Winter Coat Ready

The coolest coats of the season are upon us. As much as I want to buy a coat, I have TOO many!  However, if you're looking to purchase some stylish outerwear - I've got you covered.  My personal pick is definitely the icon Trench coat in wool-cashmere by Jcrew  - and guess what?  It is on SALE right now for 30% off!  It comes in 4 different colors, but I'd choose the all black.  I also included a super cool leather fringe scarf by Mackage that I love! I've never seen anything like that in a winter accessories before. DEF a + 

1. jcrew trench 2. faux fur hooded coat via topshop 3. scarf w/leather fringe via mackage 

4. neat wool blend cape via topshop  5. faux fur animal print coat via topshop 6. black faux fur coat via zara

-post by jen ramos

 

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Decor is back

For those of you who've been around since my 1st blog post ever on November 20, 2006 - you know that I've always loved design & decor. Well, in the last year my blog has taken a turn toward Fashion, and because we all evolve, I've followed my heart & wrote about what was inspiring me now. Not that Design is 'not my passion' - but it's now shifted to 2nd on my list of "I love these things".

But - for those of you missing the decor around here, we have some FAB new contributors who will be bringing the home decor back to the blog! I really think you'll love what they're about to share soon! Bring it on!

above: photography Jody D'Arcy

above photography Derek Swalwell

above photography Armelle Habib

-all images via Home Life

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Advertise on MadeByGirl ?

Whether you run an ETSY or an online shop...OR if you just want to PROMOTE your blog, this is a great opportunity to get you seen!!  Try it out. My blog attracts LOTS of readers from all over the world! 

Take advantage of 'one of our lowest advertising rates ever'.  If interested, please email me here. 

Ad Rate: 3 months for only $150. (This special is a savings of $150)  

New & previous advertisers are welcome.

We also have rates for text links if you're interested. This special rate is for non-animated ads, if you'd like animated ad, that would be an additional fee. 

Email me for more info! This special rate offer will expire April 16th. so you must purchase the ad before then. However the ad can go up at any time. 

 

Why Advertise on Made by Girl blog ?

• Reach thousands of visitors per day
• Affordable ad rates compared to other blogs with similar amount of traffic.
• Your blog or business can be seen by magazine editors as well as design Industry professionals who frequent my blog.
• Made by Girl has been featured in many magazines & is always being updated! 
• Sometimes I'll select & write about a sponsor, not all are selected.
• I have incoming links on many blogs which bring in lots of traffic!   
• We will add your 120x120 button to the left of the blog for all to see!   

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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Blogging Tips...

I've been blogging since 2006. Throughout these years I've gotten so many emails asking questions like, how did I get started blogging & what does it take to get to this point & higher? 

However, the most common question I've been asked has been:

What tips can you offer about blogging?

None. Just kidding. Tips are always useful and anyone can benefit from them if done correctly. Below are some basic ones I'll share today...

• Create an appealing looking design for your blog 
• Make sure your blogging about a subject your passionate about
• Post at least 5x a week.
• Comment on other blogs as much as time permits.
• Be Patient when building your blog - give it time to grow
• Don't be discouraged if you have no/few comments within the first 6 months
• Make sure all photos posted are crisp & clear
• Take time to respond to comments/questions whenever possible
• Respond to emails as much as possible
• Be ready for more emails/questions the more your blog grows
• Be yourself
• Before you consider selling ad space, make sure you have a relatively large following on your blog.
• Photos are extremely important & they should be clear - not blurry. Flash photos are a no-no in my opinion! 
• If you're blogging as a business, then you must spend time on your blog & create worthwhile posts.
• Unique content is a big plus. People love seeing photos of your home & your DIY projects, so photograph it all if you can & post away.

A few books that I read that will definitely help you are 'Publish & Prosper', 'Blogging For Dummies' & 'Start Your Own Blogging Business'.

Hope these basic tips will help you get started on your blogging journey!

-image via valentina design

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Blogging At...

I'm now a contributing writer at The Nest Obsessed Blog!  It's a new gig for me..... so come check it out sometime! It'll only be once or twice a month since I don't have much time, but nonetheless.....it's something exciting & new! 

Very grateful!

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Blogging...(Via Made By Girl)

Every so often while reading other blogs I come across a post about real feelings & emotions. What a person is REALLY thinking. I love reading posts that I can relate to....a post where I leave thinking, "I know exactly what she means." 


This particular post by fellow blogger Tamara from Get it Girl Style is one I think you should read. If YOU blog, I'm SURE you'll know what she's talking about....in fact, it reminded me of when I first started blogging back in 2007 & how many of the BIG name bloggers didn't even give me the time of day. The UGLY competition, constant cliques & so on.  

Till this day, I can HONESTLY tell you that Holly Becker from Decor8 was one of the ONLY bloggers (in 2007) that was genuinely nice to me. For that, I thank her.

There were days I received UGLY comments & days that I felt my business was going nowhere! There were also a few BIG name BLOGGERS who weren't so nice, but that's another post. Anyhow, check out Tamara's post (which got me thinking about all this) here. 






-image via get it girl style

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My First Post...in 2006 (Via Made by Girl)

Today I was looking at my archives and came across my first post EVER from 2006. It's kind of cute & funny...I had zero comments. One month later I posted on my blog again. Back then I really wasn't serious about it, but I soon realized how important of a tool it was for me & my business. Get what I mean? 

I get a ton of emails all the time (some I answer & some I just never get to cause of lack of time) and I apologize to those people I didn't respond to. The one thing people always ask me is how do I get people to read my blog?!?!?

Here are just a few tips:

• Update your blog at least 5 days a week
• Comment on other blogs
• Give your business card (with blog url) to anyone you meet
• Form relationships and be friendly with other bloggers
• Try to attend events that relate to what you write about on your blog
• Post photos that are clear, bright, non-blurry & big enough to see!
• When you write, be yourself. Don't worry about what others are writing about, write what you feel and what inspires you.  
• Be Patient. It took me almost an entire year to actually gain followers and retain a steady amount of comments. 

I could go on & on but I have to get to work....enjoy!

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The GUY can BLOG!

I admit its quite refreshing to see guy bloggers out there, in the midst of all of us FEMALES. I came across Gary's blog "Spray Glue" (via Oh Joy! ) and just loved it! He's got his own style and straight out of South Africa no less, I love that! Check out his blog and tell him you saw him here! Now my question is, "is that him on the banner?" hmmmm!

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