Wednesday, February 3, 2010

This is So Lame

Calling all bloggers! I need your help.

I've been mulling over an idea -- well, more like two ideas -- lately.  Come to think of it, its been more like months but I move very, very slowly. Remember?

I really want a blog makeover.  While the youthful, peaceful blond on my header may be sweet, she most definitely is not ME.  I'm a middle aged, overweight brunette.  Actually there's more gray than brown these days, but lets just move on, shall we?

Every time I visit one of your sites I keep thinking, "That's it!  Mine's gotta go."  I also threaten to move to Wordpress on an almost daily basis now.

But suffering from Mommy-Onset ADHD like I do, thinking and threatening is a far as I get.  Since funds are at an all-time low, I had the ingenious idea of doing it myself.  After all, how hard could it be to learn a little code?

After THAT exercise in futility, I am officially ready to admit I have a problem.  And I'm willing to seek help.  The only thing is, this little confession creates a whole new set of problems.

I have no idea where to start in my search.  I start hyperventilating just thinking about choosing a designer.  Ferreting out who's good and who's cheap is daunting.  And who could move my stuff to a new platform without wiping out all my friends?

Then I started thinking.  Wait a second.  I have all sorts of bloggy friends that are not shy with their opinions.  So I'd love for you all to weigh in on what you think of the different platforms and who you used (and if you'd use them again.)  Do you have to get a second mortgage to pull it off? If you don't want to dish for all to see, just shoot me an email at zenmommyhood AT gmail DOT com.

You guys are the best!

Forever Grateful,

13 comments:

Amanda February 3, 2010 at 8:56 PM  

Do it! Make your site YOURS.

I would highly recommend moving to WordPress. I LOVE it.

But, it's not easy. I had the help of my husband. We worked for like 4 days straight (all while my blog was down) to switch over. If you can't do it yourself I can suggest someone, but it'll cost you a little money...

Lee the Hot Flash Queen February 4, 2010 at 4:10 AM  

I have been MIA because of the move..and I'm working on another blog that I am designing myself...but, I would certainly love to tell you about word press, because that is where I moved and also where I am designing my new blog. Email me and I can tell you about it, and if you like the one I did over there, I can help you and I'm cheap...cuz I really don't know what I'm doing, but I seemed to make it work...

Tracie February 4, 2010 at 9:33 AM  

I'm not on WP but from what I hear it is the way to go.

suzicate February 4, 2010 at 9:39 AM  

I am on Wordpress. My original had my present header but full size. I loved it but didn't have a sidebar. I chose another theme and had to resize pic for header. Hubby did it because I couldn't figure it out.I miss having the full photo header, but the addtition of a sidebar makes it worth it.

blueviolet February 4, 2010 at 10:06 AM  

Some of it will depend on whether you stay here or move to WP. I'm hardcore set on staying at Blogger.

Stacie's Madness February 4, 2010 at 10:12 AM  

i like blogger...but did by my site name for a minimal fee each year.

Menopausal New Mom February 4, 2010 at 2:59 PM  

I'm not on wordpress but to be quite honest, I'm happy with what I have going here. Mary did a great job on my design, if you want to check her out and her prices, click the "rock your blog" button on my page.

Good luck! Hey, I thought that was you sitting in the woods!

Noelle February 4, 2010 at 3:34 PM  

i like your look now but i totally get what you mean by wanting something that is more representative of who you are. i'm sticking with blogger, tho, because i've seen some ppl switch and go from 200 followers to 8. not an easy thing to build it back up.

can't wait to see what you have in store!

Maureen@IslandRoar February 4, 2010 at 4:36 PM  

I've been thinking about this too, so I'll be watching what you do closely...

Janie B February 4, 2010 at 8:08 PM  

I'm not tech-savvy enough to give you any help, but I like being on blogspot. Good luck with your redesign.

Amie February 5, 2010 at 3:38 PM  

This was one of my New Year's Resolutions cause my bloggy blog is way more in need of a facelift that yours. I'll look forward to the advice you get cause I really need help or there is no way i am going to accomplish this goal. I look forward to seeing what you do with your blog!

Melinda February 5, 2010 at 5:48 PM  

I use Blogger. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably go with Wordpress, but I'm not making the switch now. Like others have said, I don't want to risk losing all the followers and subscribers I've worked so hard to build up.

As far as designers, the one I used for my blog no longer designs blogs (she's a full-time Art Director for a company now). But I've used Berries and Cream Design for updates and they've been great to work with and affordable. (http://berriesandcreamblogdesign.com).

Good luck with the redesign!!

the nourished mama February 9, 2010 at 7:26 AM  

I love your header! Don't change that! It is so peaceful. I am on blogger too chicken to switch to wordpress.org. I actually did a test blog on wordpress and felt like I didn't have the time to devote to learning how to customize it. Blogger is just easy for me. If I do try wordpress again I will probably hire a professional to help. Good luck!

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