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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / lifestyle / giveaway / {Oh, you need your blog re-designed? // a feature + giveaway with Viva la Violette}

{Oh, you need your blog re-designed? // a feature + giveaway with Viva la Violette}

February 8, 2013 ·
Filed Under: giveaway, shop feature

This giveaway is now closed! Congratulations to comment #19, Mandy. Please check your email for a message from us! And thank you to all who entered… xoxo

Heather of Viva la Violette {who re-designed my blog a couple of weeks ago} is our XL sponsor for February and y’all, she’s so talented! Her design process is pretty simple, which I loved {simple = easy on the customers}. Depending on what package you purchase, Heather will have you create a pinterest board so she can easily see your style/vision, then she’ll have you fill out a design questionnaire, and then she’ll work her magic… which was my favorite part :) I loved seeing her transform my pinterest board + questionnaire and turn it into something concrete.

I asked Heather to share a little bit about herself with you, along with a few reasons having a personalized blog design is important. And you know I asked her to share with us how she finds inspiration! :) Enjoy the interview… and psst! there’s a giveaway at the end!

+ + +

gussy-sews-viva-la-violette

Hi! I’m Heather — a web and blog designer, wife, mommy, DIYer, blogger, gamer, and lover of all things purple. My passion lies in creating beautiful , functional designs for the web. My infatuation with websites and animated graphics started in high school, when my older brother brought home our first computer. Around the year 2000, I started teaching myself HTML and began creating websites to test my skills and learn new things. I later graduated with a BFA in Visual Arts — Computer Animation, and am continuing my education to keep up with the latest design trends and mobile responsive techniques.

Before I started Viva la Violette in 2008, I worked as a Lead Artist at a casual video game company for three years. It was a blast and something I learned a TON from, but I know that where I am now is where I’m supposed to be. Once I started designing for WordPress and fell into the Studiopress community, I felt that I had found my ‘calling’ and I have not looked back since.

gussy-sews-viva-la-violette

Having a personalized blog or website is important in so many ways ~ here are my top 3 reasons:

1) To give your readers an insight into your life: not just through your words, but also through your style. If people will remember your site, they’ll probably come back to visit again and again.

2) To make your little corner of the internet feel personal and inviting. I can’t tell you how many times my clients have said something along the lines of ‘I want my readers to feel at home, like they can relax with a cup of tea and have a good read’.

3) To be unique and stand out from the crowd. Although there are many free themes available, having a custom blog design and branding will help you stand out and appear more professional.

 gussy-sews-viva-la-violette

My favorite part of creating a design is the collaboration process I go through with each client. I sometimes think of myself as a translator of sorts, conveying my client’s vision and style through design.  I love choosing fonts and color palettes, and looking through pinterest boards that some of my clients submit for inspiration. (Secret boards work great for this!) This gives me a great sense of what appeals to them visually, and typically has my head buzzing with ideas before I even begin the design.

gussy-sews-viva-la-violette

I think all creatives feel ‘burnt out’ at times, and during those times I usually take a step back from my work and get away from the computer. A walk through the bookstore, window shopping, games with my family, or a fun DIY project is a great way for me to unwind and let my creativity rejuvenate. As far as inspiration, I find it everywhere! I often find it when I least expect to, whether it’s in conversation, music, or on a billboard sign. I also fill my studio with things to inspire: books, purple things, personal photos, watercolors, my inspiration board, etc.  (Gussy is the one who inspired me to make my inspiration board a couple of years ago!) Online I find inspiration on sites like Pinterest, Dribbble, Colour Lovers, and blogs I read. I’m also inspired by many of my web design friends, since we are always helping each other out and sharing our work. Having such a great community surrounding my profession is truly inspiring and such a blessing.

gussy-sews-viva-la-violette

Find Heather elsewhere: Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Facebook // Instagram // Dribbble

+ + +

GIVEAWAY DETAILS // Heather is offering a $100 gift certificate towards custom design packages, addons, or premade themes, yeow! Simply use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter {there are 3 ways to enter}.

MORE INFO // This giveaway is open to all countries and will end on Thursday, February 14 at 11:59pm PST. A winner will be selected + emailed/announced at the top of this post on Friday the 15th. Have fun + good luck! xo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Filed Under: giveaway, shop feature

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Comments

  1. Mummylala says

    February 8, 2013 at 3:40 am

    Oooh me please :) if love a revamp, considering its dormant at the moment (you know…the thing called life- it gets in the way haha)

  2. Bri says

    February 8, 2013 at 4:09 am

    Oh, how exciting! My blog is sorely in need of a facelift.

  3. margaret g says

    February 8, 2013 at 4:18 am

    So cool!

