I want more more MORE!

Never tired of new blog background sites?? Good because neither do I, so here are a couple new ones for you to check out.

That blog place has plenty of free backgrounds, blinkies, and she even does some custoom blog work for those who just want it done for them.

The blog Fairy is also a site for some free backgrounds and custom work.

http://scrap-e-blog.blogspot.com
They have tons of free backgrounds and she makes custom headers. Check them out and let me know what you think.
As always if you have any questions or tips you'd like to share you can contact me at thinkpinkcottage@yahoo.com.

Back in Business

I know I took quite a bit of a hiatus but I'm back! I've got several new things to share with you. Today I'd like to share some fun new background sites for you to check out.

The first is My Style backgrounds. They have awesome backgrounds for you whether you've got a 2 column or a 3column. She also shares fun matching headers for each background.

The next is Butterfylgirlms Blog Design. She has tons of free backgrounds, headers, and templates to choose from.

Also don't forget about kevin and amanda. She has some blog backgrounds, and is always updating her fun fonts to choose from! Enjoy!

Cottage Vacation

I apologize to all you faithful cottage readers out there, I have been on a little hiatus. I will be taking an extended vacation for a short period of time due to an expected baby arrival in 6 days. Yes that means maternity leave folks. I hope to be back soon with TONS of new sites and steals for you to check out....until then....

Peek at shabby chic

My ultra favorite blog background site has just added some new ultra chic backgrounds! Needing a fresh new look then check them out.

New at the Cottage

Since I haven't found any new great blog tips for you readers I decided to add a new element to the blog. I have been wanting to share awesome products for a while now but just haven't got around to it. (Considering I am quite the shopaholic) Our first featured products come from Burts Bees. I LOVE Burts Bees products! Not only are they natural but they smell awesome and work! A few of my favorites are:

Burts Replensihing Lip Balm with pomegranite oil. I am addicted to this lip balm, it's my favorite.

In my opinion this Baby Wash smells the best by far than any other wash on the market. I can't stop smelling my kids after a bath!

Recently I was looking for a new night cream that won't break the bank and saw this at Target. I have been using it for a week and love it. It smells good and makes my skin super soft.

If you have a great beauty, blog tip you'd like to share or you just need some blog help email me at: thinkpinkcottage@yahoo.com

LDS linky buttons

Looking for some cute LDS link buttons for your blog? Try these sites:
Leelou Blogs offers cute ones like these and other cute non LDS buttons @

http://www.leeloublogs.blogspot.com/

My One Cute Blog has some great ones like these and TONS of other buttons sure to add some pizazz to your blog @

http://onecuteblogblinkies.blogspot.com/

Blog Etiquette

This is a must read in my opinion. I absolutely LOVE tipjunkie! If you haven't checked out her site, please do she always gives amazing advice and has fun crafty ideas!

I stumbled upon this post of hers this morning and wanted to share. We all are learning as we go about the blogging world and I think these tips on blog etiquette are a definite need to know!

Here are just a FEW of her tips that I totally agree with:
#1. Give credit where credit is due. If you saw a post, meme, idea, etc. that you love and want to recreate on your blog – go ahead. Just be sure to give link love to the person you blogjacked it from.

#2. Do not attack people with negative anonymous comments. If you’re going to disagree with someone own up to it by linking your name otherwise don’t comment at all. Leaving negative comments anonymously is a cowardly thing to do.

#3. Each blog you visit is the Internet “home” of someone. You wouldn’t dare walk into a home and run your mouth at the host. It’s inappropriate to do on blogs as well. It’s just ugly and you end up looking stupid. Don’t do it. It’s immature.

#4. …When I’m considering posting I ask “Is what I’m about to say going to add value to the conversation?” My “opinion” sometimes means NOTHING to the core of the author’s post. Therefore I keep my golden brain to myself no matter how great I think I may be at the time.

