Welcome Friends!
I’m pleased as punch to be the very first to welcome you to the NEW AndreaDekker.com!
It was a long weekend, but we made it… and almost everything is squared away (still a few kinks to work out — but that’s to be expected, I suppose.)
I’m just loving my new name and logo!!!
Especially the little “ad” icon.
You might notice that aside from the header and a few new additions to the sidebar, things really don’t LOOK a lot different — and you’re right.
I’ve made most of the visible changes slowly over the last 4-6 weeks, so this weekend was mostly behind-the-scene stuff (and that’s the scary stuff because it’s so easy for something tiny to cause huge issues!)
I originally wanted to do a fun “movie post” with pictures, music, video clips, etc. I had everything planned out, the pictures selected, my “script” written, and even my choice of song for background music.
I worked my butt off to get all my other blog posts, housework, virtual assistant work, guest posts, and other tasks completed well ahead of schedule so I could spend Wednesday – Saturday “making the switch”, tying up loose ends, and creating my video. I even went to a special training at the Apple store to learn some cool video-editing tips.
Then REAL LIFE happend…
The babysitter and her whole family came down with the flu, the back-up babysitter was unavailable, Nora got sick, playgroups were canceled, naps were refused, and sleeping at night… well, it basically didn’t happen (because of Nora, not because I was working on the blog.)
So, I ended up spending the majority of Wednesday – Friday like this.
I couldn’t even get a break from the weather (it was freezing cold and raining all week long). Getting fresh air or going for walks was out of the the question (especially with Nora’s cold). Even long car rides didn’t put Nora to sleep — which is extremely rare.
Nora needed to sleep and nothing worked. So there we sat on the couch — the only way she would sleep.
At first I was flustered, and upset — why NOW, of all times!
Then I reminded myself that the whole point of AndreaDekker.com is to share tips, ideas, recipes, and solutions to simplify REAL LIFE for real families, with real homes, real budgets, real schedules, and real lives. Not to produce cool videos that might “wow” a few readers.
So here I am, sharing MY real life with you.
No cool videos today (but Nora is feeling much better!)
Thanks to Dave’s help over the weekend, I was able to accomplish everything that absolutely HAD to be finished by Saturday night… and I never even worked past 11:30pm!
This is what my desk looked like most of the weekend — notice that it’s only 11:05 and I’m already starting to close up for the night 🙂
Real life at the Dekker’s, my friends!!
So what exactly did I change?
There are a TON of behind-the-scene web changes, as well as lots and lots of business, financial, and legal information I had to update — but you’ll most likely never notice any of that stuff. It’s all important… and a HUGE pain, but at least it’s all finished now!
The overall style and design of the blog did not change much — and of course, the content will remain the same. However, what you might notice are a handful of visible changes that will hopefully improve this blog and make it easier for you to navigate and find the information you need.
Most of the visible changes are located in the blog header — you can see both the before and after headers below (click on the image to enlarge it)… and read more about each change via the corresponding numbered points below.
1. Simplified Name, Logo, and URL
So this is a biggie! You can read more about my decision to completely change my blog and business name here and here.
Personally, I like using my name, I like that it’s a shorter URL, I like that it’s easy to remember, and I like the 2-color logo instead of the busier 4-color logo.
2. Simplified Tagline
I absolutely love the feeling I get every time I say (or think) “real life… simplified”. It sums up everything I want to portray for my blog and my business in just 3 words.
It’s perfect 🙂
3. Simplified Categories
I really wanted to simplify all my category names to single words — and I love the new LIFE, HOME, FOOD, FAMILY, and WORK tags.
As you’ll notice if you browse through the categories a bit more, I’ve eliminated the CLUTTER CONTROL tag and have incorporated it under the “Organizing” sub category for HOME. Although clutter control is still a huge part of what I do, I feel that it just fits better as a subcategory now than as it’s own main category.
I like the look of the single words, and I also like having just 5 main categories instead of 6 — especially since I’m currently only blogging 5 days a week now.
4. Simplified Social Media
I’m finding that I really only have time to devote to a few social media platforms — Facebook being the main one right now. I use Twitter and Pinterest sparingly and have decided not to invest my time or energy into any of the many, MANY other options!
