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A new BLOG DESIGN…plus, a new feature!

Did you visit the site over the weekend? 

 

You may have noticed a little construction going on.  And well, there are still things being ironed out…..no worries! (Did you know that when there are as many images on a web site as I have here, it takes a long time to populate changes and adjust image sizes, etc.?  Crazy.  Maybe I should cut down on all the images.  …Nah.  More is ALWAYS better, right?)

 

But I mentioned several weeks ago that a few changes were happening on this ol’ blog.  And yes, one that I’ve been so excited about for months……Make It and Love It — In the KITCHEN!!!!  After thinking and stewing and trying to figure out how to keep this blog more organized and easier to navigate, I have decided to keep all of the recipes and yummy food ideas over in their own space.  I know some love to craft, while others prefer to cook.  Well, and some love to do both.  I have always shared recipes here and there….but I’m thinking it would be easier to keep them a little more separate.

 

So, if you notice up at the top now, there are 2 categories to choose from…..the crafting/sewing/DIY side and the kitchen side. 

 

 

If you hover over the “kitchen” side, you’ll notice the header will pop up a bit and you can click on it…..sending you over to the recipes and other kitchen type blog posts.  So, if you prefer cooking, the section on the right will be your new hangout! :)

 

And oh wait, I forgot the most important part.  Have I ever told you about my sister Robin?  Well, she’s #6 of 7 kids.  And yeah, I’m the bratty baby sister (#7).  Ha! ;)  And well, anyone that knows Robin, knows that she creates happiness in the kitchen.  Not sure what to make for dinner?  Ask Robin.  Not sure why your sauces aren’t setting up?  Ask Robin.  Just plain ol’ tired of cooking?  Ask Robin…she’ll help!

 

 

 

She also has a Food Science degree, so she understands why things work together, how things raise, safe zones for perishables, etc.  And yeah, she has had to tell me a time or two why my melting chocolate seized and got all grainy while trying to make a smooth dipping chocolate for my fresh strawberries.  Ugggh.  She also worked as a head cook in a restaurant on the weekends, while attending college.  I think she kind of loved her busy weekends, with a full dining room of hungry customers, awaiting her savory dishes.  So, she gathered all sorts of tips and DELICIOUS recipes that she has adapted and made her own.  And don’t worry, she’s a share-er! 

 

But most importantly, she knows how to dumb things down.  Because there’s nothing that I hate more, than trying to figure out a fussy recipe at dinner time, while my kids are reminding me of how hungry they are.

 

SO, while it was nice to have her living here for a few months and having her actually make dinner for my family……the next best thing is to have her recipes.  No joke, “Make It and Love It — In the Kitchen” is kind of a selfish thing……so I can have her recipes at my finger tips.  Always. :)

 

Anyway, I know you’ll love her.  And she’ll be posting around here pretty regularly.  As in 2-3+ times a week.  Holla!!!  (FYI: Her food posts won’t be replacing the crafty posts at all.  Hers will most likely go up in the afternoon…..while the crafty ones will remain popping up in the mornings.)

 

Thanks Robby…..I love that you’re here! :)

. . . . .

 

 

 

Okay, onto the other BLOG Re-DESIGNS.

 

You may have noticed that the little images right under my header have changed shape.  Those are all my most “recent” posts.  Well, now you can scroll through them by clicking on those yellow arrows, making it a little easier to see if you you’ve missed anything.

 

 

And if you hover over any of those mini images, it will show you the title of the post and the date it was posted.  If you want to check it out, just click on it.  Kind of handy, huh?  Especially if you don’t want to scroll through pages of content, seeing if you missed anything.  See?  I’m here for ya… :)

 

 

 

And then, if you scroll below the main post of the day……you’ll see several categories, showing you the most recent posts in that category.  And then a “see them all” button, in case you want more under that category.

 

 

And like always, if you hover over the “TUTORIALS” tab up in the header, you will see a drop down of all the categories.  Easy.

 

 

 

Okay, so then if you click over on the “Make It and Love It — In the Kitchen” tab at the top right……you’ll see the “craft” side shrink down on the left and the “kitchen” side will pop up.  It also looks a little different.  Including my sister’s cute picture in the Welcome box! 

 

 

 

If you scroll down from there, you’ll see food categories that have the most recent food posts that you can click on…..and then yes, a “see them all” button that you can click on to see all posts under that category.

 

 

But those aren’t all the categories.  If you click on the “RECIPES” tab up in the header at the top, you will see a drop down box of all the recipe categories.

 

 

 

And yeah, some of the categories are a bit slim and some of the food posts are a little older……but get ready, because Robin has a whole bunch of recipes to share already.  They’re coming — and they’re coming FAST!!!  I can hardly wait! :)

. . . . .

 

I think that’s about it.  Well, there are other design things that have been switched around or adjusted, but nothing else that affects the navigation.

 

Oh, and no, I didn’t do the re-design myself.  Just like every other re-design, I have used June Lily Web Design.  Kirstin was seriously fantastic to work with.  And oh, the patience she had with all of my questions and itty bitty tweaks, etc. was amazing.  She was an angel to work with.  Not to mention, really good at what she does.  Thanks again Kirstin! :)

 

Whew, okay, let me know how things are working for you on your end.  And if something just doesn’t seem right, let me know.  It could be something that hasn’t transferred over yet…..or could be something that snuck through and needs to be tweaked.  Or hey, maybe you really hate something.  Tell me why it’s buggy and I’ll see what I can do.  Oh, and if you love something?? Tell me that too. :)

 

Thanks guys!
Ashley

Ashley Johnston

Administrator at Make It & Love It
Ashley Johnston is a professional DIY costume maker, sewist, crafter, and owner of Make It & Love It. She is a mom of 5 and a wife to a very patient (with the craft clutter) husband. In case you’re wondering, she always chooses crafting/sewing/designing over mopping/dusting/wiping base boards……but bathrooms/laundry/full bellies are always attended to. Whew!

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Hi, I'm Ashley

Hi, I’m Ashley—the DIY-enthusiast behind this crazy blog!

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