To read the entire post on Blog Etiquette just go to the link below:

http://www.tipjunkie.com/2008/05/blog-etiquette-or-blogtiquette.html

Change the color of the navigation bar at the top of your blog

It is really easy to change the color of the bright blue navigation bar that is at the top of your blog! Just go to your layout page, click edit on the blue rectangular box at the top that says "navbar". Choose on of their color options, they only have blue, silver, black, and tan but one of the others might go better with your layout then the typical blue. Check out my silver one at the top of the blog!

3 column layout

Ever stumbled upon another bloggers page and wondered how they got a 3 column layout? Well here's how to do it, be warned once you've changed your coding to a 3 column it's pretty difficult to get it back so make sure you REALLY want a 3 column layout. Also once you've changed your layout to a 3 column you'll need to use the 3 column designated backgrounds only. Shabbyblogs has a bunch, so does aquapoppy designs, and cutest blog on the block. If your not sure what a 3 column looks like my personal blog is a 3 column so click on my personal blog link on the sidebar to check it out and see if it's for you.
For the brave, go to this link to get the step by step instructions:

http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/blog-secrets/145-how-to-get-a-3-column-template.html

Change the "posted by" line of your posts

I don't know about you but I LOVE making my blog more personal, so with that in mind, how can it be when everyones blog says the dull "posted by" and their name?? Well here's how to change it and insert your own witty saying or catch phrase. When you are on your 'Layout' page it will say in bold on the top 'Page Elements'. You will see a big box that says 'Blog Posts'. Click the 'edit' button on the lower right hand corner of the box. There will be a box that says ‚'posted by'. Now, all you do is type in whatever you want! It's that simple! It's all about making it fun and oh so chic!

Do you have a great tip you'd like to share with us? Email me at thinkpinkcottage@yahoo.com!

My fave one so far

These past couple of days I have had the opportunity to redesign 4 blogs, and this one is my favorite so far! I sort of wish I did my personal blog like hers, lol! Feel free to take a look at my work at:

http://blaylock5.blogspot.com

It was a whole new redesign job: header, background, font, & siggy. Fun fun!

Featured Blog of the Week

Big thanks to Amber for letting me help her with her blog! Did I mention yet how much I enjoy redoing blogs? :)
Like most new bloggers it's hard to figure out how to configure all the codes to get all the cool stuff you want, so Amber wrote to me and I did my part. We designed her personal sig, added some fun text, added a new post divider, and added a friend link list for all the blogs she loves. If your interested in the work I do feel free to check her out at

http://amberrose27.blogspot.com

Thanks again Amber for allowing me to feature your blog! You and your hubby are going to have one SUPER cute baby!! Love ya!

FAQ's of blog troubleshooting

Here are a few issues that I have learned through revamping my blog that I thought I should share. Hopefully you have "attempted" at the very least to update and personalize your blog a little. And with so many cute things how could you not? Maybe you've come across some of these problems and don't know why their happening.

#1- Personal signature is constantly in your way! Can't figure out why that dang signature is floating around in the middle of your post? Make sure to hit enter a bunch BEFORE posting that way your siggy stays at the bottom of the post where it belongs!:)

#2- Can't get your new post font to work in your posting text?? Have you copied and pasted the codes properly? If so make sure that you remember to put the code

< h 3 >

before your text and after paste the code

< / h 3 >.

Also if you are including pictures in your posts, make sure to close the text code before the picture and begin the text code after the picture, otherwise your picture will not show up.

Having other blog issues, no need to fret I am here to help! Just send me your blog issue here on a comment or email me at thinkpinkcottage@yahoo.com.
Happy Blogging!

