A New Look + Things I Love

by Melanie

I’m so excited to see my blog lookin’ all sexy and fresh! So fresh and so clean. I haven’t been thrilled about any of the blog designs I’ve had – but if you read my quote about fashion, you would know I can be quite utilitarian. But it was time for a change!

Your website is often the first impression someone has of you. I knew the previous designs didn’t reflect my personality, at all. I want to make sure people feel welcome here, enjoy being here, and understand a little about who I am.

But money, I thought!

I’m trying to pay off debt!

Then, thanks to Debt Busting Chick, I realized that you can buy pre-made themes on Etsy for $20. Say what? After getting lost in the abyss that is Etsy, I found my designer.

Not just a designer. A chef, even. The Master Chef at Graphic Cookies. Mr. Tautvydas Gaudesius is a pretty rad dude (with a pretty rad name). I was going to get a pre-made theme for $20, until I realized a custom design was only $100. I was flabbergasted by the price. How could I say no?

He was so wonderful to work with and so accommodating. I was a real pain in the a$$. I didn’t know what I wanted, hadn’t really thought about color and was extremely picky. He was patient, generous, accommodating, creative and so fun to work with! He has a great eye for things, too.

My new design cost me $100 and took 3 weeks. I couldn’t be happier! He even installed it for me, so I didn’t have to lift a finger to make it happen.

If you’re looking for a new design, I highly recommend him.

Here’s some other things I love and highly recommend:

Carrie from Careful Cents. I think she’s a rockstar babe. Full disclosure, I do work with her and help her out with some editing and writing. But she has been more than a boss to me. She has been an incredible mentor and friend to me and I can’t even express my gratitude. I wouldn’t have pursued this crazy adventure without her support and guidance. I’m so excited that she is offering 30-minute sessions to pick her brain — so you can get started on pursuing all your wildest dreams, too. That’s how it started for me, so be ready. 🙂

I really dug this post by Lauren at The Write Budget. I used to waste so much time doing client work, but using a timer has really set me straight.

Also, Kassandra’s post on how she is saving 50% of her income! You go girl! I can’t wait to follow in your foot steps.

Tell me. Do you judge people by how much money they make?

Lastly, if you enjoy my content, would you consider nominating me for a Plutus award? I’d love to be considered for Best Debt Blog or Best New Blog (i.e. blogs created in 2013 or 2014). You can use this simple link that is already filled out to nominate me (and others!). You do NOT need to be a blogger to vote.

Thanks for reading! I don’t generally do roundup posts anymore, now that I retired Sunday Worship, but I do still want to spread the love. By the way, there are no affiliate links in here, just sharing content I think you’ll find useful. But if you do use any of these resources, let them know I sent you?

What things are you loving lately? How is the start of your week?

Melanie
Latest posts by Melanie (see all)

40 comments

Shannon @ Financially Blonde August 12, 2014 - 4:59 am

I love the new look Melanie and didn’t even think about finding themes on Etsy. Etsy is like Pinterest to me, I am scared to go into them, because I may never come out. 🙂

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 4:12 pm

It’s an abyss, I tell you! I can’t do Pinterest, either haha!

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Kirsten August 12, 2014 - 5:15 am

I am SO in the market for a new design!!! I can’t believe the luck in you posting about your design this morning!!! I can’t use any more exclamation points, but I’m totally giddy with excitement.

Love the new look – it’s up my alley!

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 4:11 pm

I just wish I did this earlier! Get it, girl.

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Brandy @ Busted Budget August 12, 2014 - 5:22 am

Your site looks amaze balls! And only $100 for a custom design?! I’m going to have to check this guy out!

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 4:09 pm

YES!!!!

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Kassandra August 12, 2014 - 5:42 am

Melanie, I love this site design and I may just look up the person who you hired. I am still debating on which direction to go for my site makeover but I need to get it done before month end. Thanks also for mentioning my guest post over at Frugal Portland!

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 4:08 pm

You’re welcome! I think you are doing great!

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Addison @ Cashville Skyline August 12, 2014 - 6:52 am

Loving the new look for your blog, Melanie! I’ve been thinking about giving Cashville Skyline a facelift and $100 for a custom theme is more than reasonable. This my first week of unemployment – yay! It feels great to be free and moving in a more productive direction.