  4. Marisa says

    February 8, 2013 at 4:53 am

    Oh! My blog is fairly new, so I’m using a regular WP template. I hope I can give a new face to my blog by the end of the year.

  5. Blaire says

    February 8, 2013 at 5:13 am

    I would love an opportunity to give my blog a more reader friendly face and have it reflect a bit of me!

  6. Kat says

    February 8, 2013 at 5:20 am

    Yay! This giveaway is wonderful! And Violet sounds pretty wonderful, herself! Thanks for the chance to win :)

  7. Mariah says

    February 8, 2013 at 6:15 am

    You do great work, heather!

  8. Jennifer Tagler says

    February 8, 2013 at 6:42 am

    Your new site is beautiful! I love the subtle gray with the bright pink “POP”!

  9. Shannon Y. says

    February 8, 2013 at 6:45 am

    Love her work! It’s beautiful.

  10. Jennifer Rae says

    February 8, 2013 at 6:50 am

    So pretty! Would love a blog redesign!

  11. Brooke says

    February 8, 2013 at 6:50 am

    Oh this would be great! Thanks so much!

  12. Amelia says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:03 am

    My blog would most definitely appreciate this. Thanks for the inspiration and giveaway! (:

  13. Amber says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:13 am

    Would love if she redesigned my blog! Wowzas!

  14. Lacy says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:14 am

    I would love a new look to my blog, it needs a little pick-me-up:)

  15. Lydia G. says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:14 am

    I would love to have a re-design! My little blog looks so handmade! :)

  16. caroline says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:23 am

    would love to win!

  17. Allice Carlo says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:33 am

    I would love to win this! I sooo need a blog makeover!

  18. Peggy says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:33 am

    OH i so desperately need a redesign…been looking at adding photos to my header but have no idea how. It is truly another language to me! Thank you for this opportunity!

  19. Mandy says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:43 am

    Hoping to win! Fingers crossed.

  20. Andrea Graf says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:28 am

    WOW!!! What a great web artist! I would love to win but either way I loved learning about Heather.

  21. Melissa @ A Time for Everything says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:28 am

    Oh, I would love this! I keep going back and forth about switching to WordPress, and this could be the nudge I need.

  22. Karri says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:33 am

    oh sweet! how exciting that would be to win this!!! as much as i enjoy my design, i am so ready for some change and i love heather’s style!

  23. katie says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:33 am

    would love to win! xo

  24. heather cloudt says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:34 am

    it would be so fun to start the spring with something fresh – ready to share, write, and create community!

  25. Kara says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:42 am

    A redesign would be AMAZING!

  26. Lauren Stennett says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:53 am

    I would love a fresh new design!

  27. Deborah says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:55 am

    Oh, so nice! Heather your designs are awesome, simple but beautiful.

  28. Mandy says

    February 8, 2013 at 8:56 am

    Oh, so exciting! Beautiful work!

  29. Laura says

    February 8, 2013 at 9:27 am

    I would love a new blog redesign I was just looking at new Studiopress Child themes yesterday I am feelin” the itch!! LOL!

  30. Kristen says

    February 8, 2013 at 9:38 am

    I would love some professional help tweaking. Your site update looks great!

  31. Jen Hatzung says

    February 8, 2013 at 9:59 am

    i so totally need this!! i love the new design and layout!

  32. kara @ launching our life together says

    February 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

    This would be totally awesome!! P.S. Love that purple office!

  33. Lori Leissner says

    February 8, 2013 at 11:05 am

    my website really needs a makeover. Having someone else do it would be such a luxury. Would love to win! And your office is beautiful!

  34. Beth says

    February 8, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Love your new blog design!! :) I’d love to win this!! :)

  35. Katy @ Lolly Linens says

    February 8, 2013 at 11:16 am

    Love this giveaway! So hope I win!

  36. Courtney says

    February 8, 2013 at 11:39 am

    Would LOVE to win!!!!

  37. lauren says

    February 8, 2013 at 11:54 am

    love your new look and her whole portfolio!! so talented!!

  38. Shawna says

    February 8, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    This would be awesome!! My blog could use some lovin’!

  39. Andrea Merrigan says

    February 8, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    Oh this would be marvelous to win…..I definitely need something new on my blog!

  40. Tonya S. says

    February 8, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    My blog is definitely in need of a facelift!!

  41. Maribel Reyes says

    February 8, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    I’ve been with the same design for over 2 years already, so I have been checking out designers and viva la violette has cute designs that would so work with my blog :D

  42. Lindee says

    February 8, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS!!!!

  43. Tara F. says

    February 8, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Great giveaway. Would love to win this.
    sweetpeonies07 at gmail

  44. mary says

    February 8, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    WOULD LOVE my blog to have an update!!!!

