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Home Giveaways honesty Explanation (Sorry it's long)

Explanation (Sorry it's long)

There have been some major changes to this blog lately.
I'm sure you've noticed. 

I wanted two sidebars... I thought my blog would look a lot less cluttered. Awhile back, a friend generously paid for someone to design our blog.Well, we're college students, and we don't have the money to pay to have things changed. So a different friend helped me out, (thanks Lindsey) and we ended up having to change everything.

Now on to advertising.

When this blog was created, I thought family members and a few friends would be the only ones to read it, never thinking it would be read by many of you.
I'm grateful for all of you, every single person who reads this blog, leaves comments, writes e-mails, and has shown our little family any form of support. We honestly wouldn't be where we are without ALL of you.

After we came home from the hospital, people kept checking in, and I had sooo many people suggest that we advertise... I said no.

To be honest, I thought within a few months, things would go back to how it was before the accident. Well, it didn't. 
 This blog still surprises me. 
Every.Single.Day. 
I love this blog. It is so important to me. 
I love that it documented Preslee's short life, and continues to document Ledger's.
I am grateful I have a place to sort out my feelings, and not burden Pat with ALL my grief. 
And I love the people I've met through this blog. It has been an incredibly positive thing in my life.

I finally realized this might be our new "normal." 
So I created a new e-mail address, and am much more organized with writing back. I still feel guilty with all the letters I didn't respond to after the accident. I was barely functioning back then with school, being pregnant, and my grief. I became so overwhelmed Pat suggested I take a step back.
But I read every single letter. Thank you. Many of you have helped me more than you know.

Back to advertising,
I love giveaways, And if I can give a little back to all of you, I'll do it in a heartbeat.

I was suddenly contacted by many individuals after I did the first one, hoping to host their own giveaway. I became overwhelmed, and wasn't quite sure how to handle all of it. The last thing I wanted to happen was to have the blog be taken over... So how do you regulate it? I talked to everyone about it, asking their input.
I've actually been a little stressed over it.

So I finally came to a verdict.
Every once in awhile, I'll host a giveaway. But I've now set up my own method so it won't take over the blog.
In order to host one, you have to be a sponsor, and all the buttons will be placed on the sidebars, so it won't overrun my posts.

And the extra cash we earn from it will be put towards the little costs that arise to upkeep the blog. Photo storage, photo editing, (yes I'm lame and was still using picnik, which no longer exists. I have to buy something... Any suggestions? I don't have a lot to spend)

I just wanted to be honest and let you know what I've been thinking.
This has been a HUGE learning curve for me.
Thanks for being patient, I'm trying my best to figure it all out.
// Labels: Giveaways, honesty
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21 comments:

  1. Preston and KeriApril 24, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    I also used picnik and LOVED it! It's so easy to use. I ordered elements 9 but haven't yet received it. Then I found PicMonkey. I'm pretty sure it's made by the same people who did picnik cause it has everything they had! So, I'm not sure I'll even use elements once I get it since it's so hard to learn.

    Good luck! =)

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  2. CarissaApril 24, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    Picasa is a great free photo editing software. It's run by google, so it meshes really well with blogging.

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  3. UnknownApril 24, 2012 at 9:44 PM

    use picmonkey!! it's by the same engineers as picnick and it's wonderful! I LOVE it. c:

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  4. RachApril 24, 2012 at 10:26 PM

    Picmonkey and picasa are my favs like the ladies mentioned above. No need to buy anything....

    Good luck with your blog changes....I'm one of those who doesn't know you, but has been following your blog since Presley's accident.

    You just have a way of saying things, and I find your life and thoughts interesting. Good job being you! : )

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  5. Our Family of FourApril 24, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    www.ipiccy.com is really good too:)

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  6. AmyApril 25, 2012 at 5:47 AM

    Picasa is what I use to edit my pictures... it's free to download and very easy to use! I also take picture semiprofessionally, and it's what I use! It works!

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  7. Romberg FamilyApril 25, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    Picasa just updated and added a bunch of new stuff! Not as much stuff that picnik had.

