.JPG)
Well hello! Do you like my new header? Isn't it gorgeous? It was designed by my talented blogging friend Jen of two-add-two. I love it and feel that she completely understood me and this blog and what I'm all about. The house, with it's little chimney and Scandinavian inspired flower, reminds me of my gingerbread house. After a temporary break from blogging Jen is back and she has been very busy setting up her own shop - you can see more here at jenroffe.co.uk.
I've been busy this week. I have added some pages along the side so that things like The Collour Collaborative, my recipes and a glimpse of the sort of creative things I love to do can be found quickly and easily. I've spent some unhappy and frustrating hours playing with HTML code (which I know nothing about) and decided that there is a limit to the amount of tinkering I am prepared to do here. My blog will never be a minimalist, perfect space. My house is not like that so why try to make my blog - which is an extension of my home, my life - look the same? I started this blog to connect with like-minded people and to share my love of craft and home, not to get involved in web design. That was a good reminder for me. I want this space to look clean, fresh and, most importantly, welcoming, but don't have the skills or budget to make it look really slick. So it is what it is and I hope you like it.
You might have noticed that I am doing the odd sponsored post from time to time. I'll be keeping these to a minimum, say one a month-ish, and you can be assured that they will be about things I genuinely like, brands I would and do buy from, products I use. I guess you'll just have to trust me on that one. Sponsored posts are clearly labelled as such. If I link to a product or shop otherwise, as I often do, then it's just because I like them, nothing more than that. I know people have different views on whether or not to monetise a blog, it's not for everyone and I respect that. I hope I am still for you. It's still me, Gillian, here, as I have been for the last two years. I am still the same.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The above images offer a glimpse of my week. Winter walks, a new yarn purchase, a new crochet project, and an effort to eat more lightly sum up this week. I've rediscovered my craft mojo and have been busy with lots of bits and bobs, which I'll share with you soon. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Your new header looks lovely Gillian! I like it a lot. I also like the look of your new crochet project and will look forward to seeing more of that. I know what you mean about HTML codes etc, I tried and failed to add Pinterest links to my blog a few weeks ago...I just don't have a clue, technophobe that I am! Hopefully one day it will all click in my brain! Anyway, your blog is looking fab and I always really enjoy my visits here. Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteMarianne xx
Hello Gillian
ReplyDeleteLOVE your new header, the smoke coming out of the chimney makes me want to knock on the door and come in to the warm.
Beautiful coloured circles, looking forward to seeing what these are going to be.
Have a good weekend,
Kate x
It's too pretty Gillian, I love it, just perfect for your blog space x looks like you have got into using that yummy raspberry yarn, look forward to seeing what fun you' ve been having with your makes x
ReplyDeleteI love the header-it has a beautiful simplicity :-) I've been doing a bit of a 'blog overhaul' as well-changing the theme, playing with the fonts and colours but that's about my limit haha-as you say, it's about the crafty space not about making it slick. Hope you have a lovely weekend! Looking forward to finding out what those circles are destined for...
ReplyDeleteI like your new header Gillian. It is crisp fresh, and inviting. I also like the layout with the pages on the right to click on. I have browsed your recipes and feel hungry now :-) I so enjoy my visits here, I feel happy whenever I visit. x
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian! I like your blog's new header. I've tried changing a few things in my blog too but don't really know what I'm doing. I think it should be more about what you share than the overall look. Anyway everything here just looks right and as always, I love your photos.
ReplyDeleteMarion x
I love your header. I love visiting here. Always with a cuppa in hand, it just feels right xo
ReplyDeleteGorgeous new header Gillian....very welcoming :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you make with your beautiful yarn....such pretty colours.
Have a lovely weekend,
Caroline xx
I love the header. I'm with you on the HTML code thing. I always end up wanting to pull my hair out anytime I try to do anything that requires code. And I love your perspective of your blog being an extension of your life and home. I've been blogging for a long time, but only recently started being more committed. One of the reasons I've struggled in the past is not having a clear vision for why I blog and what I want it to be for me. Your words have given me something to think about.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful Gillian and just perfect ... simple and elegant ... Jen rocks ... Bee xx
ReplyDeleteIt all looks great. I know what you mean about housekeeping your blog. I have a tinker every now and again. I can write a small amount of code but nothing fancy. I try and keep it reflecting my life too, not too tidy and not up to date, bit like me really..........
ReplyDeleteThe new header looks lovely, I'm looking forward to see what you are making with that lovely new yarn
ReplyDeleteClare x
I love your header it is very smart.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking I should do something with my blogs but after changing just the basic templates it made me a little cross-eyed in terms of layout but I need to get brave.
