Welcome to the new and improved Chatting at the Sky! I told you I was getting a new design, but what I didn’t tell you is that my address was changing. And I switched from Blogger to WordPress. What? This is why it has taken such a long time. We’ve actually been live for a few weeks now. But the kinks have been many so we wanted to keep it quiet. Congrats to those of you who found it anyway.
The layout may look simple but the formatting was not. Not that I would know. I would love to tell you I did this all myself. But if I were to tell you that, my fabulous blog designer might come after me with a hard drive and cast some html curse on me.
Her name is Kate Reece. That’s her on the right. She designed this by her whole self. As in, she wrote the code for it, people. That is why I love her and think she is quite possibly the smartest person I know. Not to mention the fact that she’s cute as can be. Smart and cute and intuitive. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted in a blog design, but I had a vague idea. She basically read my mind. And then translated it into computer language. Remember her name. She will most certainly be famous one day. You heard it here first is all I’m saying.
Currently, I am packing for BlissDom, washing 18 loads of laundry, laying out outfits for my three children to wear while I’m gone and launching the new site at the same time. In other words, I’m extremely relaxed. Oh, and I have no idea how to use WordPress.
The blog isn’t finished yet, as you will discover if you start poking around (which I heartily welcome). But I was anxious to go ahead and launch anyway because remember how I am patient and relaxed.
I know some of you might be thinking how much you miss the polka-dots. And the scrapbook layout. Change can be hard, I know. But for me, it is good. I hope you like it as much as I do.
And if you have to scroll way to the right to read this, my apologies. Readers who use Internet Explorer may have trouble with that because the bleebo isn’t compatible with the goblegooder. Kate is on it, but for now it’s off center. Part of the process, my friends. Love me through it.
Admin Edit: Internet Explorer should be viewing the page normally now. Please post any issues and note your brower and version in the post.
WHOOOO–RAYYYY!!!!!!!!! I am SOOOO excited for you!!!!!!!! I’ve enjoyed watching it transform into completion (well, almost) over the past few days. I know you are stoked to have something a little more calming. Great job Kate–hats off to ya for learning WP code—it’s a BEAST! I’ll miss the polka dots (for obvious reasons) but I love love love LOVE the new site. SUPER CUTE! See you Sunday!!!!!
so cool!
yipee…I know you’ve been so excited.
So, yes…it’s after midnight. Yes, I am making cookies. Yes, my house is a total wreck and I feel horrible leaving it this way, but I will. No, I am not packed, and don’t even have time to wrap my brain around what to pack, but yes, I am excited anyhow….or will be…once we leave.
Congrats on the new baby (this baby, I mean). No rumors started by me, that’s for sure.
The girl on the left is cute.
Thanks Jason
Ooooooh! It’s so minimalistically pretty—I LOVE IT! And I like that I have to kind of scroll right to read it. It makes me feel like I’m really using all the space my screen can offer, like a real designer would
!
Congratulations on your new place and I wish you all the best with it! I’ll miss the ‘blogspot’, but I’ll make sure I get you linked so I can still stay current on your feed.
Have fun on your trip!!!
I love it! My favorite part is the way the posts are separated. SO cute!!
I love the new digs! I feel like I should bring flowers or some sort of housewarming gift or something.
can’t wait to see what you get goin’ on over here
Ooooo….so simple and so pretty. Perfectly Emily. Kate did a fabulous job. I love it! This is exciting. I can’t wait to look around!
It’s wonderful! The looks is perfect. I love it.
The picture, however, is ginormous. By ginormous I mean that I can only see one of her eyes on the screen at a time. But you’re right, she’s adorable!
See you tomorrow! I’m so excited!
Kimba
Thought I should tell you…that is the only picture that is huge. The others are normal size.
K
Love the layout! If I told you that I adored Kate Reece would you think I was crazy? Then this is crazier….I thought Kate Reece when I was teaching in High Point, efore ever having the boys! I adored her then…she had such a sweet and gentle spirit! Tell her I said hi and give her my blog address please!
love it. have a great time this weekend and make sure you show off that adorable computer bag you’re sporting!
