I've won, now I could do with some input from you...

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

A few people here know that I was the extremely lucky, incredibly thrilled winner of Carrie's blog makeover giveaway.      
http://kidzarama.com/yackety/candid-carrie-and-shauna-the-great/

It's made me think long and hard about what I do and don't want in my blog.
Things like displaying trackbacks & comments separately, patterned or plain backgrounds, etc.

So I thought I'd ask everyone here to have a think about it, too.

What do you like or dislike most intensely in blog design?   

[Willow]

Jane, I like the 3-column design that you're using right now, with the 2 sidebars and the big content in the middle.  That soothes me as I have a symmetrical-requiring soul I guess.  I also like colors that reflect the author and the content.  The theme you're using right now does that -- bright and vibrant, which is the impression I get of you from your posts.  I have eyesight probs so a font color that is easily seen against the background color is essential for me.  I like the posts page versus a static page on the front unless it is very topic- or author-specific.  Does any of this help?

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

Thank you Willow, it does help. I was thinking of going for a scrapbooky, crafty look, with similar colours, but maybe not so bright.

I'm a pretty indecisive person, unless I just dive straight in and do something without thinking first. And I do that a bit too often already.

Waiting to see what Shauna makes of me & my blog is killing me!
I'm so impatient and I'm trying soooo hard not to breathe down her neck.
I know I'll have to trust her judgement on what will suit my personality.

re: "bright and vibrant" ~ Thank you for the compliment, it means a lot to me.
I guess in that case I should make sure the colour scheme remains bright and vibrant, then!

Cheers,
Jane

[Candid Carrie]

I like the scrapbook-ish style idea.  I've been to some sites that have black backgrounds with white type or pink type and they are so hard for me to read.  My eyes are very, very old and I like crisp, clear contrasts.  Maybe for you youngsters, contrast doesn't matter.  You little whippersnappers, I am envious. 

[Happy Momma]

I love the scrapbook-ish idea too.  And I don't like the black backgrounds either- they are really hard for me to read even though I'm still "young" (I feel pretty old at 30).  And I don't like a lot of busy stuff going on- I like a clean and simple look.  I actually really like what you have now- so I think that means you're an excellent judge of what looks good.

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

I can't read websites with black backgrounds either, so I guess that makes 3 old ladies here...

And thank you for the compliment on my taste, happy momma. I am a very tasty tasteful person.

[Jo Ann]

i don't like black backgrounds too!

jane, i also like what you have now.

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

I've just added a little update with an image I've chosen to use, if you feel like popping by for a stick~beak...

[berriesweetest]

when Shauna did my sites, I kinda just threw caution to the wind and let her go with what she thought would work based on my writing. Of the three she designed, I only asked for minor changes on the newest blog.
Jane, I'm sure you are going to love what she comes up with! She is really, really good.
and so nice to work with!

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

Shauna's been busy with weddings and birthdays and everything else under the sun until last night, so it's only now that she's been able to start.

She sent me a header image to look at, and it's looking soooo good.
I can't can't  can't can't wait to see what's next!

I liked the template I'm using now, but this is really going to be all about me!

[berriesweetest]

Just stopped by your blog to say hello.
you really do crack me up.

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

At last!

Someone who recognises my natural genius... 

[Candid Carrie]

I've just added a little update with an image I've chosen to use, if you feel like popping by for a stick~beak...

what the heck is a stick beak?

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

rotflmao.... You just made me spit all over my monitor, thanks!   

It was a typo, smarty.  I meant to say a sticky~beak!

Now I'll be sniggering all day and getting weird looks (more than usual, that is).

[Linda]

Don't feel bad Jane...Carrie makes us all spit from time to time ...hope your monitor cleans up ok...

I can't wait to see your design!