I wish that I could gussie up my blog a little, but I am too scared to change anything in case it all disappears! I think that you are very brave for all that you have done Gillian. I like the new header too, but I will miss your little scandanavian people! I like the yarn colours, and yes, there are some the same as mine! I like the addition of the chocolatey colour, that makes a good foil for the other colours! Looking forward to seeing more of you in the future! xx
ReplyDeleteThe crochet project looks interesting, lovely colours. I do like your new header, it goes very well. I really must get round to sorting out mine, but I do not speak computer language!
ReplyDeleteFab- u - lous new header Gillian, and I love those yarn colours very pretty. Good luck with the lighter eating xxx
ReplyDeleteOh Gillian...it is just gorgeous. So pretty and quaint :0)
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a new header, too. My hubby is really good at computer stuff, so I'm taking the picture and he'll take it from there, lol! I made your version of the mars bar crispy cake last night - Very Picky Hubby has declared it a keeper! I can not stress how rare that is. The yarn colors are some of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteI love your new look. I have a new header ready to go, made for me by my husband, but I've been shy about using it. Maybe soon. I think your blog is growing beautifully.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new look of your blog! I seem to have missed several posts: the bird food is great. I love your new yarn.
ReplyDeleteThe new header is fantastic... I love it! I always love visiting your blog. It is truly a very happy place! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHello lovely :-) Header looks brilliant, very homely and still very sleek I would say, very YOU, Jan nailed the brief! Love your new crochet colours too, look forward to seeing what that becomes....Happy Weekend! Mel xxx
ReplyDeleteJen, not Jan! Sorry Jen :-)
DeleteLove your new header! It looks so inviting, welcoming you to come in. Wool looks fab too. Can't wait to see what you make with it. Have a great weekend. Jacqui x
ReplyDeleteYour new look blog looks great Gillian, especially the header. Lovely new yarn colours, looking forward to seeing what your little crochet circles make. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteJane xx
Gillian, I love the new header and new look look blog. And I'm happy that it is so successful for you, the success is very well deserved. Beautiful photos, a wonderful view and some lovely yarny shots and delicious soup. It is indeed a happy place to visit. Wishing you continued success, CJ xx
ReplyDeleteOh that header is perfect! And well done for getting your pages sorted too. Love how you have set out your recipe page - that looks brilliant. X
ReplyDeleteLovely new look and just beautiful colour choices on your yarn
ReplyDeleteI do like the new header! I noticed it straight away and it fits so well I cant even remember the old.
ReplyDeleteIt's both difficult and fun to tinker with a blog style and layout, I too feel like I have hit my limit.
I think I need to employ some help. I'll go check out your friends business.
I love the new header - it says with a glance what your blog is...and how lovely it is too! Doesn't it make a difference having a shiny new looking blog? Enjoy your crafting! x
ReplyDeleteA fresh and lovely new look! I love your style, I'd be intimidated by a blog that was too slick anyway! Your new yarn colour palette is simply beautiful, how did you choose such wonderful shades? And I wonder what they will be...Chrissie x
ReplyDeleteYour new header is perfect. I do like the shade of grey in your new project, look forward to seeing your new make. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
it's a lovely new header Gillian, very exciting to have one drawn for you! Heather x
ReplyDeleteI'm not very confident when it comes to changing my blog. To be honest I'm quite afraid that if I dabble too much it'll all go completely wrong. Then I see your lovely new header and others who I follow and who have made changes to their blogs. Perhaps, I should be braver!
ReplyDeleteHey Gillian,
ReplyDeleteSo lovely that you found me on FB. Melted.
Your new header is great. My blog is an extention of me and mine too, and so always in development. I'm seeing growth and change in lots of my favourite blogs at the moment. Is it a January thing? I'll let you into a secret - my blog will look a bit different soon too. But I am relying on someone else's expertise, because I am completely inept at all that stuff. As for sponsered posts. I don't have a problem with any of that stuff, and it's probably a good way to earn a few pounds too? Why not. I like how you are writing about things that genuinely appeal to you though. I guess your writing wouldn't feel true to you otherwise.
Have a lovely weekend Gillian.
Leanne xx
I love your blog, I can't think why you'd want to make it all "minimalistic"! For me, it's about a real, crafting life, and anything that reminds me to be grateful for the things around me, or to look at things from another perspective, can only be good, and your blog does all that and more :-) Sponsored blogs don't worry me, as long as there aren't too many (a couple a month is fine), and if you can make a few pennies from writing your lovely blog, I don't see the harm - good luck to you!
