My Baby has Grown Up!

Well I can't believe that I have been blogging for "nearly" 1 year (about 10 months) and I never thought I would get so wrapped up in the blogging world, not to mention some of the wonderful friends I have made (but that's for another post).

When I started blogging, my blog was just seen as an extension of my boutique; it was functional and served a purpose . But then something strange started to happen. I started experiencing "blog envy!" Yes I believe it now is a medical condition (at least in my house) and strange things started to happen.
I would waste hours just browsing some of these gorgeous blogs, wishing my baby had been born more attractive ( "she" really was ugly, there was no getting away from it!). I was starting to feel like the "poor relation" within my blogging group. I didn't even have a "button" to share when some of my blogging friends asked for it; you hear the violins playing in the background?

But I kept telling myself that content was more important. But subconsciously I was no longer buying into that little chestnut.

So I conducted a small survey amongst my LinkedIn contacts asking them for their opinions. (I couldn't conduct the survey amongst my blogging friends, as they were the source of the "little green monster" that was constantly perched on my shoulder).

Most of the men from my LinkedIn contact group thought the blog was fine as it was; functional, simple, got the job done. However, the women were definitely coming from a different place. And as one contact/friend said "Van, you are in the business of glamour, and your blog doesn't depict this!" That was it. The die had been cast. It was time for some surgery.

Enter, Danielle Moss my fairy Blog-mother. I'm not sure how I found out about Danielle, I only had a scribbled note in my business journal that said "Contact her!"

And so our relationship began. She has the patience of a saint and listened patiently when I sent her what now seem like ludicrous ideas. She never laughed (well not out-right), but gently guided me to what you are looking at now. Thank God she never listened to any of my suggestions! I only knew I wanted something classy and simple, with not too many colours. Danielle waved her wand, and here is the finished piece.

I am SO happy now. I feel I can compete with the "big glam-guns" (don't be modest, you know who you are ;-)

I feel this is more a representation of who I am and what my boutique represents, (more than the Blogger template did!) and more importantly I have a gorgeously cute button. Please grab my button if you want to make a proud mummy cry.


Danielle, still has some tweaking to do, but I couldn't wait to unveil the new look.

I would love your opinions and to hear what you think . One friend asked me what's the "divas" name. She looks like a Lola to me. What do you think?

14 comments:

  1. Oh I don't even know what a button is or does.
    I love the new look!

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  2. Thank you so much Tabitha. Beats me previous Blogger template ;-)

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  3. Gorgeous blog...I love it!
    Keep up the good work, friend. xo

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  4. Thank you Adrienne. You've been such a wonderful supporter from the beginning xx

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  5. Vanessa, I love it! :) The new image/logo is lovely and I love the color you chose-purple. I think it adds a modern and glamorous flair to your blog. Well done. So happy for you and the transformation. I can totally relate to what you wrote. I liked how I had slowly changed things on my own over time but nothing beats a professional makeover. :)

    I have already picked up your new blog button! Thank you for always displaying mine.

    ~K

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  6. Oh, and congrats on 100 followers! What a perfect time to celebrate with a 'facelift'. :)

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  7. @Karla-thank you sweetheart for always being so supportive and one of my first followers. Yes, I hadn't thought of the 100 followers being a good time for a face lift. Thank you so much also for grabbing my button also.
    I love the design of your blog Karla and it looks very professional. But as I am not very artistic, I couldn't be left to my own devices ;-)

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  8. It really looks lovely! I know what you mean about "blog envy"...I have recently been tweaking mine as well--I think I am getting there. I think because blogging is an extension of self, its "home" needs to reflect my personality on some level. I think your personality is coming through here! xxBliss

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  9. Congrats on the new look!! I love it!!! I was so happy when my blog had a make-over from a professional...it's like new life has been breath into it... xo HHL

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  10. Wow, I think it looks absolutely AMAZING! Simple yet stunning, I LOVE it! Plus the color combo is really fabulous and complements the layout perfectly! In one word: GORGEOUS!!!

    Have an amazing day!

    xx Ivana
    http://styleinthecityen.blogspot.com

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  11. Love love love your new look! {such a sucker for purple, I am} Absolutely perfect & will definitely switch out the buttons right away. Have a gorgeous weekend! *xo

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  12. Thank you friends so much for your wonderfully kind comments.
    @steppingmywaytobliss-you are so right. I now feel my blog is an extension of me, so it's lovely to have something that represents me.
    @HHL, Ivana and JennieB- thank you so much. I'm so pleased you like it. It's simple (which was my criteria) and the colour combo consists of my fav colour purple.

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  13. Your new website is gorgeous! Now I have blog envy...

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  14. Vanessa, this is such a cute and honest post. I'm glad that you got the blog design that you wanted. And don't worry about all the stuff that comes with blogging, the insecurities, etc. Stay true to yourself and remember the joys you get from blogging.

    p.s. I love all the amazing careers you've had. You're definitely a renaissance woman! Very inspiring.
    Rambles with Reese

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Your comments make my day!