Life works in mysterious ways.

Sometimes we take a detour on the highway of life, and it’s because we did, we end up in a better place.

Sometimes an affliction we have becomes our platform.

Sometimes we’re in the right place at the right time.

Sometimes that which haunts us, becomes an asset.

My Story

For the first two years of my blogging journey, one of my biggest challenges was learning how to change the header on my blog. I couldn’t figure it out, so I used a generic theme with a nondescript header.

In 2009 when I changed my theme, I “cheated” and chose a header where all I had to do was upload a photo.

Voila! New header art. Like the Staples button, I was able to say, “That was easy”.

But, that didn’t serve me well. I longed to learn how to make what others claimed was a simple tweak. Ha!

I just couldn’t “get it”.

Headers. Oh, how they haunted me.

Ironically, something that haunted me has now become the cornerstone of my new project.

That’s right. My struggle over headers lead me to create a site which is all about headers. All about blogging.

A site which combines two of my passions. A site to showcase my talents, plus yours.

Without further ado, it’s time to unveil what I’ve been working on for the last six months (in my free time).

And as an extra bonus, the launch of my new site includes a drawing.

It’s really quite simple.

1. Go to my new site, The Blog Boutique, and leave me a comment – there are eleven posts to choose from (See “Freebies” or “Recent Additions” in the lower right sidebar.
2. Return here and leave another comment letting me know if you want to participate in the contest
3. All* commenters who ask to be entered into the contest will have their name placed into a random drawing
4. Six winners will receive 30 days of free advertising on The Blog Boutique – in the area labeled “Awesome Creations by Bloggers” (did you see that in the sidebar?)
5. The winners will also receive a custom ad (125×125) designed by me. Just pick what you want to showcase – you, a product you offer, or a service (see the ADvatars page for a few examples of what I’ve created.
6. That’s it.

What are you waiting for?

Head on over to The Blog Boutique. Take time to look around. Click on the links and soon you’ll see what I’ve been up to.

Remember – it’s a new blog so your comment will probably end up in moderation. I’ll be approving them as quickly as I can.

The deadline for the contest is Midnight (PST -Pacific Standard Time), March 20, 2010.

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Now for the back story of my latest project.

As you may have read on The Blog Boutique, I enjoy manipulating photos. When I finally learned how to change header images, I created one for my Observation Mountain blog. It was then the idea hit me. “Why not create headers for other bloggers, too? Why not take two of my passions and combine them?”

Hence, the free headers I offer on The Blog Boutique.

But I wanted that blog/site to be more than just free headers. As an advocate for bloggers, I wanted it to be a place where bloggers could go for anything they needed. Headers. A web host. Premium or free themes. Links to pages which include valuable information about blogging, or a place where they could advertise their blog, their ebooks, their services or their talent.

We all know how hard it is to get our blogs found, let alone that which we offer. so I thought, “Why not create a place bloggers can advertise their work in one central location?” When others comes by to pick up a free header, if they see an eye catching ad, they’re apt to check us out; come by and visit us. Maybe even click on our ads (if we monetize our blogs). Or, they may be looking for a service that we offer. Or, a product.

The Blog Boutique offers free headers, plus links to all things blogging. Granted, the links may be directed more toward WordPress bloggers, but I feel there’s something there for any blogger. As I learn and find more, I will add it to that site. In the meantime, I’ll be updating The Blog Boutique on a regular basis by adding dozens of new headers to the 100+/- headers which I’m currently showcasing.

As a footnote, via The Blog Boutique I will also be offering my services. Check out the “Hire me” page for more details.

P.S. I hope you enjoyed meeting my newest “baby”.

*The Blog Boutique is all about blogging and the ads for bloggers I include on that site will link to blogs which are updated regularly, contain useful content, or link to an ebook or service a blogger offers. Therefore, I will not accept nor advertise links for ads which lead to non blog related sales sites or those which contain nudity or offensive language. I created the site for bloggers who are serious about their work and the ads shall reflect the same. Therefore, don’t waste my time nor yours if your link does not meet the criteria.

P.S.S. If you find any broken links on The Blog Boutique, drop me a comment so I can fix them. Thank you!