ReplyDeletelove love the header! x
ReplyDeletei spent a little time cleaning up my blog-spot, too------and came to the same conclusion. I want to write, photograph, create stuff---NOT html!! :))) (as if I really can figure that out anyway!)
ReplyDeleteA very smart new header - and I love the yarn. It looks so soft and squishy. Hope you get time to play this weekend. x
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog. Love the simple, sweet logo.
ReplyDeletehi gillian
ReplyDeletelove your new header. oh and the wool looks so soft and cosy.the soup looks delicious,perfect for a cold winter day.
wish you a cosy weekend,
love and hugs regina
It's so you Gillian - love it xo
ReplyDeleteYour new header is perfect, the house is welcoming and I really like the font too. I'm rubbish at the techie stuff, which is why my blog looks much the same as it did when I started blogging years ago!
ReplyDeleteI love your new header! x
ReplyDeleteswoooon, I love it. may have to tinker with my own. gorgeous yarn too.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your new look-looks wonderful! I always enjoy seeing you have a new post up. Keep writing such wonderful posts! Jo xx
ReplyDeleteHello Gillian,
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog and have only read a small part so far. But I do like your lay-out and I love your content.
I got your name from lovethosecupcakes because when I read her comments I always had to stop and carefully read yours in case I had already commented.
I love your new crochet medallions. I'm busy with a baby blanket but I'm not getting enough squares done in time.
Cheers and Happy New Year, the other Gillian
well I love it and will always call in because we are like-minded people indeed. What are you making? I have had a poorly girl but I have managed to escape and finished my Elise Shawl, take a look - it is a fab pattern. Jo x
ReplyDeleteThe new header is very clever, but I did like the colourful one as well. Adore the colours in that bunch of wool and looking forward to see what you are doing. The comfort food looks yum. I owe you and email, so will try and do that very soon. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone who reads your blog knows the honesty in your words, I don't have a problem with sponsored posts as I know that you'll be honest as always. Love the new header and as always l
ReplyDeleteSorry silly iPad! As always I love your pictures. Keep up the great blog :-) Nicola x
DeleteYour new header is gorgeous, Gillian. So you!! Love the new yarns......intriguing new project! I always enjoy reading your posts. We Must be like minded!!
ReplyDeleteYour Blog looks great and your posts as ever are totally engaging. With you on HTML......all gobbledygook to me. Happy Sunday! Sarah xo
ReplyDeleteLove the new look of your blog. I think that whatever cosmetic changes you make, your readers will keep coming back for the content. I'll keep visiting, your posts are a breath of fresh air!
ReplyDeleteBy the way I love the colours of your new crochet project, looking forward to seeing more of it!
Wow Gillian, what lovely followers you have here, with their positive comments! I am SO glad your new header has worked so well, it looks great on your blog (even though I do say so myself) I am loving your yarn colours, the pink and neutral look great together perfect to beat the January blues. Wanted to echo jens comments too your pages are great now- especially the recipe pages, thanks for some easily organised inspiration! (I tried those gooey cinammon squares last week..they didn't look as fine as yours but boy they tasted good!) xx
ReplyDeleteFresh is just the right word - clean and simple. I've liked all your headers though - the autumn leave are a favourite. However, it doesn't really matter what your blog looks like as I come for the wonderful photos and your writing - the rest is just a bonus. x
ReplyDeleteI love your header, it is absolutely gorgeous (the previous one was great too). I am looking to improve the look of my blog, but despite working in IT, I have zero knowledge in HTML, which does not make the task easier, I agree. Your place is lovely and I like very much visiting. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, beautiful, peaceful...refreshing to visit with you, Gillian, as always, although I do admire your blog format updates! Thanks for posting :)
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful Gillian! love the colours of your new crochet project too - very reminiscent of clean morning skies somehow - lovely. E x
ReplyDeleteGreat header for a great blog....simple! :) x
ReplyDeleteLoving the new header, it looks great and fits in really well with your style. Loving the look of that crochet! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLovely colours, and the soup looks yummy! :) x
ReplyDeletelove the new header. love the scandi house
ReplyDeleteThe new header is fab Gillian!!
ReplyDeleteLoving the crochet loveliness great colours there x
I loooove the new header simple and elegant. A great way to start the new year.
ReplyDeleteThe new crochet project looks yummy! How fun to have your crochet mojo back... I love when I get inspired it just makes me so excited! Have a wonderful week. :)
Finally, I'm catching up with everyone!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous new header!!
And yes, I share the monetising dilemma (I'm not even sure where I'd put ads now!) But a sponsored post is a maybe. I think as long as they are relatively infrequent where's the harm in recommending a product you believe in to your readers :)