to my commenters during my slump.

I went back to keeping an editorial calendar. The one I use contains a whole month at a glance. It has one section to jot down ideas and then an actual calendar where I can pencil in a schedule. If I had to pick one step that makes the most difference, it's this one.

I made a resolve to answer emails every few days and I kept it. The fact is, I blog with the intention of people reading my posts. Receiving comments lets me know that people ENJOYED what they read. Emailing these commenters lets them know that I read their comment and APPRECIATE it. The key is keeping up.

I agreed to a sponsored post. I'm dipping my toes in slowly, but sponsored content really pushes me as a blogger. It forces me to get creative, to plug my blog on social media, and to look at my writing through the eyes of someone expecting to get something out of it.

I put in the work. This looks like taking the pictures, drafting the posts, editing the sentences, and hitting publish. I haven't done this PERFECTLY, but the goal is to get the posts that I have planned up even if it's 4:30 in the afternoon on the day AFTER I had intended the post to go live.

That's it. Five simple steps.

When I made the decision to plug ahead anyway, I did what I always do when I'm overwhelmed. I took a step back and started with a list. I thought about what might be missing. I thought about what would keep me in line. Slowly but surely, I started working on each of the steps I listed above. Two months later, they're still working!

Whether you've been struggling with blogging or can feel your motivation slowly drifting away, I'd encourage you to start there too.

After that, sit in the chair and blog.

Where are you on the motivation scale right now?

P.S. Renee, you're the one who told me to plug ahead anyway. I owe you big time!!!!

Something Else Entirely

It's been a week since my last post. The silence didn't happen on purpose. I wasn't any busier than normal. I have all kinds of post ideas planned out. I've got sticky notes and scraps of paper and journal entries of inspiration pieces.  It's something else entirely.

Last Sunday, I had the morning to myself. I picked up my Bible and read the sections marked for that day. I read a booklet on Psalm 73. I poured myself out to God as I came to the end of another journal. And then I just sat outside enjoying the sun. I heard birds and a church bell. If I listened close enough, I even heard the creek. When I had enough of the silence, I picked up a book of essays by EB White that I've been going through every now and then. I read an entry from Autumn 1947 that was titled "Death of A Pig". You read that right. White found the death of a pig worth writing about and I sat on my patio nearly 70 years later reading about it. What's even more surprising, is that I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much, that I shared passages of it with my family when they got home later that afternoon.

As I sat on my back patio reading about the death of a pig, I had thoughts of the dead rabbit that one of our cats brought that morning and the mouse that was discovered running through the garage the night before. I thought about turning 25 in six months. I thought of the Jimmy Stewart Biography and the broccoli salad that both reminded me of the passing of time. And the thought that keeps coming to mind came again: Blogging is ruining my writing.

Blogging requires a certain type of writing. Every post can't be an essay or no one will want to read. When I sit down to write, I find the blogging format coming out in my writing and it actually makes me sad. I really enjoy everything about blogging, but every now and then the idea of freeing myself from its constraints becomes very tempting. That's when blogging breaks happen. I usually plan them, announce them, and resolve to enjoy them. This week, I just didn't blog. The silence here came as a result of a stirring in my soul. I want to write with the skill of men like EB White. I want to leave behind pieces that are written so well that 70 years later, people will still want to read them.

This blog was born out of a desire for me to leave behind a record of God's grace in my life. The words came from the year that I spent pouring over a Bible with a pencil in my hand when I was 14.

Through * For * By

Through God. For God's Glory. By His Grace.

It may be my journey, but it's for Him. When I write, I want people to see God. I want people to read my words and find their soul awakened to His grace in their life. When we see that God is before all things, it becomes clear that all things exist for His glory.

Blogging may leave me discouraged at times, but I always come back around. I follow the rules and try to write on a variety of topics. As I come out of this week of silence, I don't know if it will lead to more silence, but I do know that it has given me a chance to reflect on the purpose of this space once again.

Link up with Kiki to share the meaning behind your blog's name!

Does blogging impact the writing you do outside of blogging?

Whose writing inspires you?

Here We Go

2014 was a big year for this little space. I put more time into it than I ever have before. I worked with several brands, joined a few blogging networks, hosted and co-hosted new projects, took a class, and found the topics that seem to be "mine".

