September 24, 2009

Blog Tips

My disclaimer :: I am by no means an expert in coding or web design, but I am capable of making the changes that I want to my blog and thought I would share a couple of great resources!

First - Three Column Blogger has been super helpful in learning the html changes to make for three columns. I typically look through templates every six months, (google "free blogger templates") I always come back to minima. I love the simplicity of it - just me!

Second - Web Page Analyzer is a great tool to see how long your page needs to load, and it shows you each item on your page and the number of bytes it consumes. I use this to see what little extras are eating up too much space, and make sure that it loads quickly for all of you! I've noticed using this site that photos posted using html from flickr, are usually a bit larger than if I upload straight to blogger. Apparently blogger compresses the image for me - nifty! Even still I usually upload once, be it blogger or flickr and then use html as needed.

Do you all know how to paste html into your blog post from flickr?
Go to the picture you would like to use in your flickr stream. Click the "all sizes" button above the photo. Next click the size you would like to use (I use medium), then look below the photo for the html. Copy, then paste it straight into your composer box. It will remain html, until you preview or publish your post.

What do you think of my new layout? I think I'm happy with it! I've got a bit more organizing to do in the sidebars but I'm mostly there. How is it loading for you?


Meanwhile, these two are keep me busy as a referee. Being 2 years apart is a challenge! Owen doesn't understand the problem, and Sophia is all mommy, and smothers Owen. On occasion they play nice together, but usually one is taking away from the other and a war is induced.
One day at a time is the best I can do :)

I'm getting ready for the Quilt Festival! New logo/button coming soon! If you haven't subscribed already, you can get my posts in your inbox (see the box on the right) or add me to your reader - don't miss out! I'm excited :)

I hope this post was helpful to you, let me know if you have a question -
Amy
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29 comments:

Purple Quilter Queen said...

Cool new layout and love the new pic - another new hairdo? Those kiddos are super cute too. Jenn

Thimbleanna said...

Lookin' good Amy!

Live a Colorful Life said...

I really like the layout. And love any advice to make blogging easier and better. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the flickr info - I didn't know that. Mine are four years apart and 1 day at a time seems to be my motto these days too.

amy smart said...

This was SO helpful. thanks so much for sharing. I've been trying to figure out how to post from flickr for a while now. Thanks! :) Hope you're feeling better.

Natalia from Piece N Quilt said...

Like your new layout! Can't wait for quilt festival!

Heather said...

If I'm being honest, I will have to get used to the new layout :)
But I appreciate the tips! And I have the two year gap too...referee is a good reference :D

Sarah said...

looks good!

marlene@ByTheSeam said...

Your new page is fine, didn't take long at all to load. I am looking forward to the quilt festival.

Corrina said...

Your page loads fast! I've been tweaking mine some too. It takes me a while to figure it out...but eventually I do!

Carla said...

Love the new look and what a great hair cut! It seems you are feeling better. When I want to change my blog, I also go through all these changes and end up with the same format with slight changes. :o)

Quiltblocktour said...

Amy,

I like the new layout alot! Thanks for posting the HTML help site. That is definitely something I have frequent trouble with. As for your adorable kiddos, that's something I praise my mom for now because she delt with the same thing with me and my brother. Two years apart as well and always on each others tails and me trying to be his second mother. Have fun with it! :)

Catherine said...

Thanks for the great blogging tips Amy. I have also been playing around with my blog and been on a big learning curve with html but I'm getting there. Like your new photo!

wishes, true and kind said...

Thanks for the great tips/resources!

amylouwhosews said...

love love love the new layout! And i didn't know you could html your photos from flickr. I'm always just copying image from web and pasting it in the photo download part. You are so tricky! Thanks for the tip!

Terriaw said...

Great tips, Amy! I'm going to save this post for reference. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

The post was way beyond me as I don't blog but do appreciate that you take into consideration my old slow computer. You changed your pic... when do you have TIME for all this extra stuff...., do enjoy so keep on keeping on.

Stephanie Hughes said...

Amy, thanks for all the great information. I have just begun, so all the info is great. I love your blog and it's simplicity. Thanks again, Stephanie from Maryland

Natalat said...

dear sister,
It has been one whole, entire, long week since I have seen my quilt on here. How is it coming? I figured blog-land was getting anxious to see it...;) Hope you're feeling better!
natalie

*karendianne. said...

GGrreat tips. Thanks so much for sharing. I love how you're always giving back to everyone around you! Lookin' forward to the next Festival. *karendianne.

Yuki said...

I think the new layout looks great!

Love that little house block, I want to make some, too.

ttfn :) Yuki

Jodi Nelson said...

Love the new look.
;o)

Debbie said...

Can't wait for your festival to start, Amy. I've already put the button on my sidebar. I don't remember how it went last time, but I'll need a reminder a day or two before to post my quilt.

Little Bluebell (Adrianne) said...

Love the new do Amy!!! :) I am considering starting a blog so I can participate in the festival. I'm excited.

-Adrianne (Little Bluebell)

Rebekah said...

Thanks for all of the blogging tips! I am waiting for my code from Blogher and then I can start advertising on my blog thanks to your recommendation.

Amanda Jean said...

do you know why photos (horizonal or landscape) get cut off on the right hand side if you upload them from flickr? i have had no problems with that on a vertical or portrait photo. if you don't know, no worries. :)

Tipper said...

Great tips!

roseylittlethings said...

Html cut and paste... who knew. Worked great! I really really want a 3 column set up but the lady who did my blog design said if I try to change it now I will lose content?? So am scared to try it out...

Jaimie said...

Thanks for the tips! I have been wanting to do a 3 column layout for awhile, although I prefer one on the left and one on the right of the blog. That's just my personal preference though. Looks good!