My New Baby – The Unveiling – Enter The Drawing And Win

 70 Comments on My New Baby – The Unveiling – Enter The Drawing And Win 0 792

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 (12:01 a.m. PST -Pacific Standard Time), March 20, 2010.

signature for blog post.

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!

70 thoughts on “My New Baby – The Unveiling – Enter The Drawing And Win”

  1. Hi Barbara,
    Very awesome!! So…you have been busy in your free time for the last several months!! And it looks like you are creating so great stuff. Congrats on the new site!!
    .-= Check out Lance´s awesome post: Reflecting On It All =-.

  2. Hi Barbara,

    Your new site looks brilliant, the header art is fantastic 🙂
    I tried to leave a comment on the Blog Boutique, but I don’t have a WordPress account and can’t, therefore, leave a message. But, I would still love to entered for this competition – I think the free advertising opportunity you are offering is invaluable.
    .-= Check out Sam Liu´s awesome post: A Proposition… =-.

  3. Thank you Lance for emailing me to let me know about the comment glitch.

    For anyone reading this, just go back to The Blog Boutique and it should be working fine.

    If not….let me know.

    Thank you!

  4. Hi Barbara.
    Congratulations on your new baby! 🙂 I know how busy you’ve been behind the scenes for the past while; it must feel great to finally launch this. You must be proud. I love the colours and pattern you’ve used for the background on The Blog Boutique; of course, purple is my favourite colour. Sure, I’d like to play… please put my name in the draw. Thanks for the opportunity.
    .-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: A Sacred Space Is Not Always Sunny =-.

    1. Thank you Davina,

      Yes, as you know I’ve been busy, often wishing I had more hours in a day. And yes, I’m happy I finally got the site launched. Although it still needs a few tweaks, they’re something I can do in my spare time.

  5. Hi Barbara

    Wow, not only did I see this site transform in so many beautiful ways, but now you have this other awesome site!

    I love the new “Blog Boutique” (love that header too – how chic!) I just came back from there, and yes, I would love the chance to be featured on your site 🙂

    This is such a great idea, and I loved seeing what you have come up with so far – way to go and to many more beautiful creations!
    .-= Check out Evita´s awesome post: Essential Energy With Cyndi Dale: To Do Or Not To Do? (Can I Get A Sign, Please?) =-.

    1. Thank you Evita,

      Yes, you have seen me and the blog transforming. Isn’t is great when we’ve been blogging for awhile and can see that in each other?

      Stay tuned for more creations. Oh what fun I’m having. 🙂

  6. Hi Barbara;

    I was enchanted with your site. Your headers are creative, varied, and such a great gift to offer people. I have friends who ask about headers and now I know where to send them.

    I left a comment and would like to be entered in your drawing.

    Thanks,

    julie
    .-= Check out Sage the Dog & Julie´s awesome post: The Hidden Life of Dogs: A Book Review =-.

    1. Thank you for your kind words Julie,

      Definitely, send your friends to The Blog Boutique. I’ll be adding more headers on a regular basis, so the choices will increase.

      BTW: I love the originality of your blog.

    1. Hi Deb,

      Just think, both of us have new sites. You with your web design site and me with my headers.

      And look at you now – a leader in quality work, not only with site design, but with ebooks too. You gals are having WAY too much fun over there. 🙂

  8. I like it! I like it! And thank you for the ADvatar for the e-book!

    What an awesome and helpful site. I know there are many full website services, but I like your niche and specialty boutique idea. I think it will be a big draw for us less techie-minded bloggers wanting to spruce up the place without a full overhaul. It’s great that you give so much for free, yet work a business into as well.

    Congratulations and all the best with your new baby!

    Please sign me up for the contest. Thank you!
    .-= Check out Lori Hoeck´s awesome post: Self defense for kids made easier with a game =-.

    1. Thank you Lori,

      That’s true. Some bloggers only want a simple tweak so a new header image could do the trick, Hopefully they learn how to change their header graphic faster than I did. Boy, for some reason that really stumped me.

  9. How exciting and wonderful! Congrats, good luck, and of course I would like to participate!

    xo
    Vered

  10. Hi Barbara,

    Congrats about your new site! You have certainly moved forward in your intentions and created something meaningful. Now I know who or which site to send my friends to in the event that they have problems with their headers!