After years of mostly keeping to myself, I made some really great friends! You know who you are, but you can't know how much you encourage me as a Christian and inspire me as a woman and as a blogger. If we could all live in one city I'd love that...but, I'm grateful for the community we have built together!

We're all making plans for 2015. There are a few things you should know:

* The goal that I'm most excited about is that my side bar is going to look different. I'll be contacting people asking if they'd like to advertise their blog or Etsy shop on my side bar - for FREE. This is a way for me to give back to all of you. Consider this an invitation to contact me if you're interested!

* Earlier this month, Ask & Answer began because I just couldn't wait any longer. I thought round one was a lot of fun.  We'll keep this up as long as you all continue to enjoy it!

* I'm working on ways to make navigating OLD material on my blog a little easier. There are so many new faces around here, I'd love to make looking around fun for you!
  
* Kiki and I are already talking about hosting another letter exchange. I hope you'll help spread the word! What time of year works best for you?

* I'm toying with the idea of switching up the design. Does my purple font drive you nuts?

I have a few other things up my sleeve too. For now, I'm enjoying some special time with my family and hoping that in 2014 Through * For * By has brightened your day, encouraged your soul, and given you many reasons to praise God!

Happy New Year!

Fall Etsy Swap Reveal

Last fall AMY and MEGAN hosted their first ever Etsy Swap. I absolutely love taking part in blogger swaps, but since I had just done the mug swap, I had to wait. Then, they announced that they would be doing another one in the spring and I made sure to sign up (you can read about that HERE). They're at it again!

* * * * *

On September 22, I found out that Brittney over at The Yellow Umbrella was my partner.  I looked through pretty much every post on her blog (admitting that is definitely weird), clicked around on her pinterest, and studied her shop. 

Whenever I've taken part in blogger swaps, my partner always ends up reminding me of someone I know. Shopping for Brittney was pretty much just like shopping for my sister. In other words, it was super fun!

Here's what I sent: 

* Yellow pencil pouch from Jane Hayden Designs - Brittney LOVES yellow and this is really cute and practical.

* Owl notepad from boygirlparty - Brittney mentioned that she liked owls and that her style was bright and modern.  I love notepads but almost never buy them for myself, so I thought this might be fun.

*  Note card set from wit & whistle - I thought that these fit Brittney's "eclectic" side and would be perfect for any occasion. 

* French Roast and Blueberry Cobbler Coffee from New England Coffee - My Mom suggested adding some coffee to Brittney's package. The French Roast was in honor of her love of Paris and the Blueberry Cobbler was because the people who introduced me to New England Coffee claim that as their favorite special blend.

Brittney, I hope you enjoy your goodies as much as I enjoyed shopping for them! I'll admit, I went through a bit of frustration hunting for the last few items to (the cards and owl notepad were the last to be ordered), but once the package came together I decided that it was PERFECT.

* * * * * 

On October 8th, I received my package and found out that it was Krista (be sure to check out Krista's shop HERE) who had been "stalking" me! She included a really sweet note with all of the goodies and did an EXCELLENT job on her mission to find things that I would love. 

It just so happens that the mail that day was EXTRA awesome, because I also got a letter from my Post to Post pen pal, Amy. 

In the note that she sent along, Krista explained that she noticed how much I love books and reading so she decided to do a book theme. She did a great job at her homework!

Look at all the purple, and the pens and pencils, and the paper, and that pencil pouch! Everything right down to that little pumpkin pin brought a smile to my face!

How about some close ups?

The shops featured in my package were: Silke Jacobs and Meow Kapow. I don't know where the Fortune Fish came from, but my Mom knew exactly what to do with it. We had laughs with it right away and Krista even admitted to playing with it before she sent it my way!

Krista, thanks again for putting together a package full of things that I would love! I hope you had as much fun with the Etsy Swap as I did. :)

Amy and Megan, you're both awesome for putting this swap together and answering our questions along the way! Thank you hardly seems like enough for all the the time and work that goes into hosting a swap. :)

* * * * *

And since you're all here, I wanted to highlight one more shop before you go! My friend Monica from Prince Snow Farm recently threw a giveaway featuring items from her Etsy shop and I WON! 

 If you are looking for QUALITY cards that come with the cutest packaging and beautiful images on the front, you'll want to get them from Monica!

