It’s been just over two weeks since I first announced big changes on my blog. You can read all about those changes here… but the biggest change is that I’m launching a brand new blog and business name!
Don’t worry though, it’s just the name.
My blog will still look and function almost exactly the same as it does now — there will just be a new logo in my blog header and a new URL. All the individual post links should automatically redirect (thanks to the hard work of my web team!), the email and RSS feed subscriptions should remain intact, and the content will stay the same.
It’s JUST the name 🙂
As much as I love “Simple Organizined Living” (and oh I do love it), it’s time to move on.
This was not an easy decision to make — and I didn’t jump into the rebranding process quickly or hastily. I’ve actually be thinking about this for almost a year, and making plans since early December, 2012.
I met with my lawyer, with my accountant, with my web designers, and with other web-savvy friends (a big thanks to my friends Jodi and Jennifer!)
I signed, faxed, scanned, and emailed more paperwork than you can possibly imagine.
I changed my bank accounts, tax records, 1099’s, and PayPal information.
I updated my email addresses, most of my social media profiles, and I’ve ordered new business cards.
I updated my sidebar, recipes page, advertising page, contact page, and about page (seriously, click through to some of these pages — I’m so excited with how they turned out!)
I even got a bunch of snazzy pictures taken for the new blog — courtesy of Zander & Breck Photography
And I’m ALMOST ready to “make the switch”.
There are still a few details to work out as we prepare to switch my website domain name over, but I figure it’s probably about time I share my new name with YOU!
Thanks for waiting so patiently 🙂
So without further adieu… welcome to AndreaDekker.com
What do you think?
I know it’s not earth-shattering, I know it’s not super cute or clever, and I know it’s nothing like my current name.
But it’s simple… and it’s “me” (literally!) It fits my personality and the look, feel, and style I want to portray as I move forward with my blog and my business.
It’s professional but still personal.
It’s simple but still stylish.
It’s clean, it’s classic, and it clearly states the message I want to portray in 3 words.
real life… simplified.
My goal for my business and this blog has always been to keep things as simple and as straightforward as possible. I personally don’t like to waste time, space, money, or energy on fancy meals, complicated budgets, elaborate decorations, or trying to portray a perfect representation of my life — so I figure you don’t either.
That’s not helpful for real people, and sometimes, I think blogland can get too caught up in perfectionism — trying to portray the perfect image/home/family/recipe to the rest of the world — and inadvertently causing those who read that blog to feel inferior.
Nope, that’s not for me!
I try really hard to keep things simple and real, and I think I’ve done a decent job of this, because the #1 comment I get from readers is how refreshing it is to read such simple tips, recipes, and ideas that almost anyone can implement.
That’s my goal (or at least that’s what I’m trying to do).
I simplify the complicated.
I make difficult tasks doable for the average Jane.
I share quick, easy recipes so busy parents have the time to get a meal on the table.
I provide real-life examples with simple solutions.
I present information in new ways with the hopes of motivating normal folks like me and you to get off our butts and get to work!
So WHAT is Andrea Dekker?
It’s a brand, a business, and a blog that focuses on simplifying real life for real families with real budgets, real schedules, real homes, and real lives.
My hope is that AndreaDekker.com will be a resource to motivate, encourage, and inspire YOU to make positive changes in your home, your family, and your life.
If that sounds like something you’re interested in… then by all means, I hope you stick around!
Fearon says
Congratulations! I’m excited for you 🙂 Love the new logo.
Tracy Shipler says
Just wanted to say as much as I loved your website name (Simple Organized Living) I really love the new name! It’s easy to remember, and less to type in ;). I am new to your website and think I found it through another blog or something, but love all your great tips and advice and have been coming back for more recipes, tips and the like! Congrats on the new name and keep up the good work!
Andrea says
Thanks Tracy — I’m looking forward to launching the new site later this week 🙂
Jennifer says
I love the new name! For many reasons, it’s great, congrats! 🙂
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I love it, Andrea! Congrats! 🙂
Michele says
Congratulations on a great new name for your site! Love it!! And yes, I would wholeheartedly agree that being ‘real’ has got to be one of your greatest assets (and inspirations) to your blog. In my house, I have made reference to you on more than one occasion as if we are really friends – as if you are not merely just a blogger that I enjoy following…:)
Kimberly Crawford says
Congrats Andrea!