I LOVE it! It looks so pretty and calming and wonderful here! Makes me want to read more! See you in a few hours!
Kate did a superb job! I am highly impressed!
I love the new look, but I’m not sure I can be your friend anymore if you are on WordPress.
Looks beautiful to me. Hope you have a great time in Nashville.
Take lots of pictures – we want to see everything.
So fun to have this done, and it looks fab. Kate rocked it out. HA. That was for you.
Absolutely love the new design! I use wordpress for our church and love it. Just wanted to let you know that on Google Reader, the photo of the two beautiful ladies did not resize, and it is at FULL (read huge!) resolution. Have a wonderful day!
thanks so much lori for the heads up!
Wow – I have to admit, I did not see this template coming! So original! I love the swirls and soft color – it is very welcoming! Though, I will definitely have to keep UP with your posts so I get them at the top!
One thought on posting photos here – maybe you could host them on Flickr or SmugMug (which I use – it’s amazing!!!) and post a smaller version here so they don’t take a year to download
thanks kelly. I agree about the photos. are they huge on your browser? I like your smugMug. Maybe Ill check that out.
Oh yeah, and I have to thank you again for visiting (and recommending my blog! my traffic seriously increased after your post!)! Looking forward to reading “about you” when the place is finished!
LOVE IT! Kate did a beautiful job and what fun to see this brand new page. Have a blast at Blissdom and as someone else said, take loads of pictures to share!
PS I like posting to your site a lot better than before because I don’t have to enter all my email,password,dress size, boob size, etc. in order to post.
Beautiful! Elegant! Unexpected! Love it!!! Have a great weekend!!
Congratulations, Emily! I think the new site looks great!
Welcome to WordPress! I think you’ll love it. And congrats on getting everything moved over and the new look and everything. I know what a big job that is. I wish I’d had someone like Kate to help me when I moved mine! Your design is so fresh and unusual. She did a great job.
I’m packing up for BlissDom myself. Hope I have a chance to meet you there!
Honey! I love!!
ps- Kate Reece’s face is bigger than my screen…i do have internet explorer, fyi.
FABULOUS JOB KATE!!! YOU REALLY DO HAVE A GIFT GIRLFRIEND!
YES, TAKE TONS OF PICTURES AT BLISS, AND HAVE A GREAT TIME!
HUGS FROM MAINE TO ALL BLISSDOM GIRLFRIENDS
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/
I found you! I love your new header and the clean white look of your blog. What a transformation! And you will have to let us know how you like wordpress compared to blogger, and what led you to make the change? I have been thinking of doing it also.
Okay, I will go change my links in my sidebar right now before I forget!
I love it, honey! So classy. Just like you.
This computer has IE 6.0.29 and the picture is definitely way too big. It looked fine in Firefox this morning when I was at my house.
I love it!!!
I was FIRST! Wooohoooo! I love being FIRST!
LOVE.IT.
Amen.
Love it… especially the swirlies dividing each post. Love it- it was wortht he wait:-)
wow, so pretty. Love the makeover!!
The new layout looks great! I love it!
I really like the new layout! It’s simple in the best kind of way. =) Keep up the good work! =)
Love the new layout – it’s perfect!
Oh.My.Gosh! This whimsical-line-flowing layout of yours is the coolest thing I’ve seen in all of the blogosphere.
I am serious. I love it!
Tiff
p.s. And, did I tell you that I LOVE IT? ‘Cuz I do!
Oh my word! I LOVE your new layout. It’s so pretty, simple and original! I am starting a little fund, right now, to hire Kate Reece to do my blog makeover someday in the future. Love this!
I do miss the polka dots but the new blog is awesome too! Meet you tomorrow!
Wow! really, the coolest look I have seen…glad you had an artistic mind-reader type at your side.
i loooovvee the new layout. it is soo gorgeous and simple. she did a fabulous job. this is so you.
