Ever since Madeline Mele of The Shabby Vanity did my blog design at the end of August, I’ve wanted to feature her and her business here at Moana Saves. Working with Madeline on the blog design was great. She is efficient and professional, listening to me every step of the way yet also adding her expertise when I dawdled. I was almost sad to see the process end! Further, Madeline has been great about answering my design questions or making adjustments after the original work she did. Here are some recent designs she’s done. Hard to miss mine and the other blogs are fabulous, too!
I interviewed Madeline recently for the readers of Moana Saves:
How did you get into creating blogs? What do you like most about designing?
Since I am far away from most of my family and friends, I needed a way for them to keep up with my new little family. So I created a family blog with Blogger. I loved messing with the designs and reading tutorials on how to improve the look of my blog. Blog design uses a lot of coding such as html, javascript, and css. So I committed to learning those codes by reading articles, writing codes, and ultimately working towards html certification. Then I realized that I could help others with their blog too! What I like most about designing blogs is seeing the reactions of my clients when they see their new blog design for the first time. That initial reaction of “I have a cute blog now!” is great!
What design tip can you give to bloggers?
Make your blog how you want it to be! There are so many great tutorials out there that can teach you how to design your own blog. Having a great look on your blog not only increases traffic flow- but when your design looks professional, your content begins to improve too! Designing it yourself can be time consuming and require extra computer programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and other third-party resources. However, most of the time, basic things like adding a post divider, or uploading a background can be done pretty easily if you are following a good tutorial. When things get complicated because you want a design that no one else has, you don’t have the resources to follow a tutorial, or you just don’t have the time- that’s when you contact a blog designer to do it for you!
As a mom and a business owner, I know you’re busy and you work hard. When you get some time for yourself, how do you like to pamper yourself?
Just like everyone else that has multiple responsibilites, I feel like life is a juggling act. In order to make the most of my time for myself- I do what I enjoy. Whether that day it’s make a batch of cookies, take a bubble bath, or update our family blog- I just make the most of it!
Okay, so you know about my process of working with Madeline on Moana Saves and you know more about Madeline, the blog designer and mom. Check out her blog here where you can see her custom blog designs she’s done, grab a button or just hang out. Madeline is also offering one lucky Moana Saves reader a complete blog makeover! Check out the info below:
84 comments
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TheCraftyKitchen
October 29, 2010 at 3:03 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I would love to win this blog makeover! I need it badly
I'm a follower of Shabby Vanity and of your blog! 
TheCraftyKitchen
October 29, 2010 at 3:04 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I also follow The Shabby Vanity on Twitter!
TheCraftyKitchen
October 29, 2010 at 3:06 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I'm a fan of Shabby Vanity on Facebook!
TheCraftyKitchen
October 29, 2010 at 3:17 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I tweeted about your giveaway today (10/28)http://twitter.com/#!/axocutie143
Deb K
October 29, 2010 at 4:41 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I'm a follower of Shabby Vanity and of your blog! deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com
Deb K
October 29, 2010 at 4:43 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I now follow you on Twitter{Deb55106}deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com
Deb K
October 29, 2010 at 4:44 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Tweet!~http://twitter.com/Deb55106/status/29104568007deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com
Deb K
October 29, 2010 at 4:46 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I like you on FB{Deb S}deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com
twinmomoftwins
October 29, 2010 at 5:52 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>gfc followerortizvelasquez at yahoo dot com
TheCraftyKitchen
October 29, 2010 at 8:10 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Here is my tweet for 10/29:http://twitter.com/#!/AXOCutie143/status/29118996155
TheCraftyKitchen
October 29, 2010 at 8:12 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I also follow @MoanaSaves on Twitter! (@AXOCutie)
TheCraftyKitchen
October 30, 2010 at 9:05 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Here's my Tweet for 10/30:http://twitter.com/#!/AXOCutie143/status/29217427254Can you tell I really want to win this?