It has been a pleasure to have stumbled upon your blog.
As a busy blogger mom who is new to this game, I am excited to see your growth and proud of you for sticking to your goals and not faltering off course amongst so many new changes in your life, (hello BABY 🙂
I look forward to watching you grow and am eager to learn how to add more simplicity in my life!
I would love to interview you and have you on the site if you are ever interested.
Best!
Kimberly Crawford
http://www.lastmomstanding.com
Sarah says
Andrea- I LOVE your blogging philosophy-and you have hit it right on the mark-your “realness” shows-and that is why readers come back. It’s really about the values you embrace in life-time is more important than money-SO darn refreshing. I’m so excited for you!
Andrea says
Thanks Sarah — that means a lot coming from you!
Jenny C. says
Andrea, you better believe I’ll stick around! I just love your blog and look forward to all your posts. You are a blessing to me and I’m sure many others! Thanks for doing what you do!
Fenton says
Love the pictures~Keep the creativity flowing! Thanks!
Ann says
I like the new name & ONE of the reasons this is my favorite blog is because you choose topics that we (real people in a real world) are interested in!! Thanks so much! ‘
and btw…GREAT PHOTOS!!
Jaclyn says
LOVE IT! it looks awesome!
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving says
Good job simplifying, Andrea. It’s perfect – for all the reasons you listed. The new pictures are lovely, as are the site updates. That really is a never ending online process, isn’t it? I’ll be looking forward to continuing to watch your site grow in the months and years to come!
Andrea says
Thanks Kristen — and yes, it IS a never-ended process. The internet changes so much and I’m always coming up with new ideas to implement!
Debbie says
I love it! You’ve already helped me put some positive changes into my life, which I’m so grateful for. Good luck with making the change, and I hope it goes as smoothly as possible for you!
Ree Klein says
Hi Andrea, I only recently discovered your blog. I really have to compliment you; you come through as genuine, honest, loving and passionate. Your new name/branding is great, too. One of the things I adore about your blogging style is how you embed pictures of your life in your posts. That makes you so much more real and approachable.
Keep up the wonderful work!
Ree, EscapingDodge.com
Bama Girl says
Hi Andrea! Congratulations on your new site name change! I love the changes you’ve made here, and the name change is perfect! I love the photos, and your hair style! Little Nora is changing constantly! Thanks for all you do do help simplify our daily lives! Blessings from Bama!
Candis says
Congratulations, I love the new name captures you, and this blog is exactly what it says real life made simple. I have a very cluttered life, I have struggled with it my whole life, in frustration one day I googled organized living and your blog popped up, I have never looked back since. I found you sometime last year and I devoured the blogs you had written in about two weeks read everything. And I finally get it – this is what I have learned – organizing does not have to require a large amt of time a little time consistently goes a long way, the timer is my friend for getting tasks done, AND the biggest one, an organized space does not have to look like a Martha Stewart Magazine (though nice) that was the biggest one. I thought being orgainzed meant it had to look like the perfectly decorated pictures no is just need to be simple and organized style can come after (as long as it is functional). Thank you for teaching me how to live and be the best be –
This is my motto “Simplifying my very real life one day at a time with the help of simplification and efficancy expert Andrea Dekker” 🙂
Autumn Beach says
YAY!! It’s brilliant! No more confusion and/or copycats, because YOU are one in a million, Andrea Dekker! So fun to get to watch you roll this all out. And I absolutely love those new photos! Congratulations!! So happy for you!!
Tania says
Hi Andrea, I have followed your blog for quite some time now, and it really is real life…. simplified. I love your new name and branding, I think it is just perfect for what you represent. Your photos – you, Dave and Norah – are just beautiful. Thank you for all your effort in helping people to simplify their lives. With warmest regards to you and your family. Tania
Janet says
Love it!! And the pics of you (gorgeous) and your family are priceless. I wore my hair like that off and on for years and it never looked that good on me, of course I’ve probably got 30 years on you, 🙂 Looking forward to checking out the rest of the blog.