The new site looks great! From one wordpress gal to another – you are going to love it once you get the hang of it!
LOVE THE NEW LOOK!!!!
Just out of curiousity – why the switch to wordpress, what are the advantages over Blogger?
Just found your site and just when you made a big change. Love your site and love the new design as much as the old.
Your pictures are awesome. I am a photography fanatic too, so I look forward to seeing more of your pictures!
It is so whimsical and flowing…I love it! I love it! I love it! I feel like I am in a cloud..chatting at the sky..wink!
-sandy toe
I love the new site! It is so simple and relaxing! Hope to see you at breakfast.
I really really like the layout. I think I’ve decided I’m into the more simple LOs anyways. I have enjoyed the simple black or white backgrounds that the blogger has used. It’s just less for my mind to wrap around I suppose.
HOLY MOSES. Is this ever cool!!! So chic. I am IN LOVE.
Hope y’all have a blast this weekend. Please come back with lots of pics and stories.
Oooooooo…it’s so peaceful in here. I like it!! And look at you going dot com. I’ve been considering it.
I love the new look! Congrats! And have a great time at BlissDom!
I LOVE the new layout! I feel like I’m reading in a Parisian cafe. Or at least, what I imagine that would feel like
Have fun on your trip!
Love the new look. It’s so simple and clean, but still has a touch of whimsical. Congrats on the new blog.
It looks great – very unique, creative and fun!
Hi,
Have fun at the convention. I read you all the time…don’t comment too often…
I am a polka dot fan…but change is good !!
All the best,
Kathy
wow – very very very special – great work …. and I have just got the connection with you and the nester – seems obvious now !!
enjoy your Bliss time – le
I love it! Love, love, love. It’s so clean and simple and cool. Very cool.
It is really pretty and simple. I love it!
beautiful. peaceful. serene. Love it!
It’s gorgeous…funny, I smell “fresh linen” B&BW scent when I am looking at it!!!
Suzanne
Love your new design! Very cool. Very “you.”
I thought about all you bloggy girls all weekend while you were living it up at Blissdom…and having a big ol’ pity party for myself.
On a different note, I just opened up this month’s Real Simple and saw a vaguely familiar face of this darling girl in an apron. Turns out this month’s winner in the “your words” segment is your friend Kendra. Crazy! (I’m sure you already are aware of this.)
My worlds are indeed colliding.
And she’s from Greensboro. Again, weird. Since I used to live there, graduated high school there, and got married there.
Sorry, I just had to share all of that randomness.
Hi Emily! Can I just tell you how much fun I had. It was great meeting you and your sister. I know what its like to have a sister by your side too. WONDERFUL~ We are so blessed!
Yall made me smile all the way home. I keep thinking Mother Goose,hee hee. My trip was just as special as I had dreamed about. Maybe even better! Yall just made that long drive so worth it. Im looking forward to all of those great pictures that I know is in that wonderful camera of yours. Im also looking forward to next year. It will be nice to leave the nerves and jitters at home and just enjoy the friendships I have made. Thanks for being a part of my wonderful trip. Susie Harris~
EMILY!! I love the new look. So clean, so fresh, so inventive!!
Very nice my friend!! Enjoy the conference!!
LOVE IT. Love it. Can’t wait to watch the progress.
I so wish I could have spent more time getting to know you this weekend, Emily…I know I was a stalker and didn’t attend the conference, but I so enjoyed meeting you and your sister. Not to mention everyone else I was privileged to meet. I already plan on attending next year!
hey friend, wanted to pop in and say hi. our time together meant more than you know. i love your spirit and i can’t wait for us to stay in touch and talk more – we have a lot of life to share!
love you emily!
Absolutely fabulous. Love it!
Everything looks fabulous! She did a wonderful job!
I completely relate! We are doing remodeling of our own right now. LOL It takes so long but I can’t wait for the final product! Yes!!! Thanks for sharing your blog designer’s name. They do so much hard work…my fiancee does ours. I have no clue what to do…I just write.