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 4:03 pm

Yeah, the price can’t be beat. Congrats on your transition! I’m sure you will do great.

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Tonya@Budget and the Beach August 12, 2014 - 7:05 am

Looks great Melanie! It’s always nice to have a change too!

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 4:01 pm

Feels so good and refreshing!

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Mrs. Frugalwoods August 12, 2014 - 7:42 am

I am really digging your new design! Love the color & subtlety of the stripes.

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 4:00 pm

Awesome!

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Kali @ Common Sense Millennial August 12, 2014 - 8:05 am

Lovin’ the new look! I’ve been contemplating making some changes to both my sites recently, but I’m trying to take my time to understand exactly what I want before changing it up 🙂

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 4:00 pm

That is key! I really wish I would have done more research about what I wanted, what colors I liked, etc. beforehand.

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Morgaine August 12, 2014 - 9:31 am

Love the new look! 🙂

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 3:59 pm

Yay! Glad you like it, too.

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Lauren August 12, 2014 - 10:10 am

The new design looks great! I keep toying with the idea of refreshing my blog, too. I’m hopeless when it comes to design and all that jazz, so it’s an overwhelming thought. Thanks so much for sharing my post! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 3:58 pm

I couldn’t do it on my own, that’s for sure!

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Barbara Dunlap August 12, 2014 - 11:31 am

Great new design…and tons of helpful info, as always!

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 3:57 pm

Thanks, Barbara! That means a lot, glad I can help.

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Cat@BudgetBlonde August 12, 2014 - 3:22 pm

Look at how beautiful and sparkly your blog is!!! Love!

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Melanie August 12, 2014 - 3:55 pm

Eeek! So excited. Glad you enjoy 🙂

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Taylor August 12, 2014 - 4:36 pm

LOVE THIS!!!! And glad that it was a seamless transition 🙂

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Melanie August 19, 2014 - 8:48 am

Me too! Woo hoo!

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Melissa August 12, 2014 - 7:13 pm

The blog looks stellar!! Your designer did a great job 🙂

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Melanie August 19, 2014 - 8:48 am

Thanks! I think so as well.

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Michelle August 12, 2014 - 7:42 pm

I love the new look and thanks for the info!!

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Melanie August 19, 2014 - 8:49 am

You’re welcome, dear!

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Kayla @ Shoeaholicnomore August 13, 2014 - 7:00 am

WOW! I’m so excited to find out about how you got your new look for so little $$. I’ve been saving some of my side-hustle income with the intent to get a new look for my site (I don’t really like mine, I just chose it because it was free and not too horrible). I am looking into Graphic Cookies now!

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Melanie August 19, 2014 - 8:49 am

He is awesome!

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E.M. August 13, 2014 - 7:47 pm

Your blog looks great! I’ve been meaning to do a redesign as well, I’m just not sure which direction I want to go in. Glad it worked out so well for you!

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Melanie August 19, 2014 - 8:51 am

Thanks! Yeah, I wish I knew what I wanted before I contacted him. Haha, I was a pain. But it worked out well.

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debt debs August 18, 2014 - 6:32 am

Congrats on your new blog look Mel! Simple but snazzy!

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Melanie August 19, 2014 - 8:46 am

I’m in love with it!:) A great $100 investment.

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Debby August 18, 2014 - 7:03 pm

Love the new look! So light and breezy and fancy!!
I sometimes catch myself judging people on how much money they make – typically, I’d get a little jealous, then I start to feel pity for myself… and then I stop, because you never know what battles the other person fought to get where they are. Nor what I usually want their jobs, so there’s that 🙂

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Melanie August 19, 2014 - 8:46 am

Thanks, I love it too! I get jealous easily, but now I try to be inspired instead of pity myself. It’s hard, but works out so much better!

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canadianbudgetbinder August 19, 2014 - 5:31 am

Lovely new look Melanie and you can’t complain at all for $100 wow! You are right first impressions are important in the long run.

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Melanie August 19, 2014 - 8:38 am

Killer deal, right?! Love it!

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