Janet
Sandy says
I like it. I really like it. I simply like it. 🙂 Congratulations on your progress and success so far.
Mary says
Loving the new name and all the changes so far it is looking great. One of the reasons I have been reading and following you for so long is that you keep it real. I like your straight forward attitude to things and prefer blogs like yours to those perfect life ones you mentioned. They are usually not as perfect as they like to make out.
Noreen says
I like it for all the reasons stated in your post. Plus, when I see a name of a blog in my mail box, I have to stop and think about who it is and when do I want to make time to open it. I don’t like to miss any of your post. 🙂 So, this makes it a lot easier to see your name right in the title. Loved the simple fruit salad! I have to laugh, because when ever I talk to my husband about anything I’ve learned from your blog, I’ll say, you know, the fruit salad… Andrea. Then we both know who I’m talking about. LOL Thank you ~
martha lawson says
Love, love the new name!! I really enjoy your blog even tho I don’t comment very much. I really enjoy the pictures of your beautiful little girl. I’m so enjoying watching her grow up!!
Stacie Kaltz says
I know for myself I enjoy your blog because it does make the reader feel that what you are portraying is not something we cant do! Everything you blog about is REAL, and with that it makes myself at least feel that it can be accomplished! Your blog is very inspiring!!! Great new name!!! Thanks 🙂
jen says
I love your site and the new logo and photos are great! My son is just a couple of weeks older than Nora (and he’s our only, too) so I have had fun seeing how you deal with some of the clutter and unexpected incidents that happen with a toddler! I was going to write about your blog on mine but now I think I should wait until the AndreaDekker is complete. Do you know when your re-branding will be finished? Thanks and keep up the great tips!
Kim says
Wonderful photos! I like the name change, especially if it makes sure you receive credit for all your hard work. Changing from a rather easy-to-get- wrong blog name to “ANDREA DEKKER
… real life simplified” blog name is important. Is there anything I need to do to be sure that this new name on your blog does not start going to my junk mail?
You are doing a superb job!
Deb says
Love it very clean, classy & more personal!!looking forward to the new updates.
Jeanine says
I love the new name, and the pictures of you and your family are absolutely beautiful! Can you tell me if you pronounce the first letter of Andrea with a short a sound or an ah sound? I have two friends named Andrea, and they each use a different pronunciation. Thanks!
Andrea says
Thanks Jeanine — and good question 🙂 I’m just plain “Andrea”, not “AHndrea”. Just like you would say the word “and”. You can watch the video in this post and hear me say my name if you are still confused!!
Denise Z says
It’s PERFECT! (I mean that in a GOOD way! LOL!). It’s real, it’s simple, it’s who you are and what you do…it’s YOU!!!
Natalia says
I love it!!! And I love the pictures, too: beautiful, simple and so expressive! Congratulations!!!
Amy Hll says
Very classy! Congratulations!
Amy
Rebecca G says
Awesome! I look forward to your emails and Nora’s pics always make my day brighter! Congratulations and best of luck!
Doreen@househoneys says
It’s perfect! Sophisticated, stylish, simple and chic! Love it!
Karen says
Congratulations! Lovely changes and terrific pictures! Rejoicing with you!
Chrissy says
Congratulations Andrea ! I’ve just recently found your site but I love your articles and actually look forward to reading them in my busy mommy life. Looking forward to the development of your blog under your “new” name :).
Kathryn Bechen says
Very nice! Congrats Andrea! Fun new pix of you too.
Lauren @ Rustic Honey says
I think this new logo and tagline look great! Simple, clean and to the point! Can’t wait to see all the updates! Congrats on turning over a new leaf!
Chalyse Meiklejohn says
LOVE the name change! So “you”.
Are you changing your Facebook page name?
If so, I think you may have to make a new page because after you get so many likes you can’t change the title of your page.
Just curious!
Excited for you! 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Chalyse! Yes, I will be changing my facebook page, but there are some new ways I can go about doing it without getting a brand new page. I’ve already researched my options… I just have to wait to implement the changes until my website URL actually changes to AndreaDekker.com. Hopefully all goes smoothly 🙂