  45. Elizabeth Smillie says

    February 8, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    Ooo, that’d be amazing! <3

  46. *Alex* says

    February 8, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    My blog could desperately use a re-vamp! Great giveaway :)

  47. Kirsty@Bonjour says

    February 8, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    A redesign would be so good for the New Year. Thanks for the chance to win!

  48. Susan @ Afford Your Passions says

    February 8, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    I love Heather’s themes! Your blog makeover is gorgeous!

  49. Ann says

    February 8, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    Would LOVE to win this–would be such a blessing as I’m getting my blog up and going! Thanks for the chance to win!

  50. Jahje says

    February 8, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    I desperately need a mobile version of my site – fingers crossed!

  51. Necole Kell says

    February 8, 2013 at 5:46 pm

    I would love to have my blog updated.

  52. Amanda says

    February 8, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Totally need a blog make over!

  53. Megan Lane says

    February 9, 2013 at 8:21 am

    This would be awesome!

  54. Lara Sinangil says

    February 9, 2013 at 9:36 am

    I’m seriously considering starting my own blog and having a custom theme right off the bat would help out so much!

  55. Katie says

    February 9, 2013 at 10:59 am

    lovely work, ladies! thank you.

  56. Shelbey says

    February 9, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    I would love, love, love a blog makeover. I’ve been blogging for awhile, but feel that I need an edge so that I can really begin sharing with readers. I would love a custom design. I can’t justify the cost right now on our small income so winning a makeover would be amazing!

  57. Melissa Hemhauser says

    February 9, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    I live on a beautiful family farm, have a small etsy baby shop, love to be creative ,nature and just got my first horse at 53 and would somehow like to mix it all up in a fun blog…ummm horses,sewing,nature,beautiful granddaughter and life….ride the wind???

  58. bianca roman says

    February 9, 2013 at 6:52 pm

    YEOW I want Heather to redesign my blog! Or rather, I would like to ‘new’design my blog LOL. I’m just starting out and would love the great look and feel of a blog that makes you want to say ‘omg it’s so relaxing/pretty..i think i need to stay and read a while’ !!!

  59. Jen S. says

    February 9, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    I’ve been looking for a way to get out of my blog-rut, I feel like I don’t know what to do with it anymore.. I want to blog desperately, but I don’t know where to start!!

  60. Erin says

    February 9, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    This is perfect. My sister-in-law and I are looking to create a website for our small handmade business!!

  61. Mandy Jean says

    February 9, 2013 at 10:32 pm

    I could really use a blog spruce up :)

    Mandy Jean

  62. Alice says

    February 10, 2013 at 11:39 am

    Blog design update would be so great for me. (I’m on wordpress.com now, and I have the custom update, but they have so many rules when it comes to sponsors (you can’t have them?) and there are no plugins, no link with-ins, so it’s really frustrating. I have to do everything manually and there are still so many limitations. So when I move to my own host, I’ll need a new design. )

    Yours looks amazing, but I think I’ve said this before. :)

    xx

  63. kate says

    February 10, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    im trying to get my blog to take off a new makeover would be soooooo great!

  64. Krissa says

    February 10, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    I would love a new design!

  65. Jenna says

    February 10, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    I don’t think anyone would turn down a new blog design!!

  66. Rebekah Wallace says

    February 11, 2013 at 12:37 pm

    My hubby and I have been blogging together and we have decided that I am going to blog solo again. It would be great to have the space tailored to me again! :) thanks!

  67. Gudrun says

    February 11, 2013 at 2:43 pm

    I’ve been thinking about starting up a blog again & this would help soooo much!!!

  68. Samantha says

    February 12, 2013 at 10:34 am

    Great giveaway! My blog is graphically bare! Naked!

  69. kristen says

    February 12, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    AHHH so depserately need this… been wanting to have a beautiful design and would be honored and LOOOOVE this opportunity!

  70. Tiffany pate says

    February 12, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    Would love a redesign! Her stuff is amazing

  71. Sarh says

    February 12, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    I’ve been needing a personal touch for a while, nothing premade seems to ‘fit’!

  72. Cherish Alish says

    February 12, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    Wahoo thank you for the giveaway!

  73. Karis says

    February 13, 2013 at 6:21 am

    I so need a blog re-design!

  74. Lauren S. says

    February 13, 2013 at 9:25 am

    Oh how my little blog so desperately deserves and needs a professional redesign. I just don’t have it in me to try and re-design it myself once again.

  75. Carolyn K says

    February 13, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    I’ve always wanted a blog make-over! Thanks for the giveaway.

  76. Coop says

    February 13, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    A new design would be awesome :D

ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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