The start of a new WordPress blog
I have been blogging for about 4 years, and what a journey it has been. I first started out on Blogger writing a personal blog that evolved into a mummy blog. I tried to diversify and run two blogs – my personal one and a quilting one, but it was too hard to be passionate about both. The move to Japan last year quickly made me realise that what I really wanted to do was blog about my quilting and to do so “properly”. Over my years as a mummy blogger I had learnt many blogging lessons and drew upon that knowledge to set up Blossom Heart Quilts. On Blogger.
Now, I have outgrown Blogger. It has served me so well and I have loved playing around over there. But now, I need more and WordPress can do what I need it do. A lot of it is behind-the-scenes stuff that will make it easier and more efficient for me to blog, some of it hopefully means it is easier for you, the readers, to navigate and interact. I have spent the past month setting things up over here, hopefully so as to have the smoothest transition possible. It’s not all perfect, I will keep on tweaking but for now, it’s fully functional! My next aim is to rebrand my patterns and to set up a shop on the blog itself, but let’s just get settled in here at our new home first, hey?!
So why WordPress? Well, again, a lot of it is behind-the-scenes stuff called plugins that make it easier for me to run the blog. Like the editorial calendar plugin – a virtual organiser that allows you to schedule draft posts in a calendar-like format, easily move them around, quick-edit them then and there to add in notes/thoughts/points. Like post-it notes on a calendar in real life! A lot of the things you have to use HTML for on Blogger and get you diving into the code come as plugins like the Pinterest Pin It Button For Images. It’s even the simple things like requiring a name and email address to be able to comment, so no more no-reply blogger problems!
As you can see, I’ve also take the opportunity to redesign my logos and images. I always get the itch about 12 months into using a design, so at least this time, I had a very good reason to change! And a HUGE thanks must go to my husband for his design input both with ideas and literally doing a lot of the coding. I could have gotten it done, but at half the pace – he’s definitely the troubleshooter and Mr FixIt in this household! Big kudos also go to Jennie at Clover & Violet for helping with some installation and for answering my many questions!
I hope you like the new house! And after a week off blogging, I can’t wait to get back into it. I need the break from blog coding!
LisaW says
Looks great so far Alyce! Well done on transitioning your own blog. I look forward to seeing more!!
Alyce says
Thanks Lisa! I got there eventually!
Norlin says
Welcome to the “dark” side I always say to anyone who has moved to WordPress…self-hosted no less 😉 Love the new look!
Alyce says
Haha! Pretty much!!
Karen says
hi – nice changes – but I wonder if anyone else just got a repeat of 20 blog posts like I did – very weird.
Alyce says
Ah, that’s probably the blog feed finally updating! Sorry about that, I don’t know why it does that!
Paula says
It all looks great. My husband convinced me to pretty much move to WordPress right after I started blogging and I’ve not regretted it. I love everything about it.
Alyce says
I really wish I had done it earlier!
Molli Sparkles says
Love everything about this! I’m sure when I decide to make the move I’ll be asking you a zillion questions!
Alyce says
Do it sooner than later!!
Kristy @ Quiet Play says
Love the new look! Very fresh and modern – very you 🙂
Alyce says
Aw thanks Kristy, that means a lot!
Gina says
Looks awesome Alyce, so fresh and clean!!
Alyce says
Thank you Gina! Nothing like a good spring clean 🙂
Amy, a redeemed sheep says
It looks fantastic!! I have been tempted, but wonder about cost….
Alyce says
Doing it myself, the hosting and theme fees were under $200 – if you are not confident in your technical abilities (I am and this was a challenge!) or have someone close to help like my husband did, I would suggest paying someone to do it. Or at least to do all the technical moving stuff. The “pretty” stuff is easier!
Jennie says
Looks great Alyce! I am glad you already love WP. And yay for your husband helping you with the coding! I love your new look too, it is so clean and modern. Sometimes I want to switch things around…until I realize I just don’t have the time! Happy blogging!
Alyce says
Thank you Jennie! Haha, yes, it does take a while!
Serena @ Sewgiving says
I love your new virtual home … I shall come and visit often 🙂
Alyce says
Make yourself at home 😉
Sarah Lou says
Very exciting times! The new site looks great 😀