    Can I join in the drawing too? It will be nice to participate!

    All the best,
    Evelyn
    .-= Check out Evelyn Lim´s awesome post: Chinese Tale of the Hidden Treasure Chest =-.

  11. Hi Barbara .. great idea .. and all the information on the new blog – I’m probably being stupid – but I couldn’t find where to comment?! Also the Observation Mountain and the GoDaddy, Yahoo & 2 others, and the affiliate theme boxes didn’t open .. (just refreshed & Affiliate Themes, GoD and Blue Host kicked in ..)

    What a good idea .. thanks – and well done for developing new arenas for you .. all the best too .. Hilary
    .-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Women – how much education have women had in the past 2,000 years? =-.

    1. Thank you Hilary,

      I’m happy to hear you like the site. I checked the links and they appear to be working correctly now. Let me know if you continue to have problems.

      To comment, the posts are listed under “Recent Additions” in the lower right sidebar. Just click on any one and you’ll see posts which are header art images.

      You can also access them by clicking on “Freebies” just below the header. Or, click on the links in the “Home” page where I include samples from a handful of posts.

      Have fun exploring.

  13. Hi Barbara – Wow! What an awesome project! The hard work you’ve been doing is evident, and your premise is really admirable. Your creative skills are really stunning – the effects you’ve mastered are gorgeous. Very impressive!

    Thank you so much for the ADvatar of our e-book, as well! Delighted to participate in your contest!
    .-= Check out Betsy Wuebker´s awesome post: What I Should Have Said =-.

    1. You’re welcome Betsy, and thank you for your kind words.

      Yes. I have been busy behind the scenes, but oh what fun I’ve been having. Maybe now I’ll get back to a more normal schedule, whatever that is. 🙂

    1. Thank you Charlene,

      And, thank you for the comment over at the Blog Boutique. I’m assuming you want into the drawing since you filled all of the requirements.

      How fortunate you were to know where to place your header image. As I mentioned, I struggled with that for a long time.

  15. Congratulations Barbara.

    It looks like you have been working hard. Great idea to offer bloggers headers. I like that. If I win, I’m hoping to get a 125 x 125 pixel button over at your site taking you to my downloadable ebook Zero to Blog. I’d just love that. For the time being,

    I just designed my first jbulie’s blog button, http://juleiangelos.com, if any of your blogging friends or you would like to grab it! It’s free with a link. 😉 It’s on my sidebar.

    Julie
    .-= Check out Julie @ jbulie’s blog´s awesome post: jbulie’s blog helps friend start blog earning 800 new visitors in first 2 days. =-.

    1. Thank you Julie,

      Yes, it’s been a lot of work, but like I mentioned to Betsy, it’s also been fun for me.

      That’s a great idea to have a button on your site for others to grab. Maybe some would be interested in “trading” with you. Theirs on yours, yours on theirs.

  16. Barbara,

    You’ve been a very busy girl! The Blog Boutique is just lovely and I’m sure that many WP users will benefit greatly by having such a beautiful selection of headers to choose from. I wish you all the best with your new blog.

    I would be thrilled to participate in the drawing and I’m going right over to my site to post about your contest so my readers can get in on the fun!
    .-= Check out Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella´s awesome post: An Interview With The Author Of Metacom Creative – Ryan Cowles =-.

  18. Barbara, posted about the contest and tweeted your new site for you. I will also tweet the contest over the next few days. Best of luck, this is exciting!
    .-= Check out Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella´s awesome post: An Interview With The Author Of Metacom Creative – Ryan Cowles =-.

  19. Sweet! Stumbled and Tweeted. Nice work, Barbara. I know all the time and hard work that has gone into making that site. It’s been a good ride, hasn’t it?

    That might be a good site to use StumbleUpon to generate traffic. Have you seen the StumbleUpon PPC? It’s cheap. $5 gets you a guaranteed 100 visitors. Hopefully some will stumble it and it spreads from there.
    .-= Check out John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s awesome post: WordPress Defender: 30 Ways to Secure Your Blog from Attack Anyone Can Do =-.

    1. Thank you John,

      Yes! It has been a good ride – to be able to combine two of my passions into one, plus to be able to continue to help bloggers.

      I read about Stumble’s PPC. That’s something I need to look into. Thank you for reminding me about it. Like you said, it would get me visitors. Great idea!