Jenndiggy
October 31, 2010 at 3:58 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow google friend connect. jenndiggyjenndiggy at gmail dot com
Jenndiggy
October 31, 2010 at 3:59 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow the Shabby Vanity on twitter. jenndiggyjenndiggy at gmail dot com
Jenndiggy
October 31, 2010 at 4:00 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow Mona Saves on Twitter.jenndiggy at gmail dot com
Angel Jacklyn
October 31, 2010 at 6:56 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>FOLLOWING BOTH "THE SHABBY VANITY" & "MOANA SAVES" ON GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT AS "kytah00" kytah00@yahoo.com
Angel Jacklyn
October 31, 2010 at 6:57 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>FOLLOWING SHABBY VANITY ON TWITTER USER NAME "kytah00" kytah00@yahoo.com
Angel Jacklyn
October 31, 2010 at 6:57 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>FOLLOWING MOANA SAVES ON TWITTER USER NAME "kytah00" kytah00@yahoo.com
Angel Jacklyn
October 31, 2010 at 6:58 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>TWEET http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/29254940008 kytah00@yahoo.com
Angel Jacklyn
October 31, 2010 at 6:59 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>LIKED SHABBY VANITY ON FACEBOOK VIA ANGEL JACKLYN facebook.com/kytah00 kytah00@yahoo.com
janene
November 1, 2010 at 1:44 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I am following Shabby Vanity on twitter!
janene
November 1, 2010 at 1:46 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Oops, I guess my first comment did not post. I am a follower of both blogs!
janenepearce(at)gmail(dot)com
janene
November 1, 2010 at 1:52 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I am following Moana Saves on twitter.
janene
November 1, 2010 at 1:54 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I tweeted.
janene
November 1, 2010 at 1:55 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I'm following the Shabby Vanity on facebook.
janene
November 1, 2010 at 2:06 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I have a Shabby Vanity button on my blog!
geneveve2
November 1, 2010 at 3:14 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Congratulations, Laura You are now following Moana Saves Oh WoW! How I need to win this. I have just been working on creating a blog for a week now. I'm lost, frustrated, but not so much that I'm giving up. But I sure could use some help. Thanks for the chance!geneveve2@gmail.com
geneveve2
November 1, 2010 at 3:39 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow The Shabby Vaniety on Twitter @geneveve2 (also on GFC) but that should go in my first entryThank you for theis super opportunity! Oh, I will be crossing my toes to win this!geneveve2@gmail.com
✿Heαther S✿
November 1, 2010 at 3:40 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow both of the blogs!mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
geneveve2
November 1, 2010 at 3:41 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow you on twitterTwiiter @geneveve2geneveve2@gmail.com
✿Heαther S✿
November 1, 2010 at 3:41 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow The Shabby Vanity on twitter as hell_0kittymommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
✿Heαther S✿
November 1, 2010 at 3:42 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow Moana Saves on twitter as hell_0kittymommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
geneveve2
November 1, 2010 at 3:43 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I tweeted this giveaway (I kind of don't want the word to get out…kidding)Twitter @geneveve2http://twitter.com/#!/geneveve2/status/29339934552geneveve2@gmail.com
geneveve2
November 1, 2010 at 3:45 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Laurie Harrison really likes the The Shabby Vanity on Facebookgeneveve2@gmail.com
✿Heαther S✿
November 1, 2010 at 3:47 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/hell_0kitty/status/29339985767mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
geneveve2
November 1, 2010 at 3:50 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>http://geneveve2.blogspot.com/p/click-here-for-great-blogs.htmlMy Blog is now sporting The Shabby Vanity button
TheCraftyKitchen
November 1, 2010 at 2:33 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>My tweet for 11/1:http://twitter.com/#!/AXOCutie143/status/29377345858
TheCraftyKitchen
November 1, 2010 at 2:35 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I'm rocking a Shabby Vanity button on my blog!http://kristinscraftykitchen.blogspot.com
The Tight-Fisted Penny
November 1, 2010 at 9:54 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>What a great giveaway. I'm a follower of both.thetightfistedpenny gmail com
The Tight-Fisted Penny
November 1, 2010 at 10:04 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>and a FB liker/friend
✿Heαther S✿
November 2, 2010 at 4:18 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/hell_0kitty/status/29439344490mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
Rachel R.
November 2, 2010 at 1:17 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>http://twitter.com/MsGatorRN/status/29468517645rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
gretablau
November 2, 2010 at 1:27 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Following you both on GFC
Marah
November 2, 2010 at 4:52 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>follow you both via GFC.smmumma at gmail dot com
Marah
November 2, 2010 at 4:53 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>follow the shabby vanity on twittersmmumma at gmail dot com
Marah
November 2, 2010 at 4:55 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>follow you on twittersmmumma at gmail dot com
Marah
November 2, 2010 at 4:56 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweetedhttp://twitter.com/#!/mmumma/status/29487474509smmumma at gmail dot com
Marah
November 2, 2010 at 4:58 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>like shabby vanity on fb
Marah
November 2, 2010 at 5:07 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>shabby vanity button is on my bloghttp://diaryofadevildogwife.blogspot.comleft side, under "lovely ladies"smmumma at gmail dot com
TheCraftyKitchen
November 3, 2010 at 3:17 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>My tweet for 11/2:http://twitter.com/#!/AXOCutie143/status/29535790855
Marah
November 3, 2010 at 4:45 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/#!/mmumma/status/29587714887
✿Heαther S✿
November 3, 2010 at 6:35 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/hell_0kitty/status/29595489331mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
Jill
November 4, 2010 at 2:40 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/janenepearce/status/29632665708
Marah
November 4, 2010 at 7:11 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/#!/mmumma/status/29693204158
✿Heαther S✿
November 4, 2010 at 8:38 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/hell_0kitty/status/29699122342mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
Rachel R.