So, I made those 3 icons very visible and got rid of the cluttered look of everything else.
5. Simplified Search
I wanted to make it really easy for you to find whatever you’re looking for, so the search bar is now RIGHT in the navigation bar. Can’t get much simpler than that!
I cleaned up the side bar a bit, added some fun new images of my smiling face, updated my contact information and my virtual recipe box, added way more information than you care to know on my about page, and basically just tried to give everything a fresh, clean, simple look.
If you’re reading this in your feed reader or in an email, PLEASE click through to this post and check out the live site 🙂
So… what do you think?
I have a fun line-up of posts for the rest of the week — including some fabulous giveaways tomorrow — so make sure you come back 😉
Also, if you see something that’s not working right, or if you experience any issues, feel free to contact me. It might just be a glitch that we already know about, but it’s helpful for me to know where problems are (and I won’t think you’re complaining!)
Moving Forward as AndreaDekker.com:
I think the following section from my About page pretty much sums it up.
My house, my family, and my life are far from perfect, but that’s OK — I’ll share them with you anyway.
It’s all here and more.
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. So grab a comfy chair and a cup of coffee… I’d love to have you stick around for a while!
Verity says
I’m looking forward to when the search bar works! What a great idea! 🙂
Andrea says
The search bar is now working Verity!
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving says
Well done, Andrea! Your updated site is simple and classy – just like you! Of course, I mean those both as compliments! 🙂
Mary says
Congratulations on the new site it is looking great. Glad Nora is feeling better too 🙂
Patty@homemakersdaily.com says
Congrats. Looks great. Glad Nora’s feeling better.
Autumn Beach says
Congratulations, Andrea!! On your new site AND having your priorities straight. It’s encouraging to see somebody so driven and successful CHOOSE to focus on what matters most. Way. To. GO! Love the new look! I know there must be many more wonderful things in store for Andrea Dekker. 🙂
MaryJane Higgins says
Love it all! You go girl! By practicing what you preach you made it through putting family first. That’s why we love you.
Abbie says
Thanks for sharing with us. Nora needed you more than we needed a post with all the bells and whistles. Your new look is great!
JoDi says
Oh my, real life never happens when it’s convenient does it? 😉
So glad you managed to get the essentials done so you could get the new site going. It looks great! Love the About page. I can’t believe how long I’ve been reading your blog now, It’s been at least 2 years! Here’s to many more!
Sandy K says
I applaud you for making Nora your priority!
Rhonda H. says
Love your old site Andrea, and I’m sure this new site will be just as awesome! Frankly, you & I have little in common on the surface (I’m a 50-something wife & mom with children & grandchildren), but after subscribing to your blog I’ve seen many similarities. Looking forward to more great posts!!
Barb says
Congratulations, your new site looks great! Your posts always inspire, uplift, encourage and motivate me to do more for my family and with my life. Thank you for everything!
Cat says
With the lower level of our old farmhouse flooding two weeks ago from a broken water pipe, I found myself forced to clean (new flooring, drywall, paint, etc.). I lost so much of the paperwork and furniture in my office and guest bedrooms, but I believe blessings come in the most unusual ways, sometimes. It’s the perfect excuse to start simplying my life, starting right with your website. I’ve been following you for about a year, and I already have learned so much. Great new website too. I’m looking forward to seeing all the new ways I can be encouraged to live the “simple organized. . . best life” I can. Thanks, and good luck.
Andrea says
Wow Cat, that sounds like a huge mess… but I totally know what you mean about something like that FORCING you to get more organized. Happy cleaning 🙂
Doreen@househoneys says
You said it’s perfect, and I couldn’t agree more! All the best with your new venture!
P.S. just one thing…HGTV is spelled HGVT in your sidebar.
Andrea says
Thanks Doreen — I just fixed the HGTV 🙂
Donnamarie says
Great job Andrea! Looks great!
Living So Abundantly says
Thanks for keeping it real and sharing! I have an almost 5 month old baby, and I smiled when I read your post. Yes, “real life” happens. You have your priorities right, though! The new look–love it!