  20. Barbara,
    We would like to be entered into your contest to win something great. We are on the verge of setting up our own website in order to promote and sell “the Happy Window Cleaners Guidebook to $200 a day” which we reprint (with updates) every year. We’ve sold a bunch of them over the 10 years we’ve been distributing. We sold them thru classified advertising in magazines like Entrepeneur. This year, we’re doing an e-book and we’re very excited. Hope we win something! We’re Senior Citizens and happy about it!
    Thanks for your blog, we enjoy everything you write and look forward to receiving your thoughts.
    Michele and Todd Butterworth

    1. You’re welcome Michele,

      With you not having anything to link to yet, I don’t know if this round of the contest will work for you, but please do keep me posted on your progress. When you have your website up and running, I’ll come by and see what we can do. Your book sounds fascinating.

  21. Congratulations, Barbara!

    This must be very exciting for you — I’m sending all my good vibes your way. Isn’t graphic design fun?!

    I design custom headers, buttons, and other graphics for people, too. I find it to be art therapy — it makes me relaxed and calm.

    I’m looking forward to seeing where your project takes you.
    Yay! Great job!
    🙂
    .-= Check out Lori (JaneBeNimble)´s awesome post: Omm Writer =-.

    1. Thank you Lori,

      I remember when you mentioned that before; about doing custom headers plus other graphics. I’d love to see some of your work. Sometime when you have a chance, send me some links.

      I agree. Working with photos/art is very relaxing. And I don’t know about you, but the time flies by.

  24. Thank you George,

    Yes. I’m a proud “mom”. And just like having a child, I’m sure you’ll be seeing many changes as she gets older.

    Thank you for checking her out.

  25. Hi Barbara. 🙂

    I so wanted to see what your new blog looks like and so was disappointed to find that none of the images were loading for me. Might just be a problem at my end of things but just thought I’d mention it in case it’s happening for anyone else at the moment.

    Sniff! I feel so left out! 🙁
    .-= Check out Tony Single´s awesome post: Count Zero =-.

    1. Hi Tony,

      I wish I could tell you what your problem might be. Might you have your security settings too high? Just thinking.

      Tell you what, since you tried, I’ll enter you into the drawing, too. Hopefully by then you’ll have figured out why my blog images won’t load for you.

    1. Hi Janice,

      Of course you site fits the bill – you blog, and how great would it be if more people found you via an ad? I’ll definitely add you to the drawing.

      P.S. Thank you for your kind words. I’m having fun with the new baby. 🙂

  27. Oh Barbara,
    I am so so so so happy this site is UP! I have been curiously waiting to see it.
    And its gorgeous! And lavender..and my god its like youve created my own little blog heaven…wow! You knwo how i love to tweak my blogs design na…your headers a fantabulous!
    I would love to participate int he contest…love love love to!! I have blog boutique open in the next tab…so toodles…am off to grab so gorgeous pics 🙂
    Much Love,
    Z~
    .-= Check out Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s awesome post: 5 Simple Steps To Enhance Your Happiness =-.

    1. Thank you Zeenat,

      WOW! You are excited. I know you love to tweak you site, too, so I’m not surprised you like it so much. Do keep an eye on it, or subscribe as I will be adding more as time passes. In fact I’m currently working on adding a slideshow of some of the samples. I’m thinking that may make it easier to find stuff. We’ll see.

      In the meantime, download to your heart’s content. 🙂

  28. Wow! I’ve just spent a bit of time reading everything over there. First of all, it has a lovely look of boutique. And the header is just awesome! I love how it’s repeated down the sidebar. Like a good book — the broad topics all reflecting the title page.

    The first I realized your passion for photo manip is now! And boy do you do it well. Do you use a slew of software or just PS? Whatever filters you’re using are beautiful. Especially on the peony.

    I’m so excited for you, Barbara. You do set the pace for the rest of us. And hold out a big hopeful carrot by your accomplishments. Inspires me to action…

    Now I must hurry up so I have something to AD to your store. 🙂
    .-= Check out Barb Hartsook´s awesome post: We Live Where Our Focus Is =-.

    1. Thank you Barb,

      Yes. Over the past few years I’ve been tweaking photos, mainly just personal ones, with whatever software I find. I haven’t gotten around to purchasing PS (which is on my wish list), but do use Gimp, plus a few others.

