If you visit my site to read posts instead of using an RSS feed, I’m sure you’ve noticed the brand new look. Some of you may have visited during the transformation today, and things may have looked a little wacky. Everything should be looking pretty good now.
I’ve worked hard the last several days to get this new design up and running, and I hope you like it. As you can see, it’s quite different than it used to be. Out with the old, and in with the new!
If you do read via an RSS feed, you might see a few “new” posts pop up in the next few days that aren’t really intended to be actual posts. Instead, they serve as content for my links on the navigation bar under the header. Take a look up there if you’re interested. So far, I only have four links there, but I will be adding more within the next day or so, including a cool new recipe index that I hope you’ll find useful.
Since I’ve worked so hard on all of this, feedback is certainly appreciated! I’m still reworking a few things, so if you have any constructive criticism, please send that along.
Enjoy the new Heather Drive!
Related to my soon-to-be-unveiled redesign of Heather Drive…
I’m trying to put together a short list of “hot topics” on the blog. Maybe they’re frequently asked questions, maybe they’re favorite past posts. These should be things that probably deserve more than just a “label” in the long list of labels on the sidebar.
I swear I’m not trying to toot my own horn here. I’m simply trying to make the blog easier to navigate.
Any ideas? Thoughts? Opinions?
P.S. The redesign has been consuming me, but I have a couple new recipes (one dinner, one dessert) to post. They’re coming soon, I promise!
It’s time for a little (or maybe a big?) makeover here at Heather Drive.
Maybe it’s all of that sunshine we’ve had the last few days, but it’s finally beginning to feel like spring around here. Even with the chilly temps. So, I’ve got the itch to do some spring cleaning, and for me, that includes the blog. I need something fresh!
But first, let’s take a gander at the past “looks,” eh? (They’re all going to look kind of funky since I have to shrink them so much. But you get the idea.)
Awww, the original Heather Drive header. This was before I even really knew the direction in which I would take this blog. I was struggling with my new identity as a “non-bride” blogger.
Once I started posting a lot of food, I decided to integrate that into the header as well. So we ended up with this (which is also the current header):
Then there were a couple of “special theme” headers along the way. Each one made an appearance for a limited time only.
First, there was Christmas (I loved this one, and can’t wait to put it–or something similar–back up next year!):
Then there was the inauguration celebration:
So, hmmm. Time for something new. I just have to figure out what that “something” is, and get the creative flow going.
And here I am, setting expectations for something potentially big. Bad idea. It’s possible that I’ll come back and all I’ll have is a redesigned header (I’m kind of attached to my color scheme and layout). BUT we’ll see how it goes. Anything’s possible.
I’m just sayin’.
P.S. If there is anything you’re lovin’ or hatin’ about the layout/sidebar features on the blog, now would be a good time to speak up about it. Or if you have suggestions for improvement, those are welcome, too.
P.P.S. Look what I was doing a year ago today! I mailed out my wedding invitations! Weird. Seems like ages ago, but seems like yesterday. All at the same time.
Or, rather, let’s talk lunch.
I am in need of new lunch ideas. Things that are simple, don’t require a lot of prep in the mornings (and let’s face it, not a lot of prep at night, either), are pretty light in calories, but also satisfying. I hate putting together my lunches, so the less time it takes, the better. When I eat big lunches, I’m not usually very hungry for dinner, so I try to avoid doing that, too.
(Here is my super cute lunch tote by Built NY. Help me fill it up!)
Things I already bring: Lean Cuisines (but we only buy them on sale, which is not often), Lean Pockets, sandwiches, soups, and sometimes leftovers. These things are always paired up with baby carrots, an apple, and a diet soda.
I generally like to throw everything into my lunch bag and go. No fuss. But I’m also really bored with my choices.
So, please, give me suggestions. What do you bring for lunch? Any ideas for me?
Edited to add: Salads are OK, but I get bored with them very quickly. And as far as appliances… at work, I only have access to a microwave. Oh, and a toaster oven–but only for the next two weeks (moving offices again).
Happy Easter!
To celebrate the holiday, we attended noon Mass at the church down the street from us, then headed to my mom’s for a family dinner. It was nice and sunny here today, but cold (only around 40 degrees). We grilled vegetables and chicken, and paired them with rice pilaf and multigrain dinner rolls. Yum.
Family portrait out on my mom’s deck.
I snapped a lot of photos of the dogs because, let’s face it, they are so damn cute.
Remember Miller? He’s a lot bigger now! Little buddy is growing so fast.
Look at how perfectly he was sitting there for his portrait. So cute.
Showing off his tricks while the guys grill outside. This one is “give me your paw.” :)
“High five.”
After chasing each other on the deck for a while, Tessa was tired of it (and probably cold, too) and wanted to hang out inside. The two of them kept tabs on each other though; even when on the opposite sides of the glass door!
Tess did make her way back outside a few times. She loves the sunshine!
Miller likes the sun, too. This was his position while we were eating dinner.
The dogs helped “rinse” the dishes in preparation for the dishwasher.
All in all, we had a really nice Easter. Now I’m sitting here wondering how it’s possible for three-day weekends to go by so quickly. How is it that they seem to go by even faster than regular weekends? Not cool.*sigh* Guess I should start counting down until Memorial Day weekend now?
About
I'm Heather. I'm 33 and have been married to Michael for seven years. Together, we have two beautiful little girls we love more than anything, and a miniature dachshund who drives us crazy. I'm a full-time working mom who has very little time for my own "stuff" these days, like home improvement, cooking/baking, cake decorating, and photography. Despite the team not making the playoffs since 1999, I'm STILL a Buffalo Bills fan, which I think speaks to my loyalty AND sense of humor. I can't wait to pick up the pace with travel again some day... you know, when we're done being ruled by tiny fists. Welcome to my blog.