Thank you, Monica! They're gorgeous. :)

Faith & Fellowship Blog Hop

Happy Friday, everyone!!! I'm super excited to join Susannah  as her co-host for this week's Faith & Fellowship  Blog Hop! As you know, I'm all about meeting new people and taking the time to encourage and be encouraged by one another. This link up is all about ALL of that! 

If you've never taken part before, this week is the perfect week to do so! I'm linking up with THIS post from earlier this week and I'd love to be able to click over to one of yours too. 

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Faith and Fellowship Guidelines

1.  Link up a post (not just the link to your blog) from the week that shares what the Lord's been doing in your life or speaking to you.
2.  Put the button on your blog post or blog so that others can hear about this wonderful group of Godly women.
3.  Visit as many blogs as you're able and get to know your sisters in Christ!
4.  Share this blog hop on social media using #faithandfellowship or pin the button on pinterest.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.simplemomentsstick.com/search/label/Faith%20and%20Fellowship" title="Faith and Fellowship Blog Hop"><img src="http://i1355.photobucket.com/albums/q706/zanah_banana/FaithandFellowship_zpse4979909.jpg" alt="Faith and Fellowship Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Your Host:

Susannah from Simple Moments Stick

Meet This Week's Cohost

Victoria from Through * For * By

A Bit About Through * For * By: Through blogging, Victoria hopes that you will find something to brighten your day, encourage your soul, and give you a reason to praise God! She is inspired by the Bible, life, books, music, and movies. Usually in that order. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

If you'd like to cohost in the future, please email Susannah at susannah.kellogg (at) gmail.com

An InLinkz Link-up

My Writing Process

My friend Jess  invited me to take part in this series where bloggers are sharing their own personal writing process. You can read more about the tour as well as Jess's post by clicking HERE. 

What am I working on? 

I have a few things going...The thing that I'm most excited about is that I'm writing from my heart more. I've taken some time most mornings to get some important words out.  I'm writing posts as the ideas come to me and scheduling them ahead of time. They're all inspired by Scripture and quite a few are further inspired by someone else who wrote from their time in God's Word. 

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I've never felt that my writing was that different from anyone else's. The thing that sets mine apart is that it is mine. It's written from my perspective, in my voice, and it is fueled by my own walk with God. What I have to say isn't new, but I've been learning that it is mine to say. 

*no timer here...My brother graciously snapped this one for me.*

 Why do I write what I do?

When I really write it's because I've seen something that I want to help others see. There is a life and there are passions behind this kind of sharing.

 How does your writing process work?

My writing process itself is always different. If I'm blogging I usually sit down, crank out a post, read it a few times, pick pictures to go with it, and then read it a few more times. Anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours later and the post is live. 

As I mentioned earlier, I've spent more time in concentrated writing lately which has resulted in some posts being scheduled as much as two weeks in advance. These posts will be put together slower and will receive a bit more editing.

This blog only ever sees a portion of what I write. I have folders and notebooks and journals and scraps of paper and word documents keeping track of the rest of my writing. 

Almost all of my writing begins on a scrap of paper. I think this started back in elementary school with those brainstorming exercises my teachers had us do before writing an essay. 

If my goal is to produce a longer piece, I collect books that I need to read or that have influenced my thoughts on the particular subject. If I'm writing something biographical, I print any articles or letters that may be helpful. 

That scrap of paper and those resources find their way onto index cards and an outline (sometimes on paper and sometimes in a word document) is formed. 

From there a rough draft is produced, usually in one sitting. Getting that rough draft out is my favorite part. If you're a writer, you know that THOSE words can leave you trembling and uneasy because they are like letting out the biggest, longest, deepest breath. 

I let the draft sit for a few days and then my next favorite part begins. I've always loved editing because of the polished result it can bring. 

Editing leads to a piece that is ready to be shared and that's when you just have to let it go. 

Whatever and wherever I am writing there are a few things that are always the same. If it's going to be good, I have to be alone in a quiet room or with other people who are writing too. There is no music. The only sounds are those coming from a distance. 

So, that's what goes on behind the scenes of Through * For * By. 

What is YOUR writing process like?

Oh, and the tour isn't over yet..

My friend Amy is also taking a turn today!

Monica @ Prince Snow Farm

Next Thursday, Monica at Prince Snow Farm will be posting. I discovered her blog years ago and have always loved popping over for visits! She has an amazing garden and sometimes she even posts about the Cape Cod area. You'll have to look around her blog while you're there to read her post next Thursday!

Happy Writing!