      The peony is actually one of the first I played with. I was amazed at what a few tweaks could do. I’m happy I can now share it with others.

      I’ll enter you in the drawing, so be thinking of what you might want to advertise. Might you have some of your beautiful art for sale?

      1. Aahh… but did you not say our ADs must be blog related? Okay — maybe I can think how that will work. Okay — now that I’ve said that, thoughts are popping. I’ll get busy. 🙂

        I’m doubly impressed you have done this work in GIMP. I don’t have Photoshop, and thought once I might try GIMP. Hahahahahaha! Not. You are somewhat geeky, my friend. (A compliment of the highest order coming from me.)
        .-= Check out Barb Hartsook´s awesome post: We Live Where Our Focus Is =-.

        1. Hi again Barb,

          The ad can be for you, your blog, OR a service/product you offer. For example, if you were also a life coach, an artist, or maybe you’ve developed an ebook, BUT you are ALSO a blogger.

          I want the ads to be all about bloggers and what they have done with their blogs – not lead to a site that sells an ED product, porn or the like. I want to show other bloggers where bloggers are taking their blogs and their talents. Oh, all the possibilities…..

          Geek? Yup! I do take that as a compliment. Thank you! 8)

  29. Hi Barbara,

    I stopped by your new place. You’ve done a wonderful job creating a friendly space, and offering beautiful works as well as your time and service to others.

    1. Thank you Linda,

      Thank you for stopping by and visiting my other “home”. And that is my wish; that others will be able to benefit from what I share. 🙂

  30. I’ve also taken a look at your new business and I love the talent and beauty you express there. Right now you are the graphics bargain online. people better hurry because I know once you get busy those introductory prices will probably change. It’s totally inspiring to see you bring this to fruition.
    .-= Check out Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s awesome post: Authentic Inspiration Zaps Procrastination =-.

  31. Thank you Tom,

    You’ve always been behind me in everything I do, and I truly appreciate that. Yes, in time my rates will probably change, but for awhile, I will have “bargains”.

    And rumor tells me, you’ll soon be unveiling a new project, too. WooHoo!!!!

    1. Thank you Linda,

      Some have had problems leaving comments on The Blog Boutique, and for that reason, I will add your name into the drawing.

      As a note: The only place you can leave a comment is on the posts which are listed in the sidebar under “Latest Additions” or under “Freebies”. I know it can be confusing as the home page is a “page” and not a post.

  33. Pingback: Blog Contest Alert – Free Advertising And 125×125 Custom Advatar From The Blog Boutique

    1. Thank you Georgina,

      That’s my hope; that new bloggers will be able to use the resources and make their blogs look fabulous from the get-go.

      Thank you also for the award. I am humbled and honored to be chosen for it. 🙂

  35. HI Barbara,
    I have been so curious about your project and here it is, your new baby.
    Of course I have been to the ‘nursery’ straight away to see ‘baby’ first. So cool and lots of headers to choose from, it was a hard choice but the tree won in the end.
    Sounds glorious to make use in that way of all your talents.
    I bet that it is fun to make blogs look attractive and I do like how this looks as well.
    I can understand that you are busy, like every new mom.
    Take care of yourself though, love Wilma
    .-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: Wilma on Accountability and safety =-.

    1. Thank you Wilma,

      I’m so happy you went by the “nursery” and checked in on my new baby.

      Yes. That’s what’s been keeping me busy. Now that the new site is launched, I’ll also be updating it with more headers on a regular basis. Oh what fun…..

  37. Congratulations on your new baby Barbara – looks as though it’s bouncing with health.

    What graphics software are you using?
    I tried Photoshop for a while but never enjoyed using it.
    Then I tried Adobe Fireworks, thought that it was brilliant.
    Never looked back and there are plenty of Fireworks tutorials out there.

    Hope the site goes well and look forward to your third site. LOL.
    .-= Check out Keith Davis´s awesome post: A helping hand… =-.

    1. Thank you Keith,

      I use a variety of free graphics software, including Gimp and Paint. I’ve heard so much about Photoshop, but can’t justify the expense since my project is so new. I hadn’t heard of Adobe Fireworks so I’ll have to check that one out, too.

      LOL Third site? The Blog Boutique is actually my fourth. I have a “green” blog, but I don’t update it too often. 🙂

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