How To add a post divider

Oh how I love the shabby blogs website! They have awesome tutorials they've added to their blog as well and this one is sure to help make your blog more personal and super cute! Make your post dividers ultra chic and get rid of the blah. I did it, and you can do it too. Be sure to admire my new post divider at the bottom of this post. Go to their webpage and follow their how to, they have plenty of cute post dividers to choose from. Here's your link to get you on your way:

http://shabbyblogsblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/tutorial-how-to-add-post-dividers-to.html

Scrapblog

Wondering how to make awesome headers, sweet picture layouts, or a super chic signature? Try this site:

www.scrapblog.com

I recently heard about this site from a friend and now I'm hooked! I made the header on this blog from this site. It's totally free as long as you stick to the stuff that costs no credits. I found it easiest to start with a theme rather than a blank page. Create your username and then hit the create a scrapblog button. To make my headers I would start with a theme and then create the page the way I wanted it. Then I would delete the extra pages, then hit publish and share to photobucket. Once you've got your page on photobucket downsize it to large and copy the direct link code, then paste that in the web pic code for your header. They also have tons of options such as creating a book, making your own personal calendar, and cards. It's so much fun and extremely addicting once you get the hang of it! Here are a couple of pic layouts I made for my personal blog posts:

Absent minded and just absent all together

Hello Chic Readers! I know it's been a while since I posted any helpful hints, or winners. I have been on vacation in Florida, it was a surprise vacation so no for warning for me to give to my readers. Before that I was a bit absent minded on my posts, but I promise that I will get back to the grind and get you all some new tips and tricks! It's good to be back.

Chicken Scallopini

I missed last fridays fill your tummy, so here is the recipe I meant to post! It's sooooo very yummy! I LOVE a pasta dish that has a light sauce, since pasta is so heavy already it's nice to have a lighter sauce to compliment it.

Chicken Scallopini

Ingredients:
1 lb linguine
6 bnless sknless chkn brsts
Flour
Salt & Pepper
2 Tb olive oil
4 Tb butter

12 oz wht mushrms, sliced thin
1 cup dry white wine
1 lemon
1/2 c heavy crm
1 heaping Tb capers (I left the capers off, I'm not a caper fan)
chopped fresh italian parsley

Cook pasta according to package directions. You'll want it al dente.

Flatten chkn breasts, salt and pepper both sides, then dredge in flour. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over med heat. Fry chkn breasts until golden brwn (about 2-3 mins per side.) Remove to a plate and set aside.

Throw mushrms into the pan and stir. Immediately pour in wine, then squeeze juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon. Stir to deglaze the pan, then cook vigorously for 1 min, until sauce reduces.

Reduce heat to low. Pour in cream and stir, hen add capers and parsley and stir. Turn off heat. Stir and add salt and pepper to taste.

Place pasta and chicken on platter and top w/ every last drop of sauce. Generously sprinkle Parmesan Cheese over the top.
Serves 6 to 7, can cut recipe in half.

How to add a signature to your posts

Would you like to have a singature appear automatically on every blog post? Then follow these step by step instructions:

First you'll need to make a singature. You can do this in MS Paint, Photoshop, Paint.net (free), or you can have someone makea signature for you. I made mine using Paint.net (I LOVE free!). Once you have your signtaure saved on your computer, upload it to a picutre hosting site such as photobucket.com. Whe it's uploaded copy the html code for the image by just hovering over the image the links button will come up.

Then do this:

-Login to blogger
-go to settings
-click on formatting

Scroll to the bottom of the page, where it says post template. Paste the html code in the box. Now your signature will automatically appear in every post!
Don't want a border around your signature? Go to layout, then edit html, and scroll to where you see this:

.post img {
padding: 4px;
border: 0px solid $bordercolor;

Make sure you change the number after border: to zero. And Voila! You're finished!

Check out my very first revamp!

I did my very first blog revamp project recently! My good friend Amanda wanted some help w/ her blog and I had alot of fun re-doing it for her! Go check it out at:

http://talesofahorvathhousewife.blogspot.com

We came up with her new blog name, made a header, changed her background, and added some fun text, and buttons! Thanks so much Amanda for letting me revamp your blog!

Are you interested in getting a revamp from Think Pink Cottage? Email me at thinkpinkcottage@yahoo.com - I love doing it, and I do it totally free!

