Blog Wonderful

Notice something new?  Thanks to my friend/designer Dana I got a little makeover that completely reflects the style I'm going for right now with my brand- which I will be showing you soon when the shop re-opens.  I can't forget to thank Lauren since she provided that floral image up there and she will join me soon as a contributor with some blogging tips.

Today I want you to say Hi to Dana, a blogger/designer/artist/wannabe Wonder Woman from somewhere in the woods in Canada. She creates blog designs and websites daily, and runs this little shop with me from her home studio!

You can find her on a daily basis making something amazing from a blog post, handmade pretties, beautiful art, dreamy design work and of course her newest venture Blog Wonderful.  The talent this chick has in her pinky finger is something I'm constantly envious of and I'm so happy to call her a friend.  Today I wanted to ask her a few questions about her business and she graciously is offering up a copy of her ebook for one of you!


- what inspired you to create an ebook for bloggers?
When I started blogging just over a year ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I like to tackle everything I do head on and teach myself how to grow through the process. I received a lot of emails from readers asking how I made my blog grow so quickly after just a couple of months, so I decided that I would document the steps I took to get here, in hopes of helping others who are traveling down the same path.

- you have gained great success in just a years time, whats one thing you see other bloggers doing that could be potentially harming their readership growth?
The first thing that pops into my head is when I see that bloggers don’t take the time to proofread their posts or care about formatting them properly. It may seem like a miniscule thing, but it is actually super important that your blog be read properly so that your visitors can have an enjoyable experience.

- whats a few things you know now about blogger that you wish you knew when you launched?
That you don’t have to try to be like everyone else. I came into this world thinking “wow this person’s blog is so huge, I could totally do the same thing and get the same attention”. Wrong. Being yourself is the key to having a successful blog. People don’t read blogs because they are all the same... they read them for the individuality. You don’t have to convert your wardrobe into a scene from the 50’s or go thrifting every day to fit in.



- who are a few of your favorite bloggers that have amazing layouts?
Ummm that’s really hard because I am so critical of layouts haha. I really like the feel of Laura’s (http://violetbellasworld.blogspot.ca/), and Danniès  http://www.ohhellofriendblog.com 

- do you plan any updates for this ebook? or have plans for any future ebooks?
I am planning a design ebook J



- recently you made the transition to work on the design side of business full time- what types of things do you look for to stay creative and up to date with new ideas and designs?
Browsing the web, looking at some work of some of my favourite artists, magazines, etc. Design styles change all the time so you have to stay on top of things. Everyone is really into that watercolour look right now too. I usually start to see trends when clients start asking me for the same types of designs. Clients also inspire me and get my creative juices flowing! They mention what they like and what they have in mind for their project, and sometimes it`s something I had never even thought of before, which is awesome.
To learn more about BlogWonderful check out this introduction and these amazing reviews from those that have used & loved it. If you interested in swoopping up a copy of blog wonderful, Dana is offering up an exclusive JustLove.ly reader discount: Head over here and use code: JUSTLOVELY to save 20% through 08/14.



the sweepstakes are closed

*Sweepstakes Details- contest runs 08/03-08/13, winner will be chosen at random, winner chooses two items from outfit additions (in the event items are unavailable a gift card for that items value will be issued).  if purchase is made by winner items will be refunded, if more then two items are purchased then two highest will be refunded.  if winner chosen does not have a gfc profile with a valid email address and a way to contact is not left then another winner will be chosen.  winner will be contacted via email. Open to US, Canada & UK residents only.  Age 18 and older.  Winner will be announced publicly and notified via email as per FTC guidelines.  The fulfillment of this sweepstakes is provided by Wonder Forest and sponsored by Heather Smith of JustLovelyThings, LLC.

85 comments:

  1. I would love to learn how to organize more!

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  2. I follow her on BlogLovin!

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  3. I follow her on twitter!

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  4. i follow on twitter! @jayemmtee

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  5. i would love to be better at staying organized and getting over writer's block!

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  6. I love the new design - the sparkles and glitter everywhere make my heart happy!!

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    1. I'm glad its Glitter & Gloss approved =)

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  7. I love the design its so unique! I can't wait to see how you style it into your shop brand. Which by the way I miss your shop so much! I see so many hacks trying to copy what you first started and it makes me sad =(

    Anyways your taste is always so unique and ahead of the game, this blog just proves it. How cool to have a friend that can design it for you!

    -MandyD. =)

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    1. awww mandy i miss your face you are so funny! next time i'm in eugene i will come visit i promise!!!

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  8. The new design looks great! I love the floral overhang!
    I have learned that the overall look of your blog is very important.
    Your blog design should reflect your interests and taste so that readers know exactly what to expect when they see your blog. Also, so that you like to visit your own blog.

    I follow her on bloglovin!

    lazyexplorers(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Its taken me a while and I feel even this design was a risk because its so different and you know thats why i'm loving it so much! xo

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  9. I liked her on Facebook. (as Lazy Explorers)

    lazyexplorers(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  10. I love this layout and design, it is so gorgeous and amazing!

    Lauren,
    Fashionswirls.blogspot.com

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  11. Head over heels in love with this design. That floral image is gorgeous. And the pops of glitter?? Love!

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    1. glitter & flowers what else is there? =)

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  12. Learning how to stay organized is a big deal for me! (And everybody else apparently!)
    xo Heather
    http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

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  13. I follow Dana via GFC
    xo Heather
    http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

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  14. I follow her via twitter!
    xo Heather
    http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

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  15. Love the new design. :)
    I would love to get suggestions for blog posts. I tend to get stuck in boring ruts.

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    1. A great trick is to grab a magazine and get inspired by some of the stories they do then just put your own spin on it!

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  16. I follow Dana via GFC and bloglovin.

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  17. I also follow Dana on facebook.

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  18. I'd love to know how to really get going on a blog. I feel like i keep trying and have a hard time.
    Thank you for the chance to win!

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    Replies
    1. just write from the heart, let your style shine through & dont forget to have fun!

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  19. I'm following Dana via GFC

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  20. I'm following Dana on Facebook

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  21. I would love to learn more about using a photoshop type program to spice up photos, and how to use overlays...

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    Replies
    1. i'm convinced i just need to purchase 'photoshop for dummies'!

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  22. I follow Dana via GFC and blog lovin'!

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  23. I follow Dana on FB & Twitter!

    Love the new design by the way! Very unique!!!

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  24. I really need to learn about html a bit more! And I must must get organised and schedule ahead.

    I follow Dana on Hellocotton and twitter already :-)

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  25. I would love to know some more about design and html since I know absolutely nothing about those areas.

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    Replies
    1. thats why i had to have dana do my design haha

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  26. I would love to know more about how to engage with my readers and attract more interest to my blog! That's on top of learning more about the HTML side of blogger specifically :)

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  27. I follow Dana on GFC, BlogLovin' and HelloCotton and have done for a while!

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  28. I also follow her on twitter :)

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  29. I would love to know more about promotion/readership and developing content! =)

    torrielynn@live.com

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  30. I'm following Dana via Bloglovin'!

    torrielynn@live.com

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  31. I'm also following her on Twitter too =) Handle is @freespiritreign

    torrielynn@live.com

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  32. Following her on fb, bloglovin & twitter. @gladyanne
    I'd love a little insight on just about everything!! haha though I'm going to remodel my blogs soon, so design would be a good subject.

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  33. I wan to start a blog but am extremely intimidated by it. This would be perfect for me. I love the Girly Girly of the blog. So feminine

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    1. Think of your blog as a journal.. maybe just start writing and collecting things that interest you for a bit while you work up the courage to share with others!

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  34. Time management is tough for me!! Thanks for the giveaway - and gorgeous design (of course!)

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    Replies
    1. thank for visiting, sweet comments & of course entering the giveaway ! xo

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  35. I follow Dana on FB
    Thanks again!

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  36. I am loving the new look! Congrats girl :)

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    1. thanks friend! wanted to try something completely new and really brand it with the new shop packaging =)

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  37. I would like to learn more on how to simply get a blog started.

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  38. love this new design! I desperately need to learn more about design

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    1. thanks!! she is coming out with a new design ebook soon too!

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  39. following on bloglovin

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  40. I need to learn photoshop more!! And am with you on needing to read a "photoshop for dummies" book! LOL

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    Replies
    1. seriously.. i need these books for a variety of other things as well =)

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  41. I follow the lovely Dana's blog via GFC. :)

    fromkristenwithlove@yahoo.com

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  42. And I also follow her twitter & facebook page! :)

    fromkristenwithlove@yahoo.com

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  43. Love the design! I would like to learn how to keep myself organized :)

    xo Shane

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    1. thanks! yeah i kinda need organization in all aspects of my life, not just the blog ;p

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  44. I follow via her via hellocotton :)

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  45. I follow via bloglovin :)

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  46. I follow Dana on GFC, Twitter, Bloglovin, Facebook and Pinterest for a while. Love all her post. I would like to learn how to keep organized all post and always have something to post about.

    xoxo
    Nancy
    http://nuestrostyling.blogspot.com.ar

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  47. Oh please, please. I've been blogging for four years and I'm stuck; I'm not sure what to do next. I would love to learn tips and tricks from Dana! I need more organization when it comes to blogging, such as organizing blog posts, etc. That's one thing. xoxo

    caraalynn@gmail.com

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    1. One thing that works for me is to always keep a notebook for ideas & to-dos. Organize my emails into folders so they aren't lost in a sea of messages & schedule everything in my planner and my phone so I don't mess anything up!

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  48. I follow Dana's blog on Bloglovin!
    caraalynn@gmail.com

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  49. And I like Dana's Facebook page!
    xoxo

    caraalynn@gmail.com

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  50. I wanna learn how to drive more pageviews to my blog. :)

    acreativecookie AT gmail

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  51. I follow Dana via GFC!

    acreativecookie AT gmail

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  52. Liked Dana on FB :)

    acreativecookie AT gmail DOT com

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  53. I follow on gfc and twitter

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  54. I follow Dana on Facebook!

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  55. I'd like to learn how to expand the topics of my posts a bit more- how to broaden my niche while still staying true to myself xx

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    1. if you are posting about the things you love then you will always stay true- we all have so many different types of interests that its okay to stray once in a while to find what niche is right for you!

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  56. I would love to learn how to be more timely with my posts--writing in advance rather than last minute!

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  57. I follow Dana via GFC!

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