Nelly says
Glad Nora’s feeling better. Love the pictures. Looks like you and I both had changes of plans in the end of our weeks last week. Love your new blog look.
Candis says
Congratulations my friend! It’s strange that I feel quite proud and happy for someone I barely know, but maybe because you share your life with us, I feel like I know you somewhat. And I am very very proud of you for all you have acomplished and you’re not even 30yrs 🙂 and happy for you. I love the new site, simple and beautiful, just like you 🙂 I look forward to spending another extrodinary year with you simplifying my life 🙂 Congrats again.
Michele says
nice changes. a blog is always a work in progress.
Kristin says
Looks wonderful! I’m so sorry you had such a hard week…I have two little ones and know what it feels like to have to put everything you’ve planned on hold. It’s especially frustrating if you’re a list-checker-offer 🙂 Great new site and looking forward to reading your articles!
Angie says
Love your new logo. The site looks great. Looking forward to continuing to read! I love how you chose to simplify social media – I may have to give that some food for thought!
Elena says
The site looks wonderful, Andrea! Glad to hear Nora is feeling better:) I’m looking forward to all your wonderful posts….warm wishes!
stacie Kaltz says
It’s AWESOME!!! Thanks again for keeping things REAL!!!!!!
Rachel says
Congrats on the new site! It looks great and the added search feature makes it much more user-friendly.
Glad to hear your daughter is feeling better! I can definitely relate to the situation you described. I find it reassuring that real life affects even the most organized 😉
Andrea says
ah yes, “real life” is pretty hard to escape — no matter how organized you might be 🙂
Kalyn Brooke says
This looks great, Andrea! Love the new logo – it’s definitely you. 🙂
Heidi says
Looks great! I like your rebranding, well done 🙂
I don’t know if this is on your end or mine, but your new nav bar logo graphic does not show up in Chrome on my Mac — but it does show up on my Mac in Safari. Just wanted to let you know 😉
Andrea says
Thanks Heidi, It sounds like you need to clear your cache/cookies and refresh your browser… then it should work.
Tanya says
Everything looks fabulous! I’ve been reading your blog regularly for about 2 years and although I have never commented, I’ve been inspired by so many things on here. Great work!
Andrea says
Thanks for venturing out and leaving your first comment Tanya 🙂
Katie says
Congratulations on all of the big changes coming to fruition! Things are looking great. I hope you, Dave, and Nora get to do something fun to celebrate!
Cammy@Serentipity says
I like it! I hope this makes YOUR life more simplified! (And I hope Nora is feeling better today.)
Andrea says
Thanks Cammy — I’ll definitely have less on my plate now that this switch is done. Perfect timing since I really need to start doing more yard work 🙂 And yes, Nora is feeling better!
Kjrsten says
Keep moving forward! There is a lot to be said about a person who shares their ideas and wisdom with others. I am truly thankful, Andrea. Cheers to you and your future endeavors.
JoAnn C. says
Looks great and thanks for all your hard work. Oh, and I know I said I’d make the smoothies for all of us today, but…life, you know?!
Andrea says
Haha — well Dave and I made smoothies last night so I’m set with smoothies for at least a couple days!
Courtney says
Looks great! Thanks for all of your hard work! Love the new tagline.
Dija says
Excited.. love the site so inspring ..wishing you good luck
Ashley says
I’m excited about it, mostly because you are obviously so excited!
Holly says
Looks great! I can only imagine how many hours and how much work this took. Great job of putting first things first and getting perspective on what is important when you had many other plans!
Jackie says
Perfect for you….and for those of us that follow you.
Prerna@The Mom Writes says
LOVE it and SO thrilled to be among the first visitors.. All the best, Andrea!!
Paulette says
LOVE the changes. Thanks for keeping it real!
Jen says
Everything looks great! And I’m glad poor little Nora is feeling better. Nothing like a day or two in mommy’s arms to get a little back to normal.
stephanie says
LOVE it!
Mia says
Andrea,
I am so happy to be among the first who visited your new home. Thank you so much for inspiring us !!!!!