Tips 4-U Tuesday

It's that time again for GREAT tips! I used this one recently on my personal blog and love it.
How to Add an image next to your sidebar and post titles. For all the info go to this link:

http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/blog-secrets/176-how-to-add-an-image-next-to-your-sidebar-and-post-titles

This site also has plenty of other great secrets for making your blog chic. Such as: How to get a 3 column template, How to get custom colors for your font, & How to change your comments line of your blog.

Fill Your tummy Friday

It's that time again for fill your tummy friday. This week I wanted to share this site brought to you by Disney. I LOVE going to this site when I want to find great ideas for holiday themed dinners, birthdays, kid craft ideas, and just plain any day recipe. They have some really cute cake ideas for your kids birthdays, and simple instructions to make it yourself. (You don't have to be a pro baker) Cakes like these:

For family dinner ideas, and crafts check this out:

http://family.go.com/food/

Winning Women Wednesdays

Every wednesday I will be awarding this adorable blog award! Make sure if you're the winner to post it on your sidebar or in a post that you won! This weeks winners are:

Mele at

http://meleandmakani.blogspot.com

and Christine at

http://a-box-of.blogspot.com

(Christine you need a pic of yourself on your blog...lol) :)

Both these ladies jumped right in and revamped their blogs! Now they both have super chic, ultra cute blogs!! They both have super cute font, and they are amazing Moms with great stories to tell! Congrats Ladies!!

S.O.S

If you happen to find yourself calling out S.O.S while trying to make adjustments to your blog, feel free to email me with any questions at:

thinkpinkcottage@yahoo.com

I am also willing to design your blog for you if you so desire. I would have to know your login info, and the look your going for. I am willing to do this completely free of charge. Just let me know, I am here to help. Happy Blogging!

Tips 4 U- Tuesday

I don't know about you but I love finding fun new projects to make, or new ways to organize. Here are a few fun design tips just for you:

How about a cute new board to organize your keys? Go to this link to find out how to make one for yourself today.

http://jradsfam.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-new-key-rack_23.html

Need a place for all those to do reminders, or your shopping list? How about making this cute magnet board?

http://daveamyallred.blogspot.com/2009/02/do-it-yourself-magnet-board.html

I LOVE this idea! My jewelry usualy winds up in a drawer in the bathroom or a jewelry chest on my end table, but the kids always seem to get to it. Theefore, most of my jewelry has gone MIA or been destroyed. Here's an awesome way to keep it out of the kids hands and organized.

http://halfofvamh.blogspot.com/2008/10/diy-jewelry-organizer.html

I love the way she blogs

Once again, I Love the Way She Blogs doesn't disappoint! I absolutely LOVE this blog, she always has amazing tips! Are you interested in making your blog, your own personal linky button? Then try this link:

http://ilovethewaysheblogs.blogspot.com/2009/03/grabbing-buttons.html

I followed her easy steps and just like that I made my very own blog button. If you do choose to do so, drop her a comment and let her know how much you appreciate her site. And don't forget to grab my linky button on the side tab of my blog, and spread the blog love! :)

Fill Your Tummy Friday

I want this blog to have tons of different things to help all of us sahm's so therefore I will be incorporating food...we all need to eat right? This is one of my favorite websites for recipes.

www.pioneerwoman.com

She has amazing photographs of her food, taking you step by step on the how to's. Her commentary is hilarious, she also links to topics such as photography, and home & garden. She is actually in the middle of publishing her cookbook. I've tried several of her recipes, this is one of my faves:

These enchiladas are to die for! Or maybe you'd like something like this:

Regardless of your taste, I'm sure you'll find something to make your mouth water.

Photo Editing

I've tried different sites to photo edit with but this one is my favorite, and once again I will use that favorite word: FREE! Picnik.com is an awesome photo editing site. You can create collages, add effects, text, graphics, and more to your pictures. I use this site to create headers as well. For photo editing chic, check out Picnik.com!
Here are a few of my personal photos I've edited through Picnik.com for an example: