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!
Maria says
Hi Andrea! I just love the new fresh look and your photos are gorgeous. I’m so glad that you’ll continue to motivate, encourage, and inspire us with all your great tips. You’re truly an inspiration to all new mothers (and old ones like me). Congrats and and best wishes. I’m so thankful I found this blog.
Laurel says
Oops, I just left my comments on the incorrect posting on your blog so I’ll repost here 🙂 Congratulations, it looks really nice and you can tell a lot of work went into all of the changes. I love the photos. Something I’ve wondered ever since I started reading your blog-what did you major in in college? Business? Home Economics (or whatever it may be called now), journalism? Just curious. I couldn’t agree with you more about other blogs leaving you feeling inferior. Keep up the good work.
Andrea says
Thanks Laurel, I majored in Business and Communication with a minor in Psychology 🙂
Debra Schramm says
I love it! I look forward to everyone of your posts.
Starla says
Wow. Just WOW! It all looks quite nice!
Jen@BigBinder says
FANTASTIC! It takes courage to make a change like that, but also vision and determination. I’m so proud of you, Andrea!!
Caitlin says
How simple! I’ve recently started reading your blog – finding you through another mommy blogger – and always feel your voice is so real and simple. Love the changes! Looking forward to continuing to follow you! Congratulations.
Caitlin
Tammy @SkipperClan says
Love the name change, design and photos! Gorgeous.
Kjrsten says
Congrats! I Love the new changes. Looking forward to watching you grow and wishing you all the best.
Katie Petry says
I’ve been following your blog for some time now. I also am a lover of the simple and beautiful. I work full time (and have chronic health issues), my husband is busy as a first year medical student, therefore I have especially limited time and energy. I am always looking for ways to simplify and save money. You have motivated, encouraged, and inspired me! I look forward to continuing to follow your blog. Congrats on the new name. I love it!
Katie
Karen says
I love it!! I love your blog! Keep up the great work!!
Teri says
LOVE IT!!!
ps- You eyes look fiercely green in the last picture. I never noticed that before.
Kalyn Brooke says
Love it….and you don’t have to worry about someone taking that name away from you! 🙂
Brandi Clevinger says
To be honest, I was not happy that you were changing the name because I didn’t think anything could envelope what you do best BUT I was wrong (and I don’t admit that often). This is absolutely perfect!! I love it! And it really does suit it more now that you’re established! Congratulations!
Andrea says
Thanks Brandi — glad I got your “approval” 🙂
Shante says
Looks AMAZING! I look forward to the many changes! As a wife and new mommy, I am inspired by you and read your website daily. I am so happy for you and your family! Keep it up!
JoAnn C. says
I almost wrote Perfect. But instead I’ll simply write WOW.
Andrea says
Thanks JoAnn — I definitely appreciated “WOW” more than “Perfect”
Melissa Dehne says
Congratulations! A perfect new name to describe your blog! I will continue to be a follower as I have in the past. I love the new photos and can I just say that that last picture you is just lovely!? Best wishes as you start your newest-ish endeavor!
Charmaine says
Congratulations, I don’t know you but I am so excited for you and the next phase of your journey. Thank you for all the inspiration and for sharing.
Julie says
I love this. Congrats on the change Andrea!!
Monika says
Beautiful! So real. You’ve touched on something about real life. I don’t live in a Pinterest perfect life and I don’t like feeling guilty about it. Great post. Good luck!
Andrea says
Thanks Monika… I love Pinterest but I think it has make a lot of people (women especially) feel very inferior and guilty. I’ll keep doing my best to keep things real over in my tiny corner of the internet 😉
Sue says
LOVE it! So refined and professional. So proud of your accomplishments! I can say, “I knew her when…”. You are my hero!
Andrea says
Thanks Sue… Nora (and I) would really like to see you again!
shelly says
love it! looks fabulous!
Evie says
Excellent! I love it! Congratulations, and thanks for keeping up the good work! 🙂
Michele says
Love the changes! I’m excited for you! 🙂
Elizabeth | ReadySetSimplify says
That was my guess :-). Great idea. Love the new pictures, too!
Jennifer Gregory says
Thanks Andrea! Love the new name and I am so appreciative of your help! At 46, I am trying to learn better organization skills and you are my go-to girl! Thanks for the inspiration! Wish I would have had it when I was younger!
Arian says
Love it! Looks really great like a breath of fresh air.
Lisa L says
Love it! I am in marketing and your graphics and simplicity are top notch!
Katherine says
Very nice update! Technical question for you: If I follow in a feed reader, will that automatically update too, or do I need to resubscribe under the new name?
Andrea says
Thanks Katherine! At this point, I don’t think you should need to do anything. It should automatically switch over. I’ll be blogging more about the change as we make it final (in the next couple of weeks) and I’ll probably know more at that point. But I don’t think you will need to do anything (hopefully not!)
Julie says
Awesome! I hope everything continues to go well for you!
Amanda says
It’s wonderful! I agree with Judy, the graphics look great! New year and new change 🙂
Judy @ A Meek Perspective says
I love it and the graphics look great. BTW, can you share how you tied your scarf in the picture above? It looks great!
Enjoy your blog!
Judy 🙂
Jen says
I LOVE the new name and the colors but most of all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your short hair. I’m a short (really short!) hair gal too and I just love your short, sassy cut! Many blessings to you in all your new adventures!
Andrea says
Thanks Jen — yeah, I’ve had short SHORT hair for at least 3 years now and I’m a big fan. I miss my ponytails like crazy, but it takes me less than 3 minutes to do my hair every morning and that’s a HUGE “plus”. You can read the full post I wrote about my short hair here (if you’re interested!)
krisna says
i knew it!i just knew it. 🙂 when andreadekker.com turned out to be taken,i thought it’s going to be your new url.wow,that’s so great andrea.can’t wait to see your business grow.
Andrea says
haha — where you spying on my Krisna? I’ve actually had andreadekker.com registered since I got engaged to Dave back in college. I knew it would come in handy one day 🙂
Courtney says
Love it! The new pictures are stunning as well! Thanks for all you’ve done…looking forward to what is ahead!
Katie says
I think it is wonderful! Very simple and elegant. Looking forward to all of the awesome posts in the future.
Jen says
Congrats! You’ve built an awesome business and trusting your gut seems to have worked well for you so far. My guess is that this is another example of that. 🙂
Jennifer C says
Love it…Outstanding! And of course I’ll still follow you 😉
Tragic Sandwich says
I like it! And I think it does reflect your philosophy. It draws me right in.
Alicia J. says
Congratulations. I’ve really enjoyed your site for the past almost year that I’ve been following you. Thank you for all the tips and advice. Keep up the great work.
Erin says
It’s beautiful! And so are your new pictures! I enjoy reading your blog. I will continue reading your blog no matter the name. Keep up the good work!