November 4, 2010 at 8:44 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>http://twitter.com/MsGatorRN/status/29699571052rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
Marah
November 5, 2010 at 1:54 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/#!/mmumma/statuses/546151501668352
TheCraftyKitchen
November 5, 2010 at 3:23 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Here is my tweet for 11/5:http://twitter.com/#!/AXOCutie143/status/568741586800640
Rachel R.
November 5, 2010 at 10:44 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>http://twitter.com/MsGatorRN/status/679629274742784rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
Marah
November 6, 2010 at 3:20 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>TWEEThttp://twitter.com/#!/mmumma/status/929249934446592
Ashley T
November 6, 2010 at 3:26 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I became a follower of both of you. I need a blog makeover so bad!clarinet0921(at)live(dot)com
Ashley T
November 6, 2010 at 3:27 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Following you on twitter.@ashleythinks2
Ashley T
November 6, 2010 at 3:28 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I tweeted!http://twitter.com/#!/AshleyThinks2/status/932434975653889
✿Heαther S✿
November 6, 2010 at 5:12 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>daily tweethttp://twitter.com/hell_0kitty/status/956331171250176mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
kkfoster35
November 6, 2010 at 7:34 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>following you both via GFCkkfoster35 at msn dot com
kkfoster35
November 6, 2010 at 7:35 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Following The Shabby Vanity on Twitter.@allthingsAVONkkfoster35 at msn dot com
kkfoster35
November 6, 2010 at 7:36 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>following you on twitter@allthingsAVONkkfoster35 at msn dot com
kkfoster35
November 6, 2010 at 7:37 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweeted giveawayhttp://twitter.com/#!/allthingsAVON/status/994984597659648kkfoster35 at msn dot com
kkfoster35
November 6, 2010 at 7:37 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Following The Shabby Vanity on FacebookKaren Hargis Fosterkkfoster35 at msn dot com
Rachel R.
November 7, 2010 at 2:48 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>http://twitter.com/MsGatorRN/status/1284522964422656rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
✿Heαther S✿
November 7, 2010 at 8:52 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/hell_0kitty/status/1375496965193728mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
Marah
November 7, 2010 at 9:14 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweetedhttp://twitter.com/mmumma/statuses/1380480670760961
Marah
November 8, 2010 at 1:11 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>TWEEThttp://twitter.com/mmumma/statuses/1622437665972224
Ashley T
November 8, 2010 at 5:42 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>daily tweethttp://twitter.com/#!/AshleyThinks2/status/1690661115920384
✿Heαther S✿
November 8, 2010 at 8:13 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/hell_0kitty/status/1728603247083520mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
Rachel R.
November 8, 2010 at 8:54 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>http://twitter.com/MsGatorRN/status/1739200248414208rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
KelseyA
November 8, 2010 at 9:09 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I am a GFC Follower of both blogs!kelseylouiseapley at gmail dot com
Susan
November 9, 2010 at 12:50 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow both blogs on gfc. I need a blog makeover! suelee1998 @ gmail.com
Ashley T
November 9, 2010 at 1:47 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>daily tweet!http://twitter.com/#!/AshleyThinks2/status/1993834414211072
✿Heαther S✿
November 9, 2010 at 4:51 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>tweethttp://twitter.com/hell_0kitty/status/2040115383771136mommys3lilbirds at gmail dot com
Rachel R.
November 9, 2010 at 6:23 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>http://twitter.com/MsGatorRN/status/2062862264573952rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
Jinxy and Me
November 10, 2010 at 3:55 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I'm following your blog in Google Friend Connect. I would love a blog makeover!nesta 67 {at} live dot com
giggling kids
November 10, 2010 at 4:00 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>I follow The Shabby Vanity and Moana Saves with Google Friend Connect! I would love to win this because I am in real need of a makeover of my blog!heatherstamper09@aol.com
Heather
November 10, 2010 at 4:17 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
>Exciting! I'm just getting started, so this would rock!I follow via gfc as /Heather/