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  8. Kajsa and FamApril 25, 2012 at 6:40 AM

    I like picasa too, I have only just started using it and don't know too much about it but it seems like it could be good if I would just take the time to figure it out. Good luck! Love the new look on the blog, thank you for letting us be a small part of your life I have truly been deeply touched.

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  9. AnonymousApril 25, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    Repeating the above : use Picmonkey, same people, and almost all Picnik features are in there. Pixlr/express provides for nice texts and effects too.
    I love reading your posts and following Little Ledger's progress. You express your thoughts beautifully too, and I am so glad it has helped you tame your grief. You will be reunited with Pretty Presleee, and hey, look forward to the merry party !!! In the meantime, enjoy your life with your family and friends - you are a wonderful person.

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  10. AnonymousApril 25, 2012 at 7:30 AM

    I also used Picnik, but now I use ipiccy.com. Check it out!

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  11. Laurin ClackumApril 25, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    Well, I can't tell you very much about any editing software other than photoshop or picasa! I loved picasa when I used it. I thought it worked well for simply editing family shots.

    However, I would love to tell you my latest life saving find! Dropbox (Dropbox.com) is seriously one of the best things for storing your photos. It's a great way to back things up and when you share the folders you create with family members they have access to every file in that folder! It's so great. Also, it's free! Not very much storage to start out with but when you invite other people to the folder you get more free storage!

    Hope that helps :) ALWAYS back up your photos...I learned the hard way...twice!

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  12. AnonymousApril 25, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    PIcMonkey is great... and free. It isnt AS good as Picnik, but it has a lot of the same features...

    On a side note, please don't feel guilty, or stressed about the give aways. I think the way you will do it is fine, but this blog, since I have been reading it, is to honor your daughter. (I started reading the day after she went home). I think the side bar, and advertisements are great, and it is a great way for you to earn a little extra money, but you don't want to take from the integrity of your coping, and the beautiful life of Preslee.

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  13. ChristineApril 25, 2012 at 9:10 AM

    You're doing a great job! Good luck!

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  14. cassideegirlApril 25, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Use pic monkey! i love your blog i read it pretty much everyday!

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  15. The Rustic RibbonApril 25, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    I discovered your blog recently and just love your positive outlook on life and family. Thank you for being so candid in sharing your triumph and grief! I think using your blog for advertising is a great idea. I understanding being college students, raising a family, and all that entails. People want to help and partner with you and that's awesome God bless you and your sweet family!

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  16. AshleyApril 25, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Thank you all for the recommendations! I hadn't heard of PicMonkey or ipiccy.com. :)

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  17. kylieApril 25, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    this sort of thing (blogging/advertising) is such a great way to make some money as a stay at home mom. go for it, ash! that is awesome so many people are interested, i'm happy for you guys. i've loved to see your blog grow through your tragic times, but all in love and support of such a difficult "learning curve." i hope all is well with you three in idaho.

    xo
    kylie

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  18. {krista}April 25, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    I use Picasa all the time, it is SO easy, links right to your blog, and they just added some fun new features!

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  19. KellyApril 25, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    Hey Ashley, I have been reading your blog for a while, but this is my first time commenting (sorry, I'm a shy commenter). First, I think you are an incredible gal! You are so positive and willing to help other people along your journey. That is awesome. Second, I think I might have to try PicMonkey after all these comments. I, like you, have never been great with the editing stuff. Third, please don't think I stalk you with coming on here all the time, I love your posts, and I LOVE your playlist. I listen to it while I clean. :-) Happy Blogging Ashley, you are doing a fabulous job!

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  20. LisaApril 25, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    You're so great. :) I haven't done a post in 2 weeks because Picnik is gone...hoping PicMonkey won't disappoint! And by the way I LOVE your playlist. It has saved me.

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  21. AnonymousApril 26, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    I loved picnick too, but I have ventured to lightroom and it is great!

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Hi, we're the Sullengers! Life turned upside down for us in 2010 when we lost our daughter in an accidental drowning. Since then, we've documented our highs (life with all five of our kids) and our lows (struggles with grief) but amongst everthing we've experienced, we know as long as we hold on to one another we can get through anything that comes our way. Read More. . .

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