Monday, June 27, 2011

Time for a New Look and a Name Change

new blog header

The end of July marks one year since our new adventure began and we walked out of the motor home and settled back into life pretty much as normal once again in home without wheels. Since then I’ve wanted to update my blog design to match but since I was unsure of what I did want and have been contemplating a move to Wordpress, I just couldn’t bring me to spend the money on a new design.

You may have noticed that I’ve slowly been making a few changes on my own.  I made new sidebar titles using GIMP, a free downloadable graphics editing program

new side post titles

That was easy enough.

I also followed directions and made a horizontal drop down menu in Blogger.   It wasn’t overly difficult, but very, very time consuming. I spent HOURS on this project. But I love the end result.

new menu bar 

 

I wish I could have figured out how to get a screen shot with the tabs exposed, but you’ll just have to nose around a bit and discover them for yourself. Just keep in mind that though I’ve spent a huge amount of time organizing our destinations by city & state or by type of attraction, I still have a LONG way to go.  

Other changes that I’m excited about is my About Page, and my new contact forms which I easily created using Google Docs.     

contact me

Now if you ever have a question about something that I’ve shared here, you’ll be able to get in touch with me easily.

When I first began my blog, it was simply as a means to keep in touch with our family and friends at home in Ohio. They always joked about the adventures we were on and adventure or not, I tried to make our experiences fun for my kids, no matter what the circumstances were. So I called my blog, Live the Adventure.  But that domain name was unavailable so I simply registered The Traveling Praters, not realizing how confusing that could eventually become. So, I officially changed my name. I am now, The Traveling Praters. 

title

Which meant that I needed a new header, which I created using Picnik and GIMP through trial and error.  

thetravelingpratersheader Border

So, what do you think? I know it’s not perfect, and certainly not the design that’s floating around in my head, but other than the massive amount of time that I’ve stuck into it, it was free, serves the purpose and I do think it’s kind of cute.

Have you ever attempted to pull together your own blog design? What resources did you find helpful?

16 comments:

  1. Almost UnschoolersJune 27, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    I'm impressed!

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  2. it's looking really good!

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  3. Your header is so cute!  I like the pics! :)  Designing blogs and websites is actually what my hubby does for a living.  He and I just got through redesigning mine.  I can't remember what he charges for blogs but if you're interested in help with just certain items you can message me if you want.  The only thing is we usually do Wordpress formats so I'm not sure if it works the same for Blogger.  I'd have to ask him.  Way to go for doing so much on your own though!!  It's hard work!  You should be proud of yourself. :)

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  4. i love it! my 2 top resources:: coffee & prayer. :)
    i use photoshop to make most of my graphics; i'm a huge fan of picnik too! it seems to make life easy-peasy.

    you have done a great job!

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  5. You've done a great job! I recently spent some time updating and redoing some things on my blog too.  It's stressful, yet rewarding!  I think your blog looks great! :)

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  6. Thank you! I loved the other style, but it was just time for a change-
    speaking of which, I like the names that you added by your children's
    pictures on your header. :)

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  7. I've really had fun changing everything around and playing. I know that
    there are definite differences between WP and Blogger- the latter is much
    easier to navigate and with the new template designer, which I can't use (go
    figure), it's much more manageable. My goal is to learn WP and build my own
    blog. *sigh* At the rate I'm going I may never make the move. lol I'll
    remember where I can turn if I get stuck! Thanks!

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  8. I wish I had photoshop. I have friends that do amazing things with that
    program and I hear it is so much more user friendly than GIMP. Then again, I
    can't complain too much- GIMP is free (though I'd pay for Photoshop).

    I was praying especially hard yesterday after I completely messed my blog
    and my computer wouldn't open the file where I'd backed it up. YIKES. Let me
    tell you, I was rethinking what a great idea my DIY project was. :)

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  9. Thanks, Heidi! You've made changes too? Ugghhh...that just shows that I've
    not been making the rounds. My project has taken all of my time. :( I did
    manage to clean the house today though- having a clean house is such a
    luxury! lol

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  10. I like it!  The header is descriptive, clean, and eye-catching.  :)

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  11. Clean and uncluttered was one of the looks I was going for! Thanks! :)

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I love hearing what you